In that case, it does not matter. Also, if you already waited 180 days and have a work permit, there is no effect even if the clock does stop. Take care, Jason

I should add that the asylum office location will not change. Chicago office has jurisdiction before and after move.

You can only apply for an EAD if 150+ days have passed since you filed for asylum. If you move, you are required to change your address, which could potentially delay or block you from getting an EAD. For that reason, I recommend that people do not move until they have the EAD, as that is safest. If you can maintain your old address until you get the EAD and continue to get mail at that address, that is better. Once you have the EAD you can close out the old address and file your change of address with USCIS. Take care, Jason

Can you explain furthermore about legitimately using the TX address? And is it okay for me to start applying for EAD in April or May?

I think it is best to not change your address until you have the card, as you do not want to mess that up. If you can legitimately use the TX address until then, that would be best, since if you move and change your address before you get the work permit, it could cause the “asylum clock” to stop, and then you may never get the work permit. Take care, Jason

Hello. I’m an asylum applicant in Texas applied in Oct 2023 which means my case is under 180 days for EAD clock. I’m planning to move to NYC in this coming month Feb. I wonder if I could keep my address in Texas (it’s my relative address) until I receive the cards while I live in NYC. I will change the address after I get it. I don’t have attachments like taxes or driver license to show though. How do you advise? Thank you for your time.

If you work, live, pay taxes, and have a driver’s license in California, you should change your address to CA. If you have meaningful connections and a valid address in Chicago, you can keep your case there. However, if the asylum office thinks you are lying about your address, they could cancel your interview and send you to the correct office. Also, if they think you are lying about your address, they may think you are lying about your case, so I would be careful to only use an address where you actually have attachments, especially the driver’s license and taxes. Take care, Jason

You can keep a mailing address and a physical address for an asylum case, and when you change the address using form AR-11, it allows you to have a physical and mailing address too, and so you can keep the mailing address the same even if you move. It is probably best to have your driver’s license and your address with USCIS the same. Take care, Jason