If you have a case pending with the Asylum Office and you move, you are supposed to file a change of address (form AR-11) within 10 days. It should be that easy, but of course, these days at the Asylum Office, nothing is easy.
The first problem is that if you move and you file a change of address, it could affect your eligibility for an Employment Authorization Document (“EAD”)–a work permit. Once your case is received by the Asylum Division, the “Asylum Clock” starts to count time. When the Clock reaches 180 days, you are eligible for an EAD (you can mail your EAD application after 150 days, but unless the Clock reaches 180 days, you will not receive the EAD). The problem is that if you do anything to cause a delay in your case, the Clock will stop and you won’t get your EAD, at least not for a long time. [Update 04/12/2017: Moving your case to a new Asylum Office should not stop the clock; this rule was changed by USCIS].
The Clock stops if you fail to appear for an interview or a fingerprint appointment, or if you move your case to a different Asylum Office–all these things are considered applicant-caused delay. Therefore, if you move, and the move results in your case transferring to a different Asylum Office, you may lose your opportunity to get an EAD (to see whether a particular move will cause your case to transfer to a new Asylum Office, you can check here).
In theory, the solution to this problem is easy: Don’t move until after you receive your EAD. In reality, it is not always so simple. People who file for asylum often do not have stable addresses in the United States (they’re refugees after all), and so it can be difficult to maintain a permanent address for long enough to receive the EAD. If at all possible, you should find a long-term address and use that address when you file your case. This will potentially save you a lot of trouble down the line.
For those unlucky few who must move their case to a different asylum office, you have to make a choice: Change your address–as the law requires–and likely lose the EAD (if less than 180 days have passed on the Clock), or violate the law by either keeping the old address (assuming you can still get mail there) or using another address within the jurisdiction of the original asylum office. If you choose to violate the law, you will probably get the EAD, but you could be subject to civil and criminal penalties (a fine and up to 30 days in jail), and it could affect the outcome of your asylum case (“So, Ms. Asylum-Seeker, you lied to us about your address. What else are you lying about?”).
Another problem for people who change Asylum Offices is that the transfer can cause delay (though I’ve seen examples both ways – usually a move makes the case slower, but in other cases, it seems to make the case faster). It may also put you far away from the lawyer who initially prepared your case or other people who are assisting you. There is not much you can do about these things, but they are good to think about before you file the case.
A third problem occurs when you move for a temporary period of time. I see this a lot: People move to a new city for school or work, but they do not change their “permanent” address. In this case, it is sometimes difficult to know whether to file a change of address form. If you change your address again and again, you will potentially bounce around between different asylum offices and never get an interview. On the other hand, the Asylum Officer might be suspicious if you list your home address in one city, but you are working or studying in a distant city. When my clients make a “temporary” move, I advise them to keep as much of their documents at their “permanent” address as possible: Driver’s license, tax documents, bank accounts, etc. Even so, it is unclear whether we are violating the law by not informing DHS about the temporary move. Indeed, the law itself (INA § 265) provides little guidance. At least in my experience, the Asylum Office is fairly lenient on people who make temporary moves, as long as there is evidence that they have maintained the permanent address.
As a lawyer, of course, I cannot advise anyone to violate the law by not filing a change of address form. But I would offer that if you are thinking about violating the law in order to get your EAD or keep your case from being transferred, you should talk to a lawyer first about your specific case. It may seem easy enough to not inform USCIS of an address change, but I have seen this play out at asylum interviews, and I recently almost had a big problem for one client who failed to inform USCIS about his change of address (let’s just say I was chastised by the Asylum Officer, which made me feel kind-of bad (Jewish guilt and all that), but fortunately, the client received asylum).
In the end, the best way to avoid a problem is to file the asylum application using an address where you can remain for a while. In the days before the backlog, when cases only took a few months, this was not difficult. But now, like everything else related to asylum, it ain’t easy.
Hey Jason,
My first EAD going to expire on September this year. I need to apply for extension. 1. How many days before should I apply for it? 2. What are the documents I need to submit for extension of EAD?
Thanks,
Teja.
1 – You can apply up to 180 days in advance, so that would be now. 2 – You have to check the instructions, but basically, proof that the asylum case is pending, copy of the old card, 2 passport photos, fee, and if you have been arrested, evidence of the arrest. There may be other documents needed as well – check the I-765 instructions to be sure (available at http://www.uscis.gov). Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I am filling up a change of address AR-11 form on the USCIS web-page, I want to know if I have to fill a separate form each for my dependants or by entering their receipt/request number in the lower rows will suffice.
Thank you
Hello Jason,
I am filling up a change of address AR-11 form on the USCIS web-page, I want to know if I have to fill a separate form each for my dependants or by entering their receipt/request number in the lower rows will suffice.
Thank you
We do not do that – as long as they are part of the same case, we do one AR-11 for the principal applicant. Take care, Jason
Can you change your address after the asylum interview e.g. moving for work? Will it have any impact on receiving your mailed out decision?
Thanks.
You can – use form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. It should have no effect. Sometimes, they need a second interview. If that happens after you move, the interview will be at the new asylum office. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I have a pending asylum case in Maryland. My job take me to different states for work in some time interval, might be 3 months sometimes 9 months. Recently, I’ve transferred to Texas for work and the rule forces me change my driving License. I use the mailing address for my case until now but my living address is different .
What do I have to do? Does this affect my asylum case?
