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.
I would have my interview tomorrow at Houston but because of the hurricane, it is canceled. They say that they will give another appointment asap. In the meantime, I’ve just moved to another state. What should I do? Should I wait to give me another an interview date before I submit change address form? What is your advice?
Thank you in advance
If your move is temporary and you still have your old address, and you can still get mail there, it is better to keep the case in Houston, as it will take several months to move the case. If it is a permanent move, you will have to inform the Houston Asylum Office. You can file an AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. You might also want to email them to tell them, and see what they say, since the situation is unusual. You can find their contact info and email if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
hi,
I moved to SF, 3 months ago and made a change of address then. Until now, I was being informed that my file is still in the original office, i.e. Arlington, VA. The supervisor however gave me a form to fill up an inquiry to the office. Is this a usual scenario? How long does it usually take to be transferred? If my file is still in VA, but my address in SF where is my queue held for an interview?
Thanks
Yonas
Your case should be moved, but sometimes, it takes several months for that to happen. Keep following up with the Virginia office until it is moved. Once it is in SF, you will be in the queue in that office. Take care, Jason
Hi, I read this on your website: “Update 04/12/2017: Moving your case to a new Asylum Office should not stop the clock; this rule was changed by USCIS].” Does that mean that when I changed my address from California to kansas and my file was forwarded to Chicago office within 3 weeks, my asylum clock did not stop?
It should not. Mine didnt stop. I moved
Thanks, was your case forwarded to a new office, in a new jurisdiction?
Correct – the clock should not stop. You can contact the local asylum office to be sure. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, I applied for asylum at Chicago office Feb 2014 , got my interview Feb 2017 , still waiting for decision! Last month I moved from Michigan to Virginia, my questions;
1- I have informed USCIS of change of physical address but kept my Michigan mailing address, does that still change my case to Arlington office?
2- Do you think that I may receive deceaion sooner as Arlington office is faster comparing to Chicago office?
3- which office I should call to inquire about my case Arlington or Chicago?
Best,
1 – I have never been clear about this and so I am not sure. I think it will not affect which asylum office has jurisdiction, especially since your interview is already done. 2 – That is very unpredictable and anyway, if you were interviewed in Chicago, that office will make the decision. 3 – Chicago. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi JASON DZUBO,
I am so glad I read your article today.
I applied for political asylum in California about a year ago and moved to New York after I got my EAD and California state ID. I am really confused because I don’t know if I have to notify the USCIS about my address change because I intend to go back to California after 2-3 years. I came to New York for work and education and will return to California eventually.
I really don’t know what to do here. I don’t want my case to get transferred/delay because I moved to another state. Do you think it is okay for me to go on without telling the USCIS office about my address change? Please help.
Thank you for your time.
-Tarlo
If you maintain your permanent address in CA, you should be ok. But if the asylum office thinks you are lying about your address, they may think you are lying about your case, so you need evidence to show that you are maintaining your CA address (driver’s license, lease, bills, etc.) and that your address in NY is temporary (maybe you are only there for school and return to CA during breaks, for example). Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
1)I’m first time applying for work authorization as an asylum applicant.but before I already have F1(OPT) work permit.so should I need to filing fee. And do I need send F1(OPT) work permit copy to uscis including all documents needed.
2)and I live in California which uscis office I have send my application.
As I do not know your case, I cannot answer specific questions about preparing the work permit application. You have to check the instructions for form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. If this is your first work permit application based on asylum pending, you do not need to pay a fee, even if you had a work permit based on OPT. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I had my interview on April 18th 2017 in San Francisco which didn’t go well so, when I went to Office to pick up my decision on May 3rd 2017 I did not get my decision instead they told me to wait for 3 months as they r going to send my decision in mail. I waited for 3 months but didn’t get anything in mail and i went to office for inquiry they again told me wait 3 more months. But due to family emergency I am moving to Texas if I change my address to Texas will it affect my decision in the case
It should not affect the decision – though you must file form AR-11 (available at http://www.uscis.gov) to keep your address updated. It is very annoying that they did that to you, and unfortunately, it happens sometimes. For now, all you can do is keep making inquiries. You might also email them a copy of the form AR-11, just to be sure they have it, since you do not want to miss a decision if it comes. You can find their contact info and email address if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you so much for your quick response it’s really helpful but i’m still confused , tensed n bit scared too cause i waited for 2 yrs to get interview date which didn’t go well i ‘m not sure abt the decision is it going to be postive or not and if not i might hv to go to court or wt if they call me for second interview what will happen to my case.Will they trasfer my case to Texas cause i moved i don’t want to delay my case any further hoping to get your answer soon.
