On October 12, 2023, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new online self-service tool called Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA), making it more convenient for foreign nationals with pending applications, petitions, or requests to notify USCIS of an address change.
Until now, individuals seeking to update their address with USCIS would have to file Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card), call the USCIS contact center, or visit a USCIS field or asylum office to notify the change in address.
With the new online tool E-COA, the process of updating addresses with USCIS will become easier, faster, and more streamlined. Anyone with a USCIS online account will now be able to update their mailing and physical address seamlessly for all pending applications with USCIS in a single place.
This facility can also be used by individuals who may not have any pending applications but are required to notify USCIS of a change in address, which includes most noncitizens in the United States.
E-COA will automate address changes for almost all form/application types, and it can be accessed irrespective of whether an individual’s pending case was submitted online or by mail.
However, a few exceptional categories, such as Individuals with pending or approved applications for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) benefits, petitioners for T or U nonimmigrant status, and their beneficiaries, cannot use E-COA.
Why Is Reporting an Address Change Important
As per U.S. law, all noncitizens in the United States must notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of moving. This requirement applies to all temporary visa holders (except A and G visa holders and visa waiver visitors), as well as to lawful permanent residents, i.e., Green Card holders.
Timely reporting of an address change ensures that USCIS mails important notices and documents to the correct address.
It is especially crucial if the individual has any pending cases where USCIS might need to contact the applicant to send or receive critical information on the application. Any delay or non-delivery of time-sensitive correspondence, such as Request for Evidence (RFE) and interview or biometrics appointment notices, can lead to missed deadlines and seriously hamper the applicant’s case under adjudication.
Not only is it essential to notify USCIS of an address change for communication purposes, failure to update USCIS on this account is also a punishable misdemeanor that could warrant a fine or jail time.
Hence, all foreign nationals must report the change to USCIS every time they move residence, even if they do not have any pending case with USCIS.
In fact, U.S. citizens who have sponsored an immigrant should also notify USCIS of any change in their address within 30 days of relocating.
Also, petitioners must note that changing the address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) does not change the address with USCIS. The new address must be updated with both USCIS and USPS separately.
Thanks to the new online tool E-COA rolled out by USCIS, updating addresses with USCIS is now much simplified, minimizing the chances of failing to report the change within the due time.
How to Use E-COA
E-COA is a simple tool to use. Immigrants can easily change their address with USCIS by signing into their USCIS online account. If they do not have one yet, they will need to sign up for an account.
After logging into their account, they can update the address by filling in the new address details and submitting personal information such as their name and date of birth. They must also furnish the details of any pending application or petition.
Thus, using E-COA, mailing or physical addresses can be updated on the USCIS website in real-time in a few simple steps.
All USCIS clients, including EB-5 visa applicants awaiting the approval of their I-526E or I-829 petitions and EB-5 investors with unconditional permanent resident status in the United States, are encouraged to make use of this facility to update USCIS on any change in address.
The EB-5 program is a popular pathway for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in the United States through investment in a U.S. business enterprise.
