USCIS has launched a new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) self-service tool to make it easier for foreign nationals to update their addresses.

All foreign nationals, even green card holders, are required to notify USCIS of a change of address within 10 days of the move. Beyond that regulation, it is important to notify USCIS of an address change especially if you have pending cases where USCIS might need to contact you or send you information – such as an Employment Authorization Document or a green card. It is not sufficient to simply notify the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) of the new address because USPS often will not forward mail from USCIS. Instead, the mail will be returned to USCIS and you will have to ask USCIS to search for the document for you. Using E-COA allows you to update all your pending matters with one application.

To use the new E-COA, an individual must have or open an USCIS online account. Once that is done, you will need to have some information on hand, such as your old address, your new address, and the receipt number(s) for any pending cases. You may use the new real-time processing system regardless of whether any pending case(s) were paper or online filings.

Some individuals with pending or approved applications or petitions related to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) or T or U nonimmigrant status will not be able to use E-COA at this time.