If you move and they call you for a second interview, it will likely be in the new location. Most cases are not called for a second interview. But if you can keep your old address, that would avoid the problem of moving your case. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
First of all thank you for helping the people Who needs any information or help. I have a couple of questions
1) I have applied asylum on march 20 2017 . I received my acknowledgement on march 25 2017 . Now there two dates on my acknowledgement on one is the day I have received my acknowledgement and other one is the day I applied. Because of that I’m getting confused calculating my 150 days clock. By which date I have to calculate my 150 days clock to apply work authorization.
2)and also I have concerns about to filling I-765 form.i don’t how to fill. Please help me with these questions.
Thank you.
1 – The receipt should say that your application was received on a certain date – that is the date you calculate the 150 days from. 2 – I can’t really help with this, as I do not know the specifics of your case, but read the instructions to the form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov, and this should help. Usually, if you make a mistake, it is no big deal – USCIS will send you a request for more evidence and you can send it to them. The delay is not so much. Take care, Jason
Hello! I was thinking to transfer my asylum case from LA to San Francisco. I am gonna apply for school there and climate in LA doesn’t suit me at all. Is that kind of transfer is the same as for different state? La and San Francisco are both in California and it is crazy that you can’t move even within the same state. Should I wait for my EAD first and only then move? Also, as far as I know wait time for interview in LA is about 5 years and in San Francisco 2,5 years. So, even with delay, terms of waiting are gonna be approximately the same? Thank you very much!
If you move, you can file a change of address (form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov) and then your case should transfer to the new asylum office (assuming that your new home is within the jurisdiction of the SF office – you can check by entering your zip code into the Asylum Office Locator – a link is at right). Once you move, you will keep your place in the queue, so you should get an interview more quickly in SF than LA. It used to be that moving caused problems for the EAD, but these days, it should not be a problem, as long as USCIS has your updated address for the I-589 and the I-765. Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Thank you so much for explaining and helping people in need, I lived in Bay Area and I applied my asylum from there in July 2015 and I got all my document such as EAD, driver licence from CA, but I difficulty finding job there in my profession and this July 2017, luckily got a job in Florida and moved here. Now my interview day is very near and I prefer to keep my address in CA, but then, as per your advice to keep all my docs such as taxes in my permanent address, I have to pay my taxes and I am very confused about which state I have to pay the tax, is it CA state tax where I am saying I am permanently based or work location in FL state. By doing so, am I doing something wrong here? Eagerly waiting for your reply. Appreciate a lot.
I do not know about taxes, but basically, I think if you are working in FL and living there, you will have to pay taxes there – Talk to an accountant about that. You may need to explain your situation at the interview – why you are living and working in FL and claiming that you live in CA at the same time? If you have no basis to claim an address in CA, you should file a change of address. But if you keep your home, driver’s license, etc. in CA, maybe you have a basis to claim that your permanent address is in CA. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
It has passed exactly one month that I gave my asylum interview in Virginia. I applied January 2015 .Although I gave my finger print during the asylum application. After 3 weeks of my interview, I have received a I797c finger print notice. My question is why they asking for fingerprint again after interview? could you please give some feedback
Thank You
Fingerprints “expire” for some reason that no one has ever really explained to me, so they need to be re-done every so often. It may just be a normal appointment since it has been a while since your last fingerprinting (and why the fingerprints you give at the asylum office don’t count, I have no idea either). Take care, Jason
dear Jason
I have a pending asylum case and got my EAD but due to the recent bulletin update am thinking of moving from Florida to SF California.
do you know it is possible that this move will shorten the interview wait period for me or it won’t do me any good?
the San Francisco office is interviewing 2015 cases now and i have filed in 2016 while Miami office is interviewing 2013.
please advice me am in a very difficult situation.
