Changing address while having conditional card

[designermedusa 0]

I know there have been and always will be many address change question threads, but I've got a question.

My husband has his conditional card, and we moved from Florida to NY and back to Florida. We sent the AR-11 and the I-865 for both moves, but when he tries to call the customer service line they tell him he does not need to inform them of our new address since he already has his greencard. Is this right? I know the AR-11 and I-865 does not update the main USCIS system, and don't they need the current address for when we apply to remove conditions?

Thanks for any help.

[MaryandMian 1]

Special Instructions :While it is not required, USCIS recommends that aliens filing a Change of Address keep a copy of the form for their records and obtain a receipt showing the date and address to which the form was mailed.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

This comes from the AR-11 instructions sheet. I think it is wise to always update a change of address so no problems can arise in the future.

Also on the Affidavit of support

Sponsor's Notice of Change of Address

Purpose of Form :To report a sponsor's new address and/or residence, as required by 8 U.S.C. 1183a(d)

Good luck!

Mary

[designermedusa 0]

Thanks for the reply, we did save a copy of the forms and got certified receipts cards.

[zyggy 9]

I am assuming that you do not have an I-751 in process...

You have complied with the law.. you need to do nothing further...

[diadromous mermaid 36]

I am assuming that you do not have an I-751 in process...

You have complied with the law.. you need to do nothing further...

zyggy,

We don't know if the alien is subject to "special registration" (8 CFR 264.1(f)) for one, and so for that reason alone, I'm not sure that the OP has complied with the law. Further, per USCIS and the INA, if you are not a US citizen, the law still requires that you report any change of address change within 10 days of the change. This is to be augmented by a phone call to customer service if there are any pending petitions, so that customer service agents can make the change on pending petitions.

[designermedusa 0]

My husband is not subject to special registration. We have the conditional card, and do not apply to remove conditions until December 2007. So we have no pending applications.

He spoke to three different people at USCIS customer service, and they said he did not need to call to change the address since he has no pending applications. It just seems weird to me that they would not just change our address to show the correct address.

I feel confidant that we have done everything we can, the AR-11 and I-865, and we tried to call with them telling us there is no need.

[Jo1973 0]

When we moved we sent off both forms. We received a NOA for the "sponsors address change - I-865" (I am still a CPR)

It is my belief that you have to inform USCIS every time you move if you are a GC holder or unitl you naturalize etc.

[MaryandMian 1]

When we moved we sent off both forms. We received a NOA for the "sponsors address change - I-865" (I am still a CPR)

It is my belief that you have to inform USCIS every time you move if you are a GC holder or unitl you naturalize etc.

I agree with you on this statement until you naturalize you are responsible for telling them where to locate you.

designermedusa you have done the proper paperwork and just keep your records for when you file the I-751. My understanding and we are CR1 as well that you must file the AR-11 and the I-865 if you move and you must continue to update the agency until you are naturalized.

Mary

[diadromous mermaid 36]

My husband is not subject to special registration. We have the conditional card, and do not apply to remove conditions until December 2007. So we have no pending applications.

He spoke to three different people at USCIS customer service, and they said he did not need to call to change the address since he has no pending applications. It just seems weird to me that they would not just change our address to show the correct address.

I feel confidant that we have done everything we can, the AR-11 and I-865, and we tried to call with them telling us there is no need.

Yes, I concur. What I was attempting to bring to zyggy's attention is that, as far as my information is concerned, there are two distinct steps involved in an alien's notification of Change of Address. One, or the first, is to inform USCIS in writing by way of the AR-11, submitted to London Kentucky, within 10 days, in the event that the alien moves prior to naturalisation occuring. The other, or second, is to notify USCIS customer service call centre, by way of a telephone call, should this move occur while there are any immigrant petitions pending. This makes sure that the pending petition is updated in terms of the new address. So, in summary, two steps are required if there is an extant petition pending, and only one if no petitions are pending.

[WifeOHunkyJohn 2]

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD

How Do I Report a Change of Address to the USCIS?