Kindest,
Sowah
If you keep your “permanent” address, you should be ok. However, you should have evidence of why you changed your license, and you should probably file taxes in MD (if possible) and keep other parts of your life in MD. Also, maybe you should have a letter from your employer explaining that you went to TX temporarily. If you have all that, you can show the Immigration Judge or Asylum Officer that you maintained your residence in MD. The issue is, if they think you are lying about your address, they may think you are lying about your case, and so if you have evidence to show that you are still living in MD, you should be ok. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
First, thank you so much for your great work and help. My question is, if I move to another state after the master calendar hearing at the court (but before the individual hearing), will I be able to change the court venue? What is the likelihood of getting approval for change of court? thank you.
Hello,
I have moved 5 months ago from Florida to California. I have reported my address change to both offices. Asylum office and uscis. But, when I go to San Francisco office they tell me that my file has not arrived from Miami. I several times sent letters to Miami office to send my file to San Francisco, but the Miami office just tell that we have updated you address but never say about my file sending to San Francisco. The San Francisco office also tells me that they haven’t received my file and cannot help me because it is not up to them. So how can I get my file drone Miami to San Francisco? As live near San Francisco that is very far for me to go to Miami to see what the problem is with my file. What could you recommend ?
Thank you very much.
I do not know whether it actually matters. They do not keep the files physically in their offices, so it may be that SF now has responsibility over the case and they will schedule the interview (eventually). This is unclear to me though. Aside from emailing Miami, I am not sure what else you can do. If you have a lawyer in Miami, that person could go in person to ask. Otherwise, you could try sending them a certified letter with a stamped, self- addressed envelope so that they can mail you a response. That seems ridiculous, but that is the old school method and maybe it will work. A final idea is to contact the USCIS Ombudsman (a link is at right) and ask whether they can assist. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Great blog. You are doing awesome. 2 Quick questions:
1. Can I change address online?
2. I applied for EAD, it should be in the mail in a few weeks, but I am moving next week. Should I inform a change of address twice? I mean, since I have a I589 Pending and a I765, should I change address separately for each of my petitions? Or just one request would change the information in both applications.
Thanks for your response.
1- Yes, form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. 2 – Yes, one change of address should be for the I-589 and if there is an EAD pending, you should make sure to change the address for that also. Take care, Jason
Hi jason
I am delighted with your work on website and i am sure no one can answer better than you on my question.Few questions please.
1-I filed the asylum case at new york in year may 2016.I am still waiting for the interview date. hoping it will come soon.In mid 2016 i got nany job and had to move California with them as boss got promotion here. i haven’t change my address ever since. I applied for SSN and License from California too.I couldn’t file the tax though.i was not aware neither lawyer told me about the address. Now my friend were saying i should and have to change the address.
Could you please advice what i should do ? if i transfer the case here i might have to wait another 3 years for interview ?I don’t want to loose the new York queue which i am been waiting. is there any ways to make it right.
2-Lets say if move my case from ny to ca. would i have to start from beginning or the queue will transfer ?
with hight hope desperately waiting for your answer.
Thank you so much .
God bless you.
1 – There is no queue, and now they are doing newest cases first (I wrote about this on February 28, 2018), so you have nothing to worry about there. You are required to file a change of address if you move, and this does sound like a permanent move. Do that using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. If you do change your address, your file should transfer to CA, and then you can try to expedite if you want (I wrote about that on March 30, 2017). 2 – No, since there is no queue. Whether you are in NY or CA, you will probably not get an interview any time soon unless you are able to expedite. Take care, Jason
my next concern is since I haven’t change the address ever since i came here. is there any problem in term is legal? please advice.i visited to asylum office at ca.there said i will be least preference .there gonna finish the California case first then it would be transferred case
You are supposed to change the address – it is better to do that late, than never. I have not seen anyone ever penalized for filing the change of address form late, so hopefully you will be ok. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, i might have to move back to new york after 1 month.do i still have to change the address or i can leave as it is .i applied the state card from ca because i need to pay the tax and for that the id is necessary.please advice
There is no right answer – if you move back, you can probably get away with not changing your address, but if the move is permanent, you must change your address. In my mind, the question is, Will the asylum office think you lied about your address. If they think you are lying about your address, they may think you are lying about your case. If you can explain your different addresses, you should be ok. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
My case has been pending at the Arlington office since mid-May and my biometric appointment is on 6/13. I have been living in Virginia since April for my case, and I was thinking about moving to New England area late July to look for jobs(much better job market) so I can start working once I get my EAD. Would my case get transferred to the office in Boston if I moved? Furthermore, would it be possible to put a more permanent address in VA on the AR-11(a trusted friend for instance) and then I move up to NE? What is the current asylum policy against this type of matter?
Thank you!
You have to give the address where you live. If you have a “permanent” address is VA where you keep your bank accounts, taxes, etc., maybe you can use that. But if your job is in NE, it will be suspicious that you use an address is VA. If they think you are lying about the address, they may think you are lying about the case, so be careful. Also, there is an important new development – It seems that if you move and change your address to a new asylum office, the “asylum clock” will stop and you will not get your EAD. If you need to know about the clock, you can Google is or check an old post I did on November 23, 2011 – it will at least explain the basics. So at this stage, given the new rule, I would not recommend moving to a new asylum office until you actually have the EAD. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have received “recommended approval” for my case before 150 days and I also got my EAD; my case is at virginia office. My question is if I move to a different state, a state that is under Chicago office jurisdiction, do I need to transfer my case from Virginia office to Chicago office? In the “Recommended Approval” letter I received they said they are only waiting for security background check result and they said I will get asylum grant if no bad things are found. So if I move to a state under Chicago office jurisdiction do I still need to transfer my case from Virginia office to Chicago office?