If you move, you will follow the scheduling bulletin for the new office, and you keep your original filing date. You have to file an AR-11 to let the old asylum office know you moved, and then you can send an email to the old and new offices to make sure the case has been moved and that you are still in the queue. You can find their email addresses if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi jason, thanks for your time.
Few days after my fingerprints at the California service center, my lawyer called to ask if i requested for any change of address, i said No and he forwarded the receipt back that i didnt make such request. After few weeks, i got a mail sent to my address that i made a change of address request, i must fill AR-11 form and send to a given address in Harrisonburg VA. I did fill the form with the same address and i mailed back. I didnt get any mail afterwards
How does this affect my application? Will it have effect on my EAD processing and how about the timing? Does that means i have been transferred to another service office?
I await your response.
Thanks
You should only file the AR-11 if you moved to a new address. If you did not move, something is wrong. Maybe contact your local office to make sure they have your current address. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. If you do move, it should not affect the processing time for the EAD, as long as you update your address using AR-11 for the asylum case and the EAD. Take care, Jason
What do you think could have happened?Am kinda worried
If they do not have your address, and then send you mail, you will not get it – so make sure they have it. Take care, Jason
Thanks for the response
hi jason ,
i will apply for ead on july 17 2017 but im changing my address on august 1 because i am shifting to a new apartment. So i have to change the address , will it lengthen the process of receiving my ead ?
Moving should not affect the EAD process, but make sure to update your address using for AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Hope u doing well.
I have a question regarding address. Can I keep my friend’s house as my permanent address, while I dont live with my friend but in the same city and different place? It is mentionable that I am granted asylum, means I am asylee.
Thank u
It is better just to give them your address, since you do not live with a friend. It is easy enough to change addresses these days – you can do it on-line using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Thank u Jason
Hi Jason,
Your comments are very informative and very helpful. Thank you so much. I have a pending asylum case in Washington State, I applied in November 2016. Recently, with the help from a senator, I learned USCIS is currently looking at the cases that are filed in December 2012. When I applied I knew that Washington has a longer waiting times, that is why my lawyer said that he will request my case to be scheduled in San Francisco office, since they are reviewing application filed at June 2015, he said it should be faster that way. Jason, am I being informed correctly? I am willing to move to San Francisco in case of moving there will make the waiting time shorter. If I move there, would it make any difference for the interview date?
Thank you again, Jason
I do not know about this. Normally, a person cannot choose where they will be interviewed. It depends on where you live. If you are in the jurisdiction of the Washington State field office, you should be interviewed there, whether you like it or not. However, maybe the SF office is more flexible and if you inform them that you want to be interviewed in SF, they will allow that (and by the way, you do not need to live in the city of SF itself to be interviewed in SF, you just have to live within the jurisdiction of the SF office). As for the December 2012 date, I am a bit skeptical of that as well. I recommend you email the SF (which is the main office – Washington State is the field office) and ask about the date. You can also ask whether they allow you to interview in SF and whether that will be faster. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Finally, rather than move, maybe you can ask to expedite your case. I wrote a post about that on March 30, 2017, and maybe that would help. Take care, Jason
Hellow Jason,
I live in Boston, My asylum case was referred from the USCIS to the Immigration Court. I am going to school for 2 years in Chicago, and I am planning to come back to Boston after I finish my school, my Judge grant rate is not bad, I want to keep my case in Boston while I am in school in Chicago, what is the best way to do that. Could I write a letter to the court stating that I don’t want to transfer my case or what I have to do in this case…
Thanks
You should have a lawyer for your court case, as that makes a big difference. If you keep a “permanent” address in Boston, then you can maybe justify keeping the case there. But if the Judge thinks you are lying about your address, he or she might not be pleased, and that could make it more difficult for you to win, so you need to be careful about this. If possible, find a lawyer to help you, and to look at your specific case to see about keeping it in Boston. Take care, Jason
hi sir, I had asylum interview . Interview went well initially but later part he said something which are not even in my statement. Noted: officer was not recording my interview. However, at the end of interview officer was saying that you may get intent to deny decision because i see your visa has not been expired yet. officer told me that he needs to talk to his supervisor. today I came to usa in 2012 with f1 and I applied for asylum in 2015 and I have been working with work permit as well as renew my work permit couple times. I believe I am in asylum status. Is that correct? Is there a reason why officer told me that?
