Change of address (overseas)

[gooder 0]

I tried changing my address via the whole online process, but Japanese zip codes cannot fit in the area that requires a zip code. My previous address is in Japan and so is my current.

So, I called up USCIS and asked about how to do this. I was told that since I have a foreign address I will have wait to speak to a "specialist". The wait was 126 minutes. I called back again to see if there was another way to do this, because waiting that long is insane to begin with, nonetheless on a long distance called. I even asked about the AR-11, but I was told something of the sort that because my case is still pending (i-130) that this is the only way.

I will try back, right when those suckers open up, but I wonder, anyone ever experience this problem or find another way to do this?

Much appreciated!

[NikLR 13,227]

Yes lots of people have problems changing addresses when they live overseas. Many of the USCIS call reps won't do it unless it's a US address which leads to more problems!

[gooder 0]

Yes lots of people have problems changing addresses when they live overseas. Many of the USCIS call reps won't do it unless it's a US address which leads to more problems!

I sometimes feel that America really doesn't want any more foreigners in the country with the way things are set up. I will try to call as soon as the USCIS opens tomorrow, and try to reach someone to help. I called the American embassy in Japan just to try to see if anything could be done and as expected as long as the case is pending at the Chicago Lock Box I am SOL with any other way other than waiting for eternity on a long distance call. I'll post again with the result of these shenanigans after I am done calling.

[Ozz777 23]

I sometimes feel that America really doesn't want any more foreigners in the country with the way things are set up. I will try to call as soon as the USCIS opens tomorrow, and try to reach someone to help. I called the American embassy in Japan just to try to see if anything could be done and as expected as long as the case is pending at the Chicago Lock Box I am SOL with any other way other than waiting for eternity on a long distance call. I'll post again with the result of these shenanigans after I am done calling.

Well, considering America gives out 1.2 million green cards annually, I think we're doing our part for global migration. It's like 5 times what the second place country does, if I'm not mistaken.

[gooder 0]

Well, considering America gives out 1.2 million green cards annually, I think we're doing our part for global migration. It's like 5 times what the second place country does, if I'm not mistaken.

Cool.

[NikLR 13,227]

I think your best option, beyond changing addresses, if they give you fuss, is to sign up an account on the USCIS and make sure you receive email alerts to changes. I did this with our petition. It was really helpful but you can't do it until you can see the case online (sometimes it takes a while.) Remember the petition only goes to the lockbox to have the check cashed. After that you'll receive NOA1 which you should also get via email if you did the G1145. At that point it will go to the National Benefits Center in either KS or Missouri and have an MSC receipt number. Because you're overseas, NBC will likely adjudicate your petition themselves since you won't have a local office. Do not change your address to the USA because it will negate the "auto-expedite" that petitioners abroad enjoy! The NVC normally does everything through email.

[gooder 0]

I think your best option, beyond changing addresses, if they give you fuss, is to sign up an account on the USCIS and make sure you receive email alerts to changes. I did this with our petition. It was really helpful but you can't do it until you can see the case online (sometimes it takes a while.) Remember the petition only goes to the lockbox to have the check cashed. After that you'll receive NOA1 which you should also get via email if you did the G1145. At that point it will go to the National Benefits Center in either KS or Missouri and have an MSC receipt number. Because you're overseas, NBC will likely adjudicate your petition themselves since you won't have a local office. Do not change your address to the USA because it will negate the "auto-expedite" that petitioners abroad enjoy! The NVC normally does everything through email.

Thanks great advice. Yeah, everything went through already and have been waiting with the NOA1. My case is pending and I got my receipt number and all, but have yet to sign up for that service you speak of. I will do that now, though. I am glad that you schooled me on the whole where things are processed after lock box and such. Thanks much for the advice and all the information, again.

[NikLR 13,227]

Hopefully you'll have a very quick turn around on your petition because you're overseas

[gooder 0]

Hopefully you'll have a very quick turn around on your petition because you're overseas

Thanks much and sorry for the delay as I went on a short trip. I basically wasted 30 smackers on useless overseas calls, but I did get some kind of useful information that I can put in a "service request" with the address I have in America and in the "comment field" give my Japanese address. I got that information from someone who only had the power to change my address if I was currently living in America so I am not sure of how effective it is, but I may try it. Anyway, thanks again NLR!

[lucybelle 453]

Thanks much and sorry for the delay as I went on a short trip. I basically wasted 30 smackers on useless overseas calls, but I did get some kind of useful information that I can put in a "service request" with the address I have in America and in the "comment field" give my Japanese address. I got that information from someone who only had the power to change my address if I was currently living in America so I am not sure of how effective it is, but I may try it. Anyway, thanks again NLR!

I listed my foreign address on my I130, but they took the address off the envelope! (my mom's USA address) Anyways, after being told many times that they "Cannot use a foreign address" I contacted the ombudsman. In two month's time, they contacted me to let me know that my address was successfully changed to my foreign one. I called USCIS to confirm.

Unfortunately, though, I was not processed faster. All the filed-from-abroads from March and April are already in NVC, and I'm still waiting.

Edited August 2, 2013 by lucybelle