Thank you in advance!
If you move, you need to do a change of address using form AR-11. Unless the need for another interview arises, your case should be finalized in Virginia. The problem is that it is common for them to lose these changes of address, so if you can keep your old address as a mailing address, and someone reliable can get your mail, that may be safer. Also, if you have a lawyer, the lawyer should get a copy of the final approval. Otherwise, do the change address, and maybe email them directly to confirm that they received it, or go in person. You can find their contact info/office hours if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
That helps, thank you so much!
Hello,
I have my Asylum application filed in NY and received my EAD but I have moved to TX.
Is it ok to get the Social from TX or I shall go to NY to get it?
If you moved, you should file a change of address with the asylum office using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. I doubt it matters where you get the SS card from – that is federal and is for the entire US. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason ,
My asylum application is pending for more than 120 days now but I want to move to another state ( DC to Colorado). Will it affect the 150 days EAD time clock? Because I saw in article I doesn’t and USCIS changed the law .
Sincerely Dav
Such a move would have stopped the clock in the past, then USCIS changed the policy so that the clock should not stop and you can get your work permit. However, things now are unpredictable, and I advise people to wait until after 180 days to move in order to avoid any chance of a problem with the clock. If you do move and change your address, it should be alright, but you just never know these days. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
Thanks again for all your effort here.
I moved from address ‘A’ to address ‘B’ and filled the AR-11 form. Got a confirmation after few minutes saying that “Address change request successfully submitted”.
I never received the confirmation that it was actually changed.
I recently have moved from address ‘B’ to ‘C’, which address should I put as old address in AR-11?
Is online address change enough or do I need to send a letter as well?
Thanks,
Tori
There is nothing other than the confirmation you got. I would put address B as the old address when you file the new AR-11. You can email the asylum office to try to confirm the address. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi jason
I received the EAD after the 180 days, I want to moved to another state at the end of the month, but I don’t have a new address and I cannot use the one I’m right now after I move. Can I change the address to my brother house and change again after I get my new address?
I’m in New York planning to move to Texas, my brother live in Puerto Rico and I’ll past 20 days there before go to Texas. what you I do?
thanks
That sounds like a bad idea, as PR is very far away and it may cause your case to be moved elsewhere. Since you already have the EAD, presumably, you won’t get any mail any time soon. Maybe once you find the new address, you can file your change of address. Or maybe you can use the address of a friend who is local for the interim period, or get a PO box. Take care, Jason
Hello, i just had my assylum interview result from sanfransisco and i was approved so i am now thinking to move to texas after a month . So can i do that ? And would that affect my gc filing which is after 1 year if i move ?
Congratulations! You can move anywhere you want, but you must file an AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov (and keep proof of filing) when you move. Moving within the US has no effect on the one-year waiting period before you can apply for a GC. Take care, Jason
Hi friend , can you please tell us after how long have you been waiting to get the interview ?
Dear Jason,
I’ve applied for the change of address on March 30 and I received Address Change Request Confirmation email. On this email there is an ” Expect a reply by: April 11, 2018 ” and waiting for the confirmation email but I still don’t get any.
The email also have AR-11: COA******
Service Request: CA****ZAR
Expect a reply by: April 11, 2018
When will I receive the reply for it, Is it by my mail or by email?
Kindest Regards,
I’m not sure – Normally, you should file the AR-11 online and get a confirmation that it was received. I think there is nothing more to do. Maybe you will need to call USCIS to ask. You can find the phone number at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Can you please guide me how do I change my address for my pending asylum application.
1. So it asks me for “Form Number” Should I be selecting only “I589” only? and not I765 since my EAD is valid till 2019. OR Both ?
2. Where do I find receipt number for my I589 I do have receipt number for my last EAD.
Since I am changing my address online is there anything else I am suppose to do after I change address online … Like sending emails or letters to USCIS Office?
Also please if I can have your contact info to get in touch with your law firm to take care of my pending case as I am very disappointed with my current attorney. I have just started reading this blog so dont know much about it. There is really good material here to clear a lot of things which are not clear
Thank you
1 – You should do one change of address for each. 2 – There is an Alien number and a receipt number on your blue asylum receipt. You can also email the asylum office to make sure the address was changed, but if you have the confirmation receipt, it should be enough. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. As for us, my email it jdzubow@dzubowlaw.com. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have recently relocated to a different state and changed my address immediately by filing AR-11. Also, I emailed to my old asylum office regarding my relocation, they responded me back and I was asked to change my address online after of which they would be able to transfer my case. later on, I send them multiple follow up emails regarding my case transfer but couldn’t get any response yet. I am currently confused and dont know how to follow up my case in order to be sure if my case is transferred safely to the new asylum office or not.
I would like to ask if there are any ways to follow up the transfer of my case? Because I tried to reach them out by their phone number but the automatic voice asks for the extension where I don’t have any extension to call.
Best regards,
If you have the confirmation for the AR-11, you are probably fine. You can email the old office and you can also email the new office. I am not sure that they actually physically move the file (or even that the files are kept at the asylum offices), so there may not be much more to do. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason,
I want to apply for AR 11 online for pending asylum. I chose I765 Based on the Pending Asylum Application C08 then it asks me Receipt number. Where can I get the receipt number?