FYI, I went back to my home country mid of 2014, after came back I applied for asylum 2015.
I do not understand the question. If you filed for asylum, your status is “asylum pending”. If the case was approved, you would have asylum status. In your case, it sounds like the officer has some issue with your visa application process. Usually, that is not enough to deny a case by itself, but if they think you are not telling the truth at your asylum interview about the visa process, that could form the basis for a denial. Take care, Jason
Hi sir,
Sorry for the inconvenience. I am not in F1 status from 2015 when I applied for asylum. From my understanding I believe they could make a denial of my case and send it to immigration court. But I have visa on my passport which is going to expire within 15 days. As far I know intent to deny may a decision if the person is in lawful status and it is not related to Visa. My question would they be able to process intent to deny based on my visa duration?
The visa is not relevant. The visa only shows the time period when you are allowed to enter the US. Once you are here, you can lawfully remain here as long as you are still a full time student. Once that is done, and assuming you have no other status, you are out of status. In that case, if your asylum application is denied, your case will be sent to an Immigration Judge where you can apply again for asylum. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason. Thank you for your great job. My question is I was interviewed and I want to change my address. Will this delay the decision of my interview?
Hopefully not. If there is not a second interview, it should have no effect on the decision. You can file your change of address using form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
I filed my Asylum case to the Texas office on February 1, 2016, got my receipt about 2 weeks later. Then, I filed my Form I-765 on June 30,2016. My EAD card is expiring in July 31, 2017. I am moving to New Mexico State sometime in August.
If I file my I-765 now using my Texas address and wait to receive my EAD card first, then I filed the AR-11 later to change my address, would my EAD card be still valid?
If not, do I have to file the I-765 again with my new address in New Mexico?
Or, should I file my AR-11 first to change my address to New Mexico and then file the EAD card based on the new address?
Please advice which one is better. Thanks 🙂
To my understanding, it is still the same office that oversees the Texas and New Mexico asylum cases. So, technically it wouldn’t delay my waiting like for the interview right?
If you file your change of address after you get the EAD, it will be valid (the date when you change your address has no effect on EAD validity). If you move, you are supposed to change your address within 10 days, and you can file the AR-11 on-line, so hopefully, the change will go into effect immediately. In my opinion, it is generally better to keep the old address (if possible) until you get the EAD, just to avoid delays and avoid any trouble with the mailing address, but if you cannot keep the old address, you should be able to move, change your address, and receive the EAD at the new address. Take care, Jason
I just filled the AR-11 form online and forwarded the confirmation email to my attorney. My attorney said that I have to mail a physical copy in.
But, I saw on this link: https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange
It says ” If you use our Online Change of Address to complete Form AR-11, you do NOT need to file a paper Form AR-11.”
I even sent this link to my attorney but he insisted that I have to mail a paper copy of AR-11 to complete the address change.
Filing the AR-11 on-line for asylum cases is something new, so your attorney is just being cautious. If you want, you can email the asylum office or go there to ask whether the change of address was received. We did that a few times after the on-line filing became available, and it seems to be working. You can find the asylum office contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
I had asylum interview on 29th March in New York, But I did not attend the interview because of address change. Although my lawyer submitted for rescheduling for interview, but I have received a letter mentioning Failure to appear in the interview.However, As my address is changed, I have received a letter informing that my case jurisdiction is in Virginia, not in new York anymore. My work permit will be expired on October 2017. As I know that may be my clock has been stopped, therefore, I inquiry with Virginia asylum office regarding my rescheduling interview and work permit issue. They replied I will get mail for rescheduled interview and there should not be any issue for applying work permit. I am preparing documents to apply for renewal work permit. Is there any extra documents that I need to submit along with the application? Which USCIS I should send documents as Virginia applicant? Thank you in advance.