Background

All non-U.S. citizens (aliens) who are required to be registered are also required to keep the USCIS informed of their current address. This is particularly important when you have filed an application or petition for a benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act and expect notification of a decision on that application. In addition, the USCIS may need to contact you to provide other issued documents or return original copies of evidence you submitted. It is also mandatory for any alien who has been designated as a “special registrant” under 8 CFR § 264.1(f)(as amended by 67 Federal Register 52585 (August 12, 2002) to inform the USCIS whenever he or she has a change of address, employment or school. The special registrant rule is effective as of September 11, 2002. For information about special registrant go to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

In the past, our predecessor, the INS, required every alien in the United States to report his or her address annually, in January. This requirement was eliminated in 1980 and annual reporting is no longer required. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen, the law still requires that you report any change of address change within 10 days of the change.

Where Can I Find The Law?

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a law that governs immigration in the United States. For the part of the law concerning reporting of your address and for the penalties if you do not comply, please see INA § 265 and 266. The specific requirements for reporting your change of address are federal regulations found in 8 CFR Part 265 and at 67 Federal Register 52584, 52592 (to be codified at 8 CFR § 264.1(f)(6)(concerning designated special registrants)).

Who Must Comply?

All aliens in the United States who are required to be registered under the law (INA § 262 and 261) must keep the USCIS informed of their changes of address. The only aliens exempt from this requirement are diplomats (visa status A), official government representatives to an international organization (visa status G), and certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for fewer than 30 days (INA § 263).

How Do I Report?

All aliens changing their address must file Form AR-11 with the USCIS address listed on the form. That address is:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

USCIS

Change of Address

P.O. Box 7134

London, KY 40742-7134

For commercial overnight or fast freight services, only:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

USCIS

Change of Address

1084-I South Laurel Road

London, KY 40744

USCIS has created an additional procedure and recommends additional notifications for those aliens who are also applicants for benefits. Applicants and Petitioners with pending cases should telephone customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to report their change of address and get the address on the pending application/petition changed. If you are not a U.S. Citizen you will also be required to complete a Form AR-11. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you have a case pending with USCIS you need to do both - call customer service and complete the Form AR-11. The AR-11 is used by non-U.S. citizens to meet the legal requirements of informing USCIS of any change of address. Presently, completing an AR-11 does not update your address on any pending case. Also, while calling customer service updates the address on your pending case, it does not meet the legal requirement of completing an AR-11. Please see Change of Address (found under Contacting Us) on your local office About Us page.

You may choose the method of mailing your Form AR-11. Using certified, registered or receipt mail is not currently a USCIS requirement. However, it is advisable to send the AR-11 with a Return Receipt or some other method (see "Adding Extra Services") that will give you documentation that you did indeed mail the form to the USCIS, in case there should ever be a question.

What Should I Include?

For the Form AR-11: Complete the information requested on the form, including present address, last address (most recent only), alien or registration number, country of citizenship, date of birth, and your signature.

You do not need to include temporary addresses as long as you maintain your present address as your permanent residence and continue to receive mail there.

When sending us a change of address, you do not need to include numerous last addresses; only the most recent last address is needed.

Be sure to also indicate in the appropriate block on the AR-11 your current employment and school, where applicable.

Additional Information

The address reporting requirement should not be confused with renewal or replacement of lawful permanent resident cards (Form I-551) or replacement of other evidence of alien registration, such as the Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record; I-186, Nonresident Mexican Border Crossing Card; I-688, Temporary Resident Card; or, I-766, Employment Authorization Document.

Penalties for Failure to Comply

A willful failure to give written notice to the USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of the change is a misdemeanor crime. If convicted, the alien (or parent or legal guardian of an alien under age 14 who is required to give notice) can be fined up to $200 or imprisoned up to 30 days, or both. The alien may also be subject to removal from the United States. (INA § 266(B)). Compliance with the requirement to notify the USCIS of any address changes is also a condition of an alien’s stay in the United States. Failure to comply could also jeopardize the alien’s ability to obtain a future visa or other immigration benefit.

[Yodrak 7]

designermedusa,

Your husband will be putting your then current address on his application to remove conditions. So unless you move again after he submits that application, the application itself will tell the case officer what they need to know.

The USCIS does not need to track your husband around the country for an application that has not yet been submitted.

Yodrak

...

My husband has his conditional card, and we moved from Florida to NY and back to Florida. We sent the AR-11 and the I-865 for both moves, but when he tries to call the customer service line they tell him he does not need to inform them of our new address since he already has his greencard. Is this right? I know the AR-11 and I-865 does not update the main USCIS system, and don't they need the current address for when we apply to remove conditions?

Thanks for any help.

Edited December 6, 2006 by Yodrak

[designermedusa 0]

Thanks to everyone for the replies.