USCIS Address Change Versus USPS Forwarding

Moving can require several address updates. Each organization keeps its own record, so completing one form does not update the others.

The Two Systems Do Different Jobs#

USPS tells movers to contact government agencies and companies directly. Forwarding gives you time to catch mail sent to the old address. It does not replace updates with the senders.

Who Should Check The USCIS Rule#

Federal regulations require many noncitizens who must register under immigration law to report each address change within 10 days. The rule does not cover every person or status in the same way. For example, federal law exempts people in A or G nonimmigrant status from the registration provisions while they remain entitled to that status.

Start with the USCIS Change of Address page. Check it if any of these statements applies:

• You are not a U.S. citizen and moved to a different physical address.
• You have a pending USCIS application, petition, or request.
• You recently received a USCIS decision but still expect a notice, card, or document.
• You filed for another person or agreed to support someone through an immigration filing.
• You use a protected or confidential address process.

Some people must use a different address-change method because of the type of filing or protection involved. Follow the instructions for that form or case. Do not place a protected address into a general online tool until you confirm the correct process.

What You Need Before You Start#

Use the address where you live when a form asks for your physical address. Add your apartment or unit number. If you receive mail somewhere else, enter a separate mailing address only where the form allows it.

Step 1: Update USCIS When Required#

USCIS directs most people to its online change-of-address process. The page also provides Form AR-11 and instructions for cases that cannot use the standard online path.

1. Open USCIS: How to Change Your Address. Avoid search advertisements and paid form-preparation sites.
2. Read the exceptions and special filing instructions before entering personal information.
3. Sign in to your USCIS online account or use the current method USCIS provides for your case.
4. Add each pending receipt number requested by the tool. An address change that covers one receipt may not update every other pending matter.
5. Review the old address, new address, move date, names, and receipt numbers.
6. Submit the change and save the confirmation.

If You Have A Pending USCIS Matter#

List every receipt number before you start. Check the confirmation to see which matters the address change covered. If USCIS instructions require another step for a filing, complete that step too.

Changing the address after USCIS mailed a notice may not redirect or replace that notice. Check your case status and account, keep access to the old mailbox when lawful and practical, and contact USCIS through its official channels if an expected notice is missing.

Step 2: Set Up USPS Mail Forwarding#

Use the official USPS change-of-address service when you want eligible mail routed from the old address.

Online#

1. Choose an individual, family, or business move. The family option applies only when everyone moving has the same last name.
2. Choose a permanent move or a temporary move. USPS currently allows temporary forwarding for 15 days through 1 year.
3. Enter the old address, new address, and requested start date.
4. Complete identity verification. USPS currently charges $1.25 for an online request, and the credit-card billing address must match the old or new address.
5. Save the confirmation code so you can modify or cancel the request.

At A Post Office#

Ask for the free Mover's Guide and PS Form 3575. Bring acceptable photo identification and any documents USPS requires. An in-person request does not carry the online identity-verification fee.

USPS says standard forwarding lasts 12 months. Some mail follows different rules:

• First-Class Mail, periodicals, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage generally forward without a forwarding charge.
• Media Mail can forward with postage due for transportation to the new address.
• USPS Marketing Mail does not forward.
• Senders may place endorsements on mail that change how USPS handles it.

Forwarding can begin piece by piece rather than all at once. Update important senders directly instead of waiting for a forwarded letter to reveal a missed account.

Step 3: Update Every Other System Separately#

Make one list and check each account after submission. Common updates include:

• School, university, or exchange program.
• Employer, payroll, benefits, retirement plan, and work authorization records.
• State driver's license, state ID, vehicle registration, and voter registration if eligible.
• Social Security, tax agencies, and benefit programs when their rules apply.
• Bank, credit card, lender, investment, and money-transfer accounts.
• Health, auto, renters, life, and other insurance.
• Landlord, property manager, electricity, gas, water, trash, internet, and phone.
• Doctor, pharmacy, dentist, school district, childcare provider, and veterinarian.
• Trusted contacts and any company that mails bills, cards, tax forms, or packages.

State deadlines and methods differ. Use USA.gov's state motor vehicle directory to reach your state's official agency, then check address rules for the license or ID and vehicle registration separately.

International Students And Exchange Visitors#

F-1 and M-1 students must report a change of address to their designated school official within 10 days in the manner their school prescribes. The DSO then updates SEVIS. Contact the international student office even if you can update an address in a student portal; the portal may not update SEVIS.

J-1 exchange visitors report an address change to their program's responsible officer within 10 days in the manner the sponsor prescribes. The responsible officer updates SEVIS for a SEVIS program. J-2 family members should ask the sponsor how their records are handled.

Students and exchange visitors may also have separate employer, payroll, housing, driver's license, vehicle, bank, insurance, and utility records. A DSO or sponsor update does not change those systems.

Common Mistakes#

Decision Rules#

If you do not know which immigration reporting path applies, contact your DSO, program sponsor, accredited representative, immigration attorney, or USCIS through an official channel before guessing.

Costs And Timing#

Fees and procedures can change. Confirm the amount on the official page before paying.

What To Do Next#

Check the old mailbox only with the property owner's or manager's permission. Do not rely on a former roommate or new tenant to protect government notices or financial mail.

Related Guides#

• Proof of Address
• How To Build Proof of Address Quickly
• Driver License and State ID Basics
• How to Get a Social Security Number
• Understanding Lease Agreements
• Utilities Explained
• How to Protect Your Personal Information
• Common Scams Targeting Newcomers

Sources#

This guide uses official or primary sources for rules and government steps. Local rules may still vary. (Last checked: September 13, 2026)

• USCIS: How to Change Your Address
• USCIS: Form I-865, Sponsor's Notice of Change of Address
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 8 CFR 213a.3, Change of address
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: 8 CFR 265.1
• U.S. House of Representatives: 8 U.S.C. 1303, Registration of special groups
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: F-1 student address reporting, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(17)
• Electronic Code of Federal Regulations: J-1 exchange visitor address reporting, 8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(viii)
• USPS: Standard Forward Mail and Change of Address
• USPS FAQ: Change of Address, The Basics
• USA.gov: State motor vehicle services