On my EAD card, I have 9 digit USCIS# and LIN***Card#. Which one do I have to use?
Thanks
If you are changing the address for a pending EAD, the receipt number is on the EAD receipt. You also should change your address for the pending I-589. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for the fast response. You have such a blessed heart.
I have a pending Asylum case not pending EAD (I have EAD till End of 2019). My work frequently relocate me to a different states on every two to three months. I read in one of your thread that, it might create a delay for the interview. So, I plan to use one permanent address for mailing.
Please give me brief advice about this.
THanks
You can probably do that, but you need to show attachment to that address – driver’s license, taxes, other bills, etc. If most of your documents attach to the “permanent” address, you should be ok to use that address and then explain that you move around frequently for your job, but you keep your permanent address the same. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have applied for my asylum since Feb 2017, and praise GOD that I got my EAD already. My case been applied in NYC and using my aunt and uncle’s address in NYC for my asylum case. I currently working in New Jersey since Dec 2017 using New Jersey address where I rent in my pay stub, my bank account and social security it’s also made in NJ, I don’t have any taxes return yet so far. Other than that my aunt keep me updated for any mail they received for me in NYC which I waiting for an interview schedule. I will probably get into interview in the beginning of next year 2019 since it’s almost 2years since my case applied. My question is with my stuff (pay stub, bank account, SS) most made in NJ what do I do? Will it affect my interview in the future? Or should I just change my pay stub address to NYC address? I was really worry thinking about this. I don’t want to make any mistake in my my interview and cause a problem to my asylum also really want to cooperate with USCIS officer. Hope you can help with good advices. Thank you, JESUS bless you.
It is better if you have one address. Right now, it seems you are using one address for your asylum case and a different address for your life. If the asylum office thinks you are lying about your address, they may think you are lying about other aspects of your case. So it is probably safer to use one address for everything. If you do not do that, you may need to explain to the asylum officer why you had two addresses. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for the fast response. You have such a blessed heart.
I have a pending Asylum case not pending EAD (I have EAD till End of 2019). Does the receipt number is the one which is available in the paper that I got when I give Biometric?
My work frequently relocate me to a different states on every two to three months. I read in one of your thread that, it might create a delay for the interview. So, I plan to use one permanent address for mailing.
Please give me brief advice about this.
THanks
I think the asylum receipt number is on the biometrics notice and on the blue asylum receipt. Take care, Jason
Hie Jason
I have a pending asylum case and i have just changed my address online and i received a confirmation email stating ill rwceive a reply by 29 march 2018 but i have not received any reply yet today is 10 april 2018 also i have to apply for my EAD my 150 days are up and i dont know what to do should i apply for my EAD with my new address or should wait till i receive a reply for the address change also i am moving asylum offices
I am not sure what else you receive besides the confirmation. You might want to contact the asylum office directly to ask. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. As for the EAD, if 150 days have passed, you can apply. You should use your current address. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you for your usual help.
I just moved from DC to Texas a couple of months ago for work and I also fill AR11 to move my pending asylum case. My company now relocate me to Ohio and they will relocate me again to another state when the project is completed. My question is,
1. Does moving frequently affect my case like taking too long to be called for the interview?
2. Can I use my brother’s address in DC while I move to another state?
Kindest Regards,
Azur
1 – It could. If the case file keeps moving, it is difficult to know where the interview will be. 2 – Maybe if you can argue that this is your “permanent” address and the other addresses are just temporary for the move. Maybe you can keep your ID in DC and pay taxes there. That would help. Talk to a lawyer about the specifics of the case to be sure. Take care, Jason
hi jason,
I filled asylum in texas and now I moved here in maryland and I filled AR 11 change of address, so I would like to know what else must I Filled or Submit or it only the change of address ??? I mean there is nothing else beside AR11 that must be filled as i moved from texas to Maryland ??
thank you brother
You should not need anything else. However, you might want to contact the new local office (Arlington, VA) to make sure they received your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
While on pending asylum status, if I get a company sponsor for my green card – does USCIS ask for evidence for asylum case?
Also, if in case they reject green card, will be my pending asylum status still valid?
USCIS can ask for anything they want, so they could ask for this. Whether they will or not, I do not know. If you lose the GC case, it should not affect the asylum case (assuming everything is consistent and USCIS does not think you committed some type of fraud). Take care, Jason
hi
on my last question you advised me to apply for my wife petition as she was granted asylum been close to 1 year now and my asylum case still peddling, so the following question will be do i file a petition when she is filing for green card so we can file at the same time? so once she is approved for green card am i am also being receiving a green card?
can we just file this petition our-self? or we need a lawyer to help with this because she is about to file for permanent residence too.
am i am going to go through some USCIS interview again using this petition if yes what question they ask?
