All immigrants should take special care to inform the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of any change of address within ten days. Failure to do so could result in a fine, imprisonment, or even removal from the United States! It only takes a few moments to report an address change, so why risk removal by not reporting your change of address to the INS?
Why Should You Report a Change of Address?
Before 9/11, the INS did not use its power to remove aliens who fail to report address changes unless a more serious charge of immigration violation was involved. However, since 9/11, the practice of the INS seems to have taken a turn for the worse. The INS has seemingly decided to abandon the earlier practice of going easy on aliens who fail to report address changes. Now, if something arouses the suspicions of the INS, whether those suspicions are rational or not, an alien may find that removal proceedings have been instituted. Thus, it is impossible to predict whether an alien who has failed to report the address change may arouse the suspicions of the INS. Why take this chance?
How to Report Your Change of Address
If you need to report a change of address, you will use Form AR-11 Alien's Change of Address Card, which you can download from the INS website. This form should be filed within ten days of your change of address and should be mailed to the following address:
U.S. Department of Justice
Immigration and Naturalization Service
HQ ORM
425 I Street NW
ULLICO 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20536

For proof of delivery, keep a copy of the completed Form AR-11 and mail the original form using certified mail, return receipt requested.
Who is Required to Report a Change of Address?
Generally, every alien who applies for a visa is required to register, including permanent residents. The only aliens who are exempt from this requirement are nonimmigrants in the categories A (ambassador) and G (representative of foreign government at the UN). If you are required to register with the INS, you are required to report any change of address to the INS. Therefore, virtually every alien present in the United States must report a change of address to the INS within ten days. If you have moved since the filing of your last application with the INS, report your change of address to the INS and your attorney now!