USCIS Address Reporting Requirement: Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I refuse to report a new address?
USCIS has the authority to charge you with a misdemeanor, fine you $200 USD, imprison you for 30 days, and/or deport you. In practice, USCIS has not used this violation alone to deport anyone but could add this misdemeanor to a list of violations such as unauthorized employment or overstaying one's permission to be in the U.S. when building a case for deportation. The actual language of the law and possible penalties for non-compliance are located at Section 265 and 266(b) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act and can be found at the USCIS web site: http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/address.htm.
What if I did not know about this rule and have not reported my address, or if I forget and report late? What will USCIS do?
The USCIS has the authority to forgive such failures, provided the failure to report "was reasonably excusable or was not willful." This means that you need to report properly and promptly, but that USCIS will generally not take an action against you just because you missed a deadline or did not know that you needed to report, provided that you act in good faith and send the report to USCIS as soon as you realize you have missed the ten-day deadline. However, USCIS is updating many of its forms with reminders of the address reporting requirement. The new forms will require a signature to acknowledge understanding of the requirement. Once these forms have been implemented, the USCIS is not likely to be sympathetic to the defense, "I didn't know."
What about my spouse and children? Do they have to report also?
USCIS has not specifically discussed address reporting for your dependents who are living with you. To ensure full compliance with this requirement, we suggest that an AR-11 form be submitted for each non-U.S. citizen member of your family. You may sign the form yourself for your minor children under the age of 18.
I may be moving around frequently. My address in my department at the University is the most reliable address for me. Why does USCIS need to know every time I move?
The U.S. Congress, USCIS, and other government agencies have indicated to universities that they want to know where non-U.S. citizens live--including students and scholars--so they can find them if necessary.
These FAQs have been adapted from FAQs developed by the International Office at Duke University.