If your wife won asylum, she cannot file for a GC until one year (or more) after being granted asylum. If she is filing an I-730 petition for you, you have to wait until one year after you receive asylum (after the I-730 is approved) and then you can apply for your own GC. In other words, you are on a different (slower) schedule than your wife. You can probably do the I-730 and the I-485 yourselves – check the forms, which are available at http://www.uscis.gov, but if you find them confusing, or there seem to be issues, then talk to a lawyer to make sure you do not create problems for yourselves. You may go to an interview as USCIS is making everything more annoying, and that may include interviewing I-730 beneficiaries. Take care, Jason
thank you for your reply
please could you tell me after apply I-730 and being approve for it what document am going to be using during the 1 year waiting period in order for me to apply for GC? work authorization card?
thank you
The form for the GC is the I-485 and for the work permit is the I-765. Both are available at http://www.uscis.gov. You would have to look at the instructions for a list of documents to include with the forms. Also, you cannot apply for the GC until you have waited one full year after asylum was approved or one full year after the person arrived in the US based on the I-730. Take care, Jason
thank you.
Hello Sir!
I got my EAD and the name spelling is incorrect – what is the easiest way to handle it?
Thank you so much, as always for your awesome support!
This can be a problem to fix. If it was an error by USCIS, they should correct it for free. If it was your error, you may have to pay. I think the instructions to the form I-765 (available at http://www.uscis.gov) describe how to correct an error on the card. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks for the usual help.
I just moved from DC to Texas for work then I submit AR11 for address change and I still didn’t get any reply from the office for the last 3 months. Now the company want to transfer me to another location out of Texas. I have a pending asylum case. What am I going to do? Please reply me before I give my confirmation to the company if it really affect my case.
Kindest Regards,
Whenever you move, you have to change your address. You can do the AR-11 online, and you will get online confirmation. Otherwise, there is no confirmation from the asylum office. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your dedication and all of the information regarding this matter.
My wife and I applied for an asylum. She is the actual applicant and I make part as her husband.
We have already received our EAD (Oct. 2017) and recently moved from Chicago to New Jersey.
She has submitted the AR-11 for change of address and have received a confirmation letter from USCIS.
My question is, ¿Do I have to file an AR-11 as husband? or ¿Is it automatically changed for me when she files her?
In her form there was no information about myself.
Thanks!
There is no harm in filing an AR-11 of your own. We typically only file for the principal applicant, but can file one too. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Please give me an advice! I don’t where to start seems like my case its a whole movie.
Four years ago I opened case for Asylum. In two years I got married to my husband who’s a citizenship. I applied to close my asylum case but I got the mail from uscis that they’ll close the case when they’ll have opportunity. In few months after they send me notification that I have a court day about my asylum case in July 2017. One day before the court day was changed to December 2017. In August 2017 I’ve been invited for the interview for my new marriage case. We passed the interview and I got approved with officer for the green card. Unfortunately after few weeks I got another mail that my marriage case was closed cause I have open asylum case and I have to close it. In December 2017 my court day so me & my husband we are hoping it will be over but not in my fairy tail…. The judge didn’t show up and my court day was moved to June 2018.
Few weeks ago me & my husband we are moved to California and I informed my lawyer about it and I send the form AR-11 to uscis for my marriage case. Today I got call from my lawyer that I have to proof with new bills that we moved so she’ll send this information to the court and they have to move my case to California, which I don’t want to. Please advice me what should I do? Do I have an option do not provide them my new address and keep my case in NYC? If yes, will I got in trouble for that? I feel like if they will move my case to another state it can take forever to wait for the court day.
Thank you an advance
If you move, you have to change your address. However, you can ask the judge to keep the case in the old court (the judge might not agree, but you can ask). Typically, after the I-130 is approved, you can take steps to close the court case and then get your green card through USCIS, but it depends on the case – not everyone is eligible to do that. Hopefully, your lawyer will assist with this. Take care, Jason
hello
my wife got asylum case was approved and we got maried before she was approved , i filled my asylum case separate and i went for interview and waiting on the answer it been 4 months.
should my wife claim me and forget about my case or should i wait for the answer on my case interview?
we just wondering which one shoud be best option ? in time waiting and guarantie approval.
I think she can file for you. Let the asylum office know about that in your case. It should not affect your case, but it is probably a good idea to let them know what you are doing. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
thank you.
so should i let them know just via email?
You can try by email – that is probably easiest, though they do not always respond. Take care, Jason
thank you
hi
on my last question you advised me to apply with my wife petition as she was granted asylum it has been close to 1 year now.
and my asylum case still peddling, so the following question will be:
do i file a petition when she is filing for green card so we can file at the same time? so once she is approved for green card am i am also going to be approved? for green card?
can we just file this petition our-self? or we need a lawyer to help with this because she is about to file for permanent residence too so we can file togheter.
am i am going to go through some USCIS interview again using this petition if yes what question they ask?
Please see my previous response…
My wife was the primary applicant, me and my wife got the EAD but for my son (17 yrs old) we got a RFE. However, the deadline is over (Jan 8) cause the notice was misplaced and finally we found it today.
It says, the case may be denied if we don’t response on time.
What are the options we have?
Given how strict they are being, the case may well be denied. However, I suggest you respond anyway and explain the problem. If they deny it, he can re-apply. Take care, Jason
Jason, thanks much. You are awesome!
When you say they will deny, does it mean they will deny the Asylum case or just the EAD application and we need to re-apply for my son?
Thanks again!