Regards
Hasan
If you got the first work permit, there should be no problem renewing, whether the case is still with an asylum office or if it has been sent to court. As for the address, you have to check the I-765 form instructions, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi, I filed my case in Apr 2015 myself and it has been pending for 2 years at Arlington Office. In Jan 2017 I moved my address to New York. Since I have not gotten the interview yet, do I need a lawyer? What can the lawyer do for me at this time?
I wrote about this on July 7, 2016 – Maybe that would help. At this stage, the lawyer can review your case, make suggestions about documents, practice with you for the interview, and (probably least important) attend the interview with you. Is it worth it? In my opinion, it is, but of course, I am a lawyer myself, and so of course I think lawyer’s are helpful to such cases. Take care, Jason
I-589 receipt by Newark NJ asylum office on December 1, 2016.
Then I moved to Ohio (Chicago asylum office) on December 20, 2016. Applied for EAD, got my I-765 receipt on May 4, 2017 (on 155th day).
Is my clock is working? Or was it stopped? I’ve never received any notifications from USCIS about my clock stops. Am I fine? Will I get my EAD? Thank you
My guess is that your clock should be working. Anyway, you will know soon enough – if you get the EAD, it is working; if the EAD is denied, they will tell you. But it sounds to me like you will be fine. Take care, Jason
Thank you Jason!
Today, my status changed to card production.
May 4, 2017 – I 765 received
August 18, 2017 – New card is being produced (on 106th day)
So, moving and changing asylum offices doesn’t affect EAD.
Hi Jason,
What a great source of info, bravo.
I have q question for you. I applied for my asylum in August 2015 (NY), and every since, I have been issued an EAD once and renewed it early this year. I am moving to California, and I was wondering when I do end up notifying the Asylum Office, does this mean that my clock will be reset, and the process will start all over again? should I worry about losing my EAD? When I move, does this mean the process continues or restarts?
Your input is very much appreciated (and anticipated) because this is causing me anxiety, and the reason I’m leaving NY is ANXIETY!
Thanks!
Didi
Moving will not affect the clock or the EAD at this stage, and you should be able to renew the EAD normally, though you will need to change your address by filing a form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason !
The information you gave was very helpful . It has been 2 years i finished my biometrics for the asylum and am just waiting for my interview date . I already received my EAD . I had applied from Minnesota but now i wanted to move to California for college . I do not want to change my address because transferring the case might lengthen the time , so is it okay to keep my permanent address the same in Minnesota while i am in studying California ? The address is my Aunts home in minnesota . Am i breaking any law here doing that ?
Thank you .
Tenzin .
That should be ok, as many students have the school address and the permanent address. As long as you keep using your aunt’s address (for driver’s license, taxes, etc), you should be fine. You may need to explain to the Asylum Officer that your permanent address is with your aunt, and that you return there during school breaks, and that you attend school in CA, and so you should have evidence about all that (school transcripts, evidence of return trips). Take care, Jason
Greetingsl jason!
Thank you for your great work.I am regular reader since 2014,it is precious work.it helped me a lot,I have a question,my case was approved on November 2016.I applied from new York.I Just moved to new jersey because of my job ,is there any effect if i change address now?i applied i-730 already,but address is new York.i am so confuse about this matter,Jason! also i have a another problem about i-94,USCIS did wrong in my I-94,they mistakenly put my birth country is different than my country,how to change that,is there any effect while coming my family because of my i-94?Thanks.
