When you move, updating your registered address with the government helps ensure timely delivery of important documents like interview appointments, work permits, etc. This way, your appointments, interviews, and hearings will take place at the units closest to your address. In this article, we will explain how you can legally change your address on your own.
Change of Address Through USCIS
If your court case hasn't started (you don't have an NTA, entered on a visa, etc.), you need to change your address through USCIS.
You can update your address online or by mail.
If You're Changing Address Online:
Log in to your USCIS account that you created for your work permit or asylum application, or create a new account at https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-in.
If accessing via phone, tap on the "Menu" option in the top right corner, then select "Account Actions" and "Change your address." If on a computer, click on "My Account" at the top, then select "Change your address."
To start filling out the address change form, click on the "Change my address" button at the bottom of the page.
Enter your previous and current address information, and click the "Submit" button to send the form.
A few days later, log in to your account to check if your address change has been processed. You can do this by clicking the "View my submissions" button at the bottom of the address change section.
If You're Changing Address by Mail:
Download the AR-11 form from the https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11 website.
Fill out and sign the form in English with black ink.
Send the completed form to the address provided on page 2. Remember to keep proof of sending and double-check the address you're sending it to. Note that your mail may not be delivered if you select the recipient signature option because USCIS does not have authorized personnel to sign for mail.
Change of Address Through the Court
If your court case has started (you have an NTA, and you can see your case information when checking your A-number at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/), you need to change your address through the court.
You can update your address online or by mail.
If You're Changing Address Online:
Submit separate address change requests for yourself and your family members who applied for asylum with you at https://respondentaccess.eoir.justice.gov/en/forms/eoir33ic/. All responses must be in English.
For the "Base City" question, enter the city of the immigration court you were assigned to before moving, not your new location.
After entering all information, click the "CLICK TO REVIEW" button to review your input. If everything is correct, write your name in the "Signature" section.
After submitting, you need to print two copies of your form. Keep one as proof of your address change request and give the other to your attorney.
If You're Changing Address by Mail:
Download the appropriate form for your immigration court from https://www.justice.gov/eoir/form-eoir-33-eoir-immigration-court-listing. You can check your assigned immigration court by entering your A-number at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/.
Fill out the form as follows:
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- Write your last name, first name, and (if applicable) middle name.
- Enter your A-number.
- For the "My FORMER address and phone number were:" section, you may leave the "In care of other person" fields blank.
- Enter your old address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address.
- For the "My CURRENT address and phone number were:" section, you may leave the "In care of other person" fields blank.
- Enter your new address, city, state, ZIP code, phone number, and email address.
- Sign your name in the "SIGN HERE" section with an X, and write the date you signed in the "Date" field.
- In the "Proof of Service" section, enter your name after "I," today's date in the next blank, and your attorney's address after "Office of the Principal Legal Advisor for DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement-ICE at:."
- Sign your name in the "SIGN HERE" section with an X.
On the second page, write your new address in the "PUT YOUR ADDRESS HERE" section and attach a stamp in the stamp space.
You must fill out a separate form for each member of your family.
Keep a copy of the form as proof of sending.
What Should I Do If My Address Changes After Filing for Asylum Through USCIS?
You can check which asylum office is closer to your new address at https://egov.uscis.gov/office-locator/#/asy.
If you applied for asylum more than 180 days ago but haven't received an interview notice, follow the steps for changing your address through USCIS as explained above.
If you applied less than 180 days ago, you may want to wait until the 180-day mark because changing your address will freeze your asylum clock, affecting the wait time for your work permit application. If your asylum clock is frozen, you can contact your new asylum office to restart it.
If you've received an interview notice, you can inform the asylum officer of your new address during your interview. Due to the long wait times for appointments, we recommend not postponing if your turn has come.
What Should I Do If I Move to Another State After Filing for Asylum Through the Court?
In this case, you'll need to change not only your address but also your court. Court changes are not mandatory every time you move, but if there is an immigration court closer to your new location and your previous court is far away, you'll need to change the court. If you're still close to your previous immigration court or can still attend hearings there, you may choose not to change courts.
However, you must change your address every time you move.
Since April 2023, court changes no longer stop your asylum clock. Therefore, your work permit application timeline will not be affected if you change courts.
How Can I Change My Address Through the Court If My Asylum Case Has Not Yet Started?
As mentioned above, you can change your address through the court, but there is no guarantee that your new address will be updated in the system. Notifications may still be sent to your old address. Therefore, you should frequently check whether your case has been opened by entering your A-number at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/.
Even if your case hasn't been opened, you can still apply for asylum through USCIS.
Can I Travel Within the U.S. While My Asylum Case Is Pending?
There is no issue with traveling within the U.S. with your ID or passport and documents showing that you've applied for asylum. If you have an appointment with ICE or ISAP, you must notify them before traveling out of state.
Can I Travel Outside the U.S. While My Asylum Case Is Pending?
It's not recommended. Especially if you return to your home country, your asylum may be denied.
If you have an emergency, you can apply for "Advance Parole" through USCIS or the immigration court, but obtaining this status is quite difficult. You may need to consult with your asylum attorney to assess the situation.
Can I Travel Outside the U.S. If I Win Asylum?
Yes, but the documents you need to carry will vary depending on your asylum status. However, even if you have permanent residency, traveling outside the U.S. can negatively affect your residency status and citizenship application.
For more information and guidance tailored to your specific situation, you can contact Sari Law. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate your immigration process with the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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