I think we were talking about the EAD – so that may be denied if you missed a deadline to send evidence. It is probably not a big deal, as you can just apply again. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have moved out from New York to Ohio. I have updated my address with uscis and asylum office back to Nov 2017. But today my New York old address still got interview notice asking me to attend an asylum interview in New York . I am confused . Does New York still has juristricton over my case? I am currently in Ohio. Chicago should had juristricarion not New York. Thank you
It is probably their mistake, as the Asylum Offices seem to be making a lot off mistakes lately. I think you will have to attend the interview in NY if you can. Make sure to bring evidence that you filed the change of address. Alternatively, you could try contacting them and telling them that you changed your address and you cannot attend in NY. And see what they say. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your reply. I have contacted the New York asylum office and they said they did not receive my change of address. I submitted the proof that I did change my address and they said okay you can email me again your submission. But one week has passed. I still don’t get any updates. Do you suggest me to attend my interview next week? Thank you
If you have an interview scheduled, I think you should attend if possible. Maybe try contacting them again to see what is happening. For example, maybe they will cancel your interview and then you will have traveled there for nothing. Unfortunately, it is very hard to communicate with them. Good luck, Jason
Hy Jason, could you please give my an advice.
I’ve applied to asylum in MD on May 2016, I got my EAD as well as my wife and didn’t have any interviews yet. On December 1st 2017 we moved to Florida, and i’ve changed the address. My attorney said that i need to change my case to Florida’s jurisdiction as well. Is it a must to change it and/or they automatically are doing that once you changed the address. My concern is that I will wait an extra year ’cause as of right now, Arlington is hearing cases from 2014 and Miami 2013.
Thank you.
Unless you have some legitimate basis to claim that you are still in MD, you have to change your address. Once you do that, they will move your case to FL, where you will wait longer, since it is moving more slowly than your old asylum office. You can try to expedite the case once it is moved – I wrote about that on March 30, 2017. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason, many thanks for this very insightful piece the topic – “change of address.” I am an asylum applicant juggling under the situation. Currently, I am living in San Francisco at a place that my cousin rented on a long-term basis and that is the jurisdiction of my asylum application process. However, I found a job in Atlanta, Ga from June and not sure until when ( the employee did not guarantee any length of a time and I assume I will be on the payroll for the first couple of months). Meanwhile, I am also looking out to find similar opportunities to work in my area of interest in San Francisco (given which I’d move back anytime). Also, I have my State ID, Driver’s License and a bank account from the state I now live. I would also be contributing a certain amount of money towards renting for space I will be occupying with my belongings. Would those satisfy to present my permanent address as San Francisco even though I’d be working in Georgia temporarily? I also have a rent agreement at the moment and my cousin is happy to speak to the house owner for a fresh one from June with the necessary amendments to the agreement of the house, stating my contribution towards the rent.
Your expert opinion will highly be appreciated.
Many thanks, Tsering
As long as you maintain the address in SF, and keep your driver’s license, taxes, etc. there, then it sounds to me like you have an address there. However, if you move to GA and move your life there, then you will need to change your address. There is no mathematical formula for this, but if USCIS thinks you are lying about your address, it could create real problems for your case. So make sure to have evidence about your “permanent” address in case they ask for that. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have a pending asylum case at Arlington and I moved from DC to Texas for my new Job.
I’ve filled AR 11 2month ago and I still didn’t receive any confirmation from the office. Is it normal? What am I going to do? Could you please reply the steps that I have to do?
Thank you for your dedicated help.
It is normal, but if you are worried about it, contact the asylum office directly and ask whether they have received the case (you can contact VA and/or TX). You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hey Jason,
I really appreciate for your kind legal advices. I am pending asylum applicant waiting for an interview. I filed my case in Arlingron asylum office. Due to new job, i moved to a new state (ohio). So, i filed AR-11 online and got confirmation. Then, i mailed to arlington office, the AR-11 confirmation with signed letter which request the old office to move my case to the new jurisdiction. I mailed it before 3 months ago. Recently, i went to local USCIS office, and told me my address is updated to the current residence but still my case jurisdiction says in Arlington.
I tried to contact the arligton office through email and phone but can’t get any response. Currently, i got a critical situation and want to expadite my case but stacked in the middle. Is there any way that you can suggest me to transfer my case to the new jurisdiction quickly?
Thank you!
Try emailing Arlington again, and include info about why you need to expedite (maybe a doctor’s note, if the reason is medical). Also, you can ask about the address change. Usually, they do respond to emails, but sometimes it takes several weeks. Also, if you are visiting the area, you can go in person, but I think walk-in appointments are now only on Wednesday morning. Maybe if you have a friend in the area, that person can go ask for you (though I do not know that they will talk to another person about your case – but you can try). Take care, Jason
These days there is a huge difference between asylum offices in regard to dates of scheduled interviews ( for example: Louisiana office is now interviewing people who filled on 2016, while Boston or Los Angles are still scheduling appointment for those who had applied in 2013). If move to other state( like Louisiana), dose really expedite my case?
Thanks,
It should. Once the case is moved, you should be interviewed as if you originally filed in the new office. However, there has been some talk about USCIS changing the way cases are interviewed. If that happens, we do not know how it will affect the schedule. We shall see. Take care, Jason
This is the best article i have found on address change for Asylum case.
I have a question, i filed asylum from NY and i got a job in TX. Is it ok to change my address to another state for job purpose or is it a bad thing?
If you moved to TX and no longer have the NY address, you have to change your address. This will cause your case to move from NY to TX. If you kept your old address and plan to return there soon, and your job is temporary, you may not need to change your address. Take care, Jason
Pls I have a question. Can u apply for a work permit if you missed your finger print appointment as an asylum seeker.
