You can change your USCIS address online through your USCIS account, by mail, or in person at a USCIS office — online is fastest if you have an account set up already

USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) needs your correct mailing address so they can reach you about your case. If you have a USCIS online account, you can update your address yourself in minutes without calling or visiting an office. If you do not have an account or prefer not to use one, you can also change your address by mail or in person.

The method you use depends on what immigration case you have and whether you already have login credentials. Some cases — like pending green card applications, work permits, or travel documents — can be updated online. Others require a paper form or a visit to a local office.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your USCIS account at uscis.gov, go to your case details, and update your mailing address directly — this takes about five minutes and is the fastest method.
  • You need a USCIS online account to use the website method; if you do not have one, you can create it with your A-number (alien number) and date of birth.
  • If you cannot or do not want to use an online account, you can mail Form I-865 (for some cases) or a signed letter with your case number and new address to the USCIS office handling your case.
  • Address changes by mail take two to four weeks to process; online changes usually show in your account within one business day.
  • If you have an active case, update your address as soon as you move — missing USCIS mail can delay your case or result in a missed appointment.

How to update your address through your USCIS online account

Go to uscis.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. Enter your username and password. If you do not have an account, click "Create Account" and follow the prompts — you will need your A-number (the eight-digit number on your green card, work permit, or USCIS notice) and your date of birth.

Once you are logged in, look for "My Cases" or "Case Status" on your dashboard. Click on the case you need to update. On the case details page, you should see an option to "Update Address" or "Edit Address" — the exact wording varies by case type. Click that button, enter your new mailing address, and save. You will see a confirmation message on screen. USCIS will send you a confirmation letter to your new address within one to two weeks.

This method works for most active cases: pending green card applications, work permit (EAD) renewals, travel document (Advance Parole) requests, and naturalization cases. Some older cases or cases filed before USCIS launched online accounts may not appear in the system, in which case you will need to use the mail or in-person method instead.

Updating your address by mail

If you do not have a USCIS online account or your case does not appear in the system, you can send a written request to the USCIS office handling your case. Write a letter on plain paper that includes: your full name, your A-number, your case number (if you have one), your old address, your new address, and the date. Sign and date the letter.

Mail the letter to the USCIS office that has your case. You can find the correct address on your most recent USCIS notice or by calling USCIS at 1-800-375-5283. Include a copy of your green card, work permit, or most recent USCIS notice so they can verify your identity. Send it by regular mail or certified mail — certified mail gives you proof of delivery, which is useful if your case is time-sensitive.

Processing time for mail-in address changes is typically two to four weeks. During that time, USCIS may still send mail to your old address, so ask whoever lives there to forward any USCIS mail to you immediately, or file a mail forwarding order with the U.S. Postal Service.

Changing your address in person at a USCIS office

You can also walk into a USCIS field office and update your address in person. Bring your green card, work permit, or most recent USCIS notice, plus a photo ID. Tell the receptionist you need to update your mailing address. They will give you a form to fill out or update your information in their system on the spot.

This method is useful if you need the change recorded immediately and you live near a USCIS office. However, wait times at field offices can be long, and you may need to make an appointment first. Check uscis.gov/field-offices to find the office nearest you and see whether appointments are required.

What to do if you moved before updating your address

If USCIS has already mailed something to your old address and you have moved, contact the people living there and ask them to forward any USCIS mail to you. You can also file a mail forwarding order with the U.S. Postal Service at usps.com — this will redirect mail for 12 months.

At the same time, update your address with USCIS using one of the methods above. If you are expecting an important notice (like an interview appointment or decision letter), call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and tell them your address has changed. They may be able to resend the notice to your new address or confirm whether it has already been mailed.

If you missed an appointment because the notice went to your old address, contact the USCIS office handling your case immediately. Explain that you moved and did not receive the notice. Many offices will reschedule you if you contact them quickly, but waiting too long can result in your case being closed or denied.

Address changes for different types of immigration cases

Green card holders, work permit holders, and people with pending applications can all update their address online or by mail. However, some cases have special rules. If you are in removal proceedings (deportation case), you must notify the immigration court and your attorney or representative, not just USCIS — the court has its own address requirements. If you are applying for citizenship, update your address with USCIS and notify the court if you have a naturalization interview scheduled.

If you are a refugee or asylee, you can update your address with USCIS the same way as other cases. If you are on a visa (like H-1B, L-1, or F-1 student visa), your employer, school, or visa sponsor may also need to know about your address change — check with them separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take USCIS to process an address change?

Online changes usually appear in your account within one business day. Mail-in changes take two to four weeks. In-person changes are recorded immediately, but you may wait several hours at the office.

Do I need to notify USCIS if I move temporarily?

If you are moving temporarily (less than a few months), you do not have to update your address. However, if you are moving permanently or will be away for more than a few months, update your address so USCIS can reach you. You can always update it again when you move back.

What if I do not have my A-number?

Your A-number is on your green card, work permit, or any USCIS notice you have received. If you cannot find it, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and provide your name and date of birth — they can look it up for you. You will need it to create an online account or to include in a mail-in request.

Can I update my address if my case is closed or denied?

If your case is closed or you received a final decision, you do not need to update your address with USCIS unless you are filing a new case or appealing. However, if you are appealing a decision, update your address right away so the appeals office can reach you.

What if USCIS keeps sending mail to my old address after I updated it?

This can happen if the change has not fully processed yet. Wait one to two weeks after updating online, or three to four weeks after mailing a request. If mail is still going to your old address after that, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and ask them to verify your address in their system. You can also file a complaint if the delay affects your case.