UPDATE to USCIS Address Change Fail

[Eli 0]

Hey Gang,

I started this thread about two weeks ago in a panic over my biometrics appointment and I wanted to post this update so anyone in a similar situation has the assurance of my experience. I went to Infopass and the officer there had me fill out an AR-11, the USCIS form to change your address. I wasn't familiar with this form, but this is key for those of us who have to move while dealing with the USCIS!

From the USCIS Website:

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you have moved, you need to follow two different steps:

Step 1: File a Form AR-11 (This changes your address in our master database.);

Step 2: If you have a pending case, you must also file a Change of Address online or call our National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283. (This changes your address for the specific application you have submitted.)

Calling or going online to change your address is not enough, you also MUST fill out the AR-11 (there's no filing fee). Here's the link to the current (as of 07-30-09) form: Form AR-11

The USCIS webpage for online change of address says that it completes both of the above steps. It says on the online case status website that if you move while case is pending, call customer service and doesn't mention AR-11 or Change Address Online. BOGUS. Do phone/online and AR-11 to help insure that they don't keep mailing to the old address like they did for me. Heck, change it online, and by phone, AND by AR-11 if you have the time.

Now that that's cleared up, Infopass also told me to go to get my Biometrics taken any time and take the appointment notice for the wrong office along (Biometrics are taken at it's own office here in Sacramento, I'm not sure how common that is but the Spokane, WA field office did it all in the same place). I got there at 2pm and there were only two people ahead of me, I was in and out super quick.

The next day I got a new biometrics appointment letter in the mail for Sacramento. Being as my Biometrics are already done, I sure hope to goodness that everything is sorted out! My final question is - does the case status online reflect that biometrics is taken? My status still says "case received and pending" and they sent me a notice which I should follow. I'm still a little paranoid that they'll somehow say that I missed my appointment.

Thanks all for your reassurance! Good luck and happy processing!

Eli

[Eli 0]

Never mind my last question - venusfire503 just asked the same thing, and this just reminded me that you can see updates that aren't status changes - looks like mine was touched yesterday! All is good!

Eli