I am not sure, but if you still have the fingerprint appointment, you can try to go now, even though you are late. Normally, they will allow you to be printed. If not, you can contact the local asylum office and maybe they can help you get another fingerprint appointment. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello Jason, I read the thread and you have been very helpful. I have the following question. I dont have a permanent address and so if I use my friends address in New York when applying and I live in Colorado, would that be problem? My friend is only trusted person who will not change her address in New York where as I go from state to state to depending on the job. Or do I HAVE TO apply to the nearest office?
This situation is tricky and there is probably no right answer. Maybe you can use your friend as the “mailing address” on the I-589 and your address, where you temporarily live, as the physical address. It would be best if both of those were in the same location, at least at the beginning. If they are different, I am not sure whether you would be fingerprinted in CO or NY (you probably could use a fingerprint letter for NY in CO, but that may raise issues with the case later on – and since they are getting tougher, they may not accept that). If you could file with one address, at least until you are fingerprinted (in maybe a month), and then maybe change your address to the “permanent address” for the remainder of the case, that might work. The main thing is that you want to avoid any accusation that you are lying about your address. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
My asylum case is pending. So I changed my address on nov 13 using AR-11 online and I got a confirmation it says expect a reply by nov 25 but Till now I didn’t get any notice. Usually how does it take uscis to send notices. Please help me with it.
Thank you
Normally, USCIS does not send a notice that your change of address was sent, so I am not sure what that means. You can contact the asylum office directly to ask. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I did my asylum interview and officer gave me a paper to come back in two weeks. At the end of interview officer told me if your address has chenged, let us know immediately. I am moving an other state bacause of my new job. Can I change my address or it is better to wait two weeks?
Thanks.
You are supposed to change the address within 10 days of your move, so if the timing is ok, and you still have the old address, maybe you want to wait for the decision. But many times, pick-up decisions get changed to mail-out decisions, so you do need to make sure they have your correct address (using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason, is there a difference in queue among states to be noticed for asylum interview? Thank you.
I am not sure I understand the question – different asylum offices interview at different speeds. Some are faster than others. You can see that if you check the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason! Thanks so much for this informative blog. Question– my friend submitted his I-589 on Feb 14th, 2017 from an address in Arizona, and his application was received by the California Service Center. He had to move to Boston on April 20, 2017. He submitted the AR-11 change of address form on April 22, so within the 10 day deadline. When he called the National Customer Service Center to find out the status of his application, they told him to write a letter to the California Service Center. The CA service center referred him back to the National Customer Service Center, which has still not provided any information. He has no idea about the status of his application, or the EAD clock.
Do you have any advice about next steps? Should he make an appointment with one of the field offices, or have a lawyer contact USCIS on his behalf? Thanks so much for any help you can provide!
If he properly filed the AR-11, the local asylum office should have updated his address and moved his case to Boston (a sub-office of New Jersey). He can contact the NJ office and ask whether they now have his case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. The clock should be unaffected. Take care, Jason
Hi
Could you help me with this:
I did first interview in Newark office then I moved in Seattle before my decision then after 4 months I was called for another or follow up interview in Seattle office it ben 4 months no answers yet now my question is I’m about to move to Arizona is this will cause me to do another interview or delay my decision?
Hopefully not – Seattle should be able to make a decision. Seattle is a sub-office of San Francisco, so you can contact the SF office and inquire about the status of your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
yes, i did contacted SF office regarding status of my case they said still under review;
my question was that now am about to relocate to phoenix Arizona which follow under under LA office would this cause a delay n my case decision by changing address? or should i keep a Seattle address?
thank you for your help
As long as you do not need another interview, the SF office should make a decision, and the move should not effect the case. However, if you need a third interview, moving may cause the interview to be in LA, which may be slower than SF. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much
Hello, Jason, Thank you for your help once again i have another question.
Why was an asylum decision appointment changed to letter in the mail?
I have a dear friend who recently had her asylum hearing in Anaheim, CA. According to both her and her lawyer, the hearing went very well and both are very optimistic about a positive outcome. At the time of the hearing, she was given an appointment two weeks later to receive the decision. Today, however, her lawyer received word that the appointment was cancelled and that she will be receiving her notification via mail instead.
I was wondering whether there is anything that can be read into the change? Is it any sort of indication as to what the result may be? Is it a sign that they’re doing more investigation that they originally expected? Is it a sign that they’re just stretched too thin and are trying to save time?
Needless to say, my friend was already extremely anxious and stressed about her upcoming decision appointment, but now this latest change has her completely beside herself – so I’m trying to get some idea whether there is actually anything that can be read into the change to the means of notification.
If there is any information, insight, or advice you can possible give, it would be extremely helpful and I would certainly appreciate it greatly.
Thanks,
Justin
I think nothing can be read into this change – we see it in more than 50% of our cases where there is initially a pick-up notice. It could be due to background checks, or the officer did not have time to finish the work, or any number of reasons. We have not noticed any correlation between changing from pick-up to mail-out and the results, so while I understand that it is an anxious time to wait for a decision, this change has no negative connotations and is no reason for additional worry. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, so my question is I have filed PERM( Green card application) on September,2017 with my new address. The PERM result may come out after at least 6 months. And on this December I need to renew my H1b visa,( my H1b visa filed of old address) so do I still need to notify USCIS at this moment? Thank you very much
Sorry, I do not do any business immigration and so I do not know. Take care, Jason
Hi there,
I have filled an application for asylum in Virginia last year April, at that time I was living with my sister,she moved to Ohio, and we left together at the beginning of this year and now she’s got a job in Maryland and we are going back. Did not fill a change of address although we are no more on the Virginia address. Do you think is going to be a problem for me? I did not change address because my lawyers address remain same, thinking if I am called for interview he might have a copy.