If you move, you should file a change of address – form AR-11, available at http://www.uscis.gov. You can do that online. I thought there was a USCIS form to correct the I-94, but I checked and do not see it (maybe I missed). If not, contact the asylum office directly to see whether they cabin help with this.You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. I am not sure that it matters too much, but if you can correct it, it is probably better. Take care, Jason
Hi Mr.Dzubow,
I have fielded the political asylum in NY on 02/2016, in 01/2017 I got the job in NJ, I am paying taxes, elect, gas etc all and only in NJ because I’m leaving here.I informed the uscis.gov that my new address is at my cousin’s address in NY because I don’t know how long I will be working and living in NJ, in this case, I decided to leave the address to my cousin’s because he’s been living in NY 30yrs ago. Am I doing right or should I inform uscis.gov for my new address in NJ and in this way every time I change the job I have to change the address and “never” get interviewed…
Please advice
If you move a case, you should keep your place in the queue, so it should not matter if you move frequently. Also, remember that moving will only change your asylum office if you move to a new jurisdiction. You can find the jurisdiction of each asylum office if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator and enter your zip code. If your driver’s license, job, taxes, etc. are in NJ, it sounds like that is your permanent address and you should inform the asylum office, but if NY is your permanent address, you can probably just keep that and not inform the asylum office. Take care, Jason
Thanks a lot!
Hi Jason, I have applied for my EAD after 154 days (May 8, 2017) of filing my asylum application with LA office. My lease in San Diego will expire AFTER 180 days of filing, and I intent to move to SF and change my address. If I have not received my EAD card by that time, does changing my address affect the issuance of the EAD while its application is pending?
Thank you very much for all your help.
It should not – make sure to change your address with the local office AND with USCIS on-line using form AR-11 – that way the asylum office will have your new address and your I-765 application for EAD will also have the new address. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
My EAD is going to expire in September 2017. I have moved to another state from NY TO PA. If i update my address and then apply for renewal will i get my EAD timely or should i wait for renewal and then update the address. Please guide. I need EAD for changing my Driver’s Permit and thereon change in Car license plates as i m paying high insurance in NY.
Do you have office in Philadelphia ?
You have time – I would update the address and file the EAD renewal using the new address. We do not have an office in Philly. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
I filed my case in New York in 2015 and it has been pending for 2 years. Approximately I will have my interview in NY in 1 year, but now I need to move to San Francisco which has almost the waiting period as NY.
So the question is: if I move to SF my case will be transferred to the end of the line and I have to wait another 2.5 years for an interview? Or it’s not gonna affect my case much since SF and NY has almost the same waiting period?
Thank you,
Tom
If you move, you should keep your place in the queue. Meaning, it will be as if you originally filed the case in SF. You may want to email the old and new asylum office to make sure that your case was moved and that you are keeping your place in line. You can find their email address if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi, I started my asylum process in California, and after receiving my work permit I moved to Florida for school, and I changed my address through the online website. Now, I want to renew my work permit but I don’t know where I have to send my documents. Do I need to send them to the same USCIS address when I was in California or there is another USCIS address to send the documents from Florida?
Thanks,
You have to check the instructions for the form I-765, available at http://www.uscis.gov. Use your current address. Also, if you did not send a copy of the AR-11 change of address form to the local asylum office, you should do that too. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hi , i made an interview three months ago and still waiting for the decision, i got the interview after two and half years Recently, i v changed my address to different state. Does that delay the decision?
I v read that if I didn’t receive the decision after 2 weeks , the decision may take longer up to one year .
The wait time for an interview is very unpredictable – it can take a few days or years, depending on the case and the asylum officer. Moving should not affect how long you wait. If you do not have a result after a few months, you can contact the asylum office to inquire about your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
thanks for your reply
just one thing, i dont know, as i v said i have been waiting for the decision for more that 3 months then i have changed my address..
does my case stay with the asylum office which i had interview in or the case will move the office which serve the new address? and thats helps me also with asking about the case or when filling for now work authorization..
thanks again..
It should stay with the same asylum office. However, I had a case once where the person needed a second interview and he was sent to the new asylum office. But if you are not interviewed again, I think it will just stay with the office that already interviewed you. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason, thanks for helping.
