This article is general information, not legal advice. After a move, the real question is not whether you set up mail forwarding. It is which immigration agency still thinks you live at the old address.
Outcome and prerequisites
Before you update anything, identify whether your matter is with:
- USCIS only;
- an immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA);
- a case already transferred to the Department of State’s National Visa Center.
Gather your A-Number, receipt numbers, old address, new address, and any court or BIA case number before you start.
Short answer
USCIS says most noncitizens must report a change of address within 10 days of moving. USCIS also says updating your address with USPS does not update USCIS, and USPS will not forward USCIS mail.
If you are in immigration court or before the BIA, EOIR separately requires you to update your contact information within five working days. A USCIS update does not satisfy the court requirement.
Step-by-step process
1. Map every agency touching your case
Many people assume there is one immigration file and one address. In practice, USCIS, EOIR, the BIA, and the State Department may each control different parts of the process. Treat them as separate systems unless the official instructions say otherwise.
2. Update USCIS through the online account when possible
USCIS says the online Enterprise Change of Address tool satisfies the legal notification requirement and usually updates faster than mailing Form AR-11. If you cannot use the online tool, you may still file paper Form AR-11.
3. Add every pending receipt number
USCIS specifically warns that, when you use the online tool, you should enter the receipt number for each pending benefit request. That is how the new address gets tied to the actual cases that still need to mail you notices or cards.
4. Update EOIR separately if court or BIA proceedings exist
EOIR says you must file the correct EOIR-33 form for the immigration court or the BIA within five working days. If more than one family member has a pending court case, each person needs a separate filing.
5. Save proof and keep watching notices
Address updates reduce risk, but they do not cancel notices that were already generated. Save screenshots, delivery proof, and confirmation emails, then keep checking your USCIS account and court mail.
Costs, timing, and required documents
Costs
The address update itself does not require a separate USCIS filing fee.
Timing
- USCIS: within 10 days of moving.
- EOIR or BIA: within five working days of the change.
Information you usually need
- A-Number and USCIS receipt numbers;
- old and new addresses;
- court or BIA case number, if applicable;
- copies of your confirmations for your records.
Failure cases and alternatives
USPS forwarding is not enough
USCIS explicitly says USPS does not change your address with USCIS and will not forward USCIS correspondence. Treat USPS as a separate step, not a substitute.
One update may miss other systems
A USCIS address change does not automatically update an immigration court, the BIA, or a State Department consular workflow.
Court notices create the biggest avoidable risk
EOIR uses the address on file for hearing notices. If you fail to file EOIR-33 and miss a hearing, the court can move forward without you.
Some cases have already moved to the State Department
USCIS notes that if your approval notice says the petition was forwarded to the National Visa Center, you should use Department of State contact instructions instead of assuming USCIS still controls future mailing.
Checklist
- List every agency handling your case.
- Update USCIS as soon as you move.
- Add every pending USCIS receipt number.
- Update USPS separately.
- File the correct EOIR-33 form if court or BIA proceedings are pending.
- Save confirmation proof and keep checking notices.
Sources and update date
Primary sources reviewed 2026-07-09: USCIS address-change guidance, Form AR-11 guidance, USCIS Policy Manual Chapter 10, and EOIR contact-update instructions.