Again I want to know if I can change my address to my brothers address who lives in Wisconsin as my permanent address,although not staying there. Since I am up and down without a permanent address.
You are supposed to give them the address where you live, and so you should do that using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. In this case, it is not so easy, as it sounds like you keep moving around. As long as those moves are within the jurisdiction of the VA office, it should have no effect, but if you give an address that is not covered by the VA office (like in WI), your case might be moved there. I suppose you can try to find a “permanent” address somewhere and then be prepared to explain about that at the interview. Your lawyer should be able to advise you about this, and you should talk to the lawyer, at least so he/she knows what you are doing. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I have been doing this google search for about a month and couldn’t find the answer to my questions, I would appreciate if you can advise something. I filed my case for Asylum in LA office in June 2016, I got a job in Seattle, WA and will be moving there sometime next month but I am so confused before I do the big move.
1. Seattle, WA comes under SF Asylum office so if I move there next month, the wait time for interview I spent in LA which is about a year and half would go wasted? Or would the SF office adjust me within their schedules for interviews? (which I read is 25months, so would that 25months start from June 2016 or would start from the date my case will be moved to SF Office)
2. How long usually it takes the Asylum office to move your case file from one office to another office?
3. Can I change the lawyer if my Asylum is pending and hire someone else(I am not happy with the person who filed my case never assisted me for anything nor provided me any advise)
1 – It would not be wasted; you keep your place in the queue, but you will be in the queue for Seattle, which is a sub-office of SF. The Seattle schedule is not published, but probably it is slower than the main office. 2 – After you file the change of address (form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov), it usually takes a few months to move the case (I believe it is transported by donkey). 3 – Yes, you can always change lawyers. It is totally your decision. Take care, Jason
Thanks so much Jason! Is there a way to find Sub office in Seattle or the interview schedule time? Really appreciate that you took time to answer all my questions.
The only way I know to try to do that is to contact the SF office and ask about Seattle. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Also, maybe someone here has a case in Seattle and can tell us their time line. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I did my interview in San Francisco on June 5 and I’m still waiting for decision, one month ago I found jop in San Diego And i moved to their temporary because the jop is just for three month, my question is should I file request to change my address to uscis? After 3 month I’m going back to San Francisco again, and if I change my address did my case transfer to Los Angeles office or stay in San Francisco office. Thank you very much for answer my question
For a temporary move where you keep your old address and then return, it is probably better to not change the address, as your file will be moved to LA and then moved back to SF when you return, which may end up delaying things. Take care, Jason
Hey
Fernando,
i have almost same history as you, i did my in interview august 2017 SF office and about to relocate and i haven’t got an answer yet.
so since you did your interview in June just finding out how long SF office takes to come back with a decision have you received yours by now?
Each case is different, even if it is in the same asylum office, the waiting time can vary a lot. The SF office is generally pretty good. But if you have been waiting since August, you can contact the asylum office an inquire about your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Thank you very much
My situation is this:
I have filled an application for asylum in june 2016. I put the address of a family that am not related to but they helped me a lot, I stayed with them for a long time and I got my fingerprints and my working permit sent to their address successfully. The address is in Fort Lauderdale. But 6 months ago I moved to Miami (Just 30 miles south) and Now I am renting an apartment with one more person here on South Beach. But I didnt file for a change of address. I still spent some time with the family in question in Fort Lauderdale but since I work in Miami, I rented an apartment here. Is this going to be a problem on my interview with USCIS?
I doubt this would be a problem. It sounds like you are maintaining your “permanent” address is Ft. Lauderdale – if you keep your driver’s license, taxes, etc. at the permanent address, the fact that you live part time in Miami should have no effect on your asylum case, though you may want to tell them at the asylum interview that you live in Miami part of the time. Take care, Jason
I did update by internet. It is very unfortunate but thanks God i received my card today. I still have some worries because my husband ( who is dependant) got approved before me and his card was send two weeks ago but we didn’t receive it it yet. Hope it’s coming next. Thank you Jason for everything you doing for us asylum people.
Hey Jason! I’m here again! Just wanna share experience with uscis and hope that will help those who plan to move. I applied for my first EAD on April 11th NSC. On June, while my case still pending I moved to another apartment. As soon I moved, I updated my address with uscis and they even sent me a mail confirming that my address was updated. Well; on July after 90 days, I called them to make a SR about my case then the officer told me that unfortunately it is my old address in their system but he gonna fix it for me and make another request. Great! On August after 120 days still nothing, so I went on infopass an there I found that my old address still in uscis system. You couldn’t imagine how I felt when the lady told me that. She told me she gonna write Nebraska Office right now. I just tell her ok. Since this day I decided to observe things because I did what I can do. Yesterday I received an email from uscis that my address was update and today my case got approved after 147 days. I realize that I shouldn’t move but I didn’t know. I truly hope this will help people to not make the same mistake. Thank you
Thank you for sharing this – it is helpful (and unfortunate). I do think there is a possibility that when a person moves, USCIS will fail to update the address. Did you update by mail or did you do it on the internet? Maybe it works better by internet. Maybe. Anyway, thank you for letting us know. Take care, Jason