I have my case pending in New York for 2years now, i moved to Indiana (temporarily) and finally find a job here after only 2weeks while I was not able to find a job in New York that can help me pay my bills but I still don’t change my address for a year now because I didn’t consider that I moved from New York, because all my credit card, bank account and driver license are still in New York address witch is my permanent address, I’m almost every 2weeks in New York, I pay that apartment with a roommate so I can still have that apartment anytime if I find a job in New York, Here in Indiana the housing is almost free compare to New York, that’s why I didn’t change anything because I can afford to pay both, and I really don’t consider myself as an resident of Indiana because the only reason i’am here is my job, and I can leave that anytime if I find something in New York (Only New York) and i’am still looking. My Question is, Am I violating the law by having two different addresses and just keeping the New York address for my asylum case? i’am little scared about it because I just filed my tax here in Indiana, so it’s kind of I’am Indiana’s Resident. I don’t know i’am really confused about it, Can you please help?
As far as I know, there is no definitive answer to this question. It sounds like most of your life is still in NY, and that you can legitimately state that you “live” in NY. I suppose it would have been better to file taxes in NY too, and I suppose you could also legitimately claim to “live” in Indiana. For purposes of the asylum case, though, I think you could probably use either address without much worry – you can explain to the asylum officer why you are a NY resident, and it sounds like there is a good amount of evidence to back that up. Take care, Jason
hello Jason,
Thanks for all your help. I am moving to SF for Work. I have a pending asylum since November 2014. I made an address change when I moved from DC to chicago 2 years ago. One day when I contacted the asylum office to ask about my pending case, they gave me a no. to call. I found out the no. belong to Arlington office. I am really confused. I thought I requested change of address not only once but twice and still they are telling me to call to Arlington office.
So my questions are:
1. How exactly should I file an address change once I arrive in SF? if I have to mail the AR-11, to which offices should I do? Arlington, chicago, or both?
2. How long does it usually take for my documents to arrive at the SF office? Is there an estimate time from your experience?
3. My application was on Nov 2014, now they are interviewing Feb/March 2015 applicant. Will they interview me immediately? Do I need to go to the office in person to put my application in the line?
I apologize for all these questions. I thank you for all your help. Bless you.
Before you do anything, contact the SF office to make sure they have your case. Email may be best. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. As to the questions: (1) Assuming SF has your case, mail or email the AR-11 to them. (2) Once you file an AR-11, the case should be moved in a few months. (3) You should email them once the case is moved and ask. They should interview you pretty quickly once they have the case, so make sure your case is complete. Take care, Jason
Hi , Jason. i made a political asylum in California 45 days ago.i’m done with fingerprints also in california . now i moved to florida can i change my address . will it effect my application and 180 days clock. please help and Thank you.
It is not supposed to affect the clock if you change address before 180 days. I do not fully trust USCIS to get this right, and so I recommend that people do not move and change address before 180 days, but it should be ok to do so. You have to file the AR-11 form (available at http://www.uscis.gov) directly with the local asylum office to change your address. You can send it by email, and you can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
HI Jason.thanks this forum it greatly gelp us .I recently moved with my son in Pennsylvania from Florida but my husband stayed in FL. I have been here for quite a month and half.While here in I applied a got food stamp, it’s a state benefit . when applying they had to check my immigration status with SAVE program ( Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) to make sure of my eligibility .I submitted my asylum case in FL.I ll be back to florida in summer july.As I didn’t change my address with USCIS, is there any risk to do not get EAD while back to FL .probably they may see that there was time I was not in FL for three month and didn’t transfer the case here or notice them about it.
Or should I change it for the time being and change this when I ll be back there.
I am really confused.
If this is a temporary move, you probably should not change the address, as the case will have to transfer to PA and then back to FL when you return. Just keep evidence of the temporary address, and be prepared to explain why you moved for a few months (I doubt you will be asked, but you never know). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason,
Could you please direct me to the source for your recent update regarding this (that moving will no longer stop the clock)? I cannot seem to find it online.
Thank you.
Yuliya Pashkova
It was told to us at a quarterly stake-holder meeting by the director of the Asylum Division. I do not know if it appears on-line. Maybe it is possible to track down the notes from that meeting, but I do not have them, and I think that will be difficult (and I do not even remember the date of the meeting, sorry; probably in 2015). Take care, Jason
Dear Jason
Thank you for Great works.I am in new jersey.i Applied asylum in 2015(still pending)Now i got married and i am moving to CA.i have still confusion about address change.Do i need to fill AR 11 and send it to local asylum office.Or it is good.if i fill only online.
You should send the AR-11 to the local asylum office (you should be able to scan and email it to them). You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Jason,
Thanks so much. Appreciated for your precious work.Had a lot of confusion,because i see in Web (uscis.gov) they said if you fill online no need to fill AR 11.Thank you Jason.You are so great!!!
Dear jason!Thank you for answering every questions.I just moved to CA before two days from NJ.Before to move here i send AR 11 to Newark asylum office.I am getting confuse,how do i know my case is transferd to CA.Thanks.
It should automatically transfer. However, you can contact the NJ asylum office to make sure it was moved, and the CA office to make sure it was received. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dncj
Hi i have an asylum pending case and i moved to a new home in ohio and i was wondering where should i mail my AR-11 form ? To the same mailing address in the instructions page ?! Or deferent one ?
If you have a pending I-765 (work permit) application you need to mail it to the address on the I-765 instructions. Also, whether you have a pending I-765 or not, you need to give it to your local asylum office (you can mail it or email it, or drop it in-person). You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Dear sir,I am from India and an atheist.I belong to a Muslim family my friends who were ex muslims are been killed shortly by extremists .Am I eligible for asylum in USA.Thanks in advance.
If you face a threat of harm due to apostasy, that can be a basis for asylum. You also need to show that you cannot relocate somewhere else in India and be safe and that the government is unable or unwilling to protect you. Take care, Jason
Hello, if i moved my address in the same city where i applied and i sent a notification of my address change, do that will affect the clock to take may EAD? And the processing time of my application?
Thanks
Hello, if i moved my address in the same city where i applied and i sent a notification of my address change, do that will affect the clock to take may EAD? And the processing time of my application? My EAD still case receive.
Thanks
It will have no effect on the clock or the EAD or the asylum case. If you move while your EAD is pending approval, you need to also submit the AR-11 on-line or to USCIS per the instructions (available at http://www.uscis.gov). In addition, submit the AR-11 directly to the local asylum office. Take care, Jason
Hai Jason, if I already have working permit and I want move to san Francisco but my asylum at LA. Can I move to san fransisco but same state? Can I renew my working permit at san fransisco? Thank you.
You can move, and you can file for the new work permit at your new address. However, you have to change your address by filing a form AR-11 (available at http://www.uscis.gov) with the old asylum office that has your case. You can find their contact info if you follow the link at right called Asylum Office Locator. Take care, Jason
Hello, if i moved my address in the same city where i applied and i sent a notification of my address change, do that will affect the clock to take may EAD? And the processing time of my application?
Thanks
It should have no affect on the clock or the processing of the case. Take care, Jason
Hi i moved to dallas tx after i did my interview in LA field office of Houston 4months ago.currently am in waiting for discussion still my family friend available at old a address . Do i need to change my address.
If you moved, you should file a change of address. This should not cause a problem or additional delay. The asylum office will just send your decision to the new address. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
I have applied for asylum (with my wife & 2 Kids) in 2015 in New York but i am living alongwith my family in Pennsylvania and currently have no plan to move to NY. I got a job in PA and kids goes to school. Should i move my case from NY to PA. Our driver permit and car plates were issued from NY. but other things like kids insurance, utility bills, my tax deductions are in PA. Please suggest as my attorney says to keep the case in NY as per him chances of case approval are more in NY. Please guide me what will be impact of moving the address. we already got the EAD which will expire in 2018.
If the asylum office thinks you are lying about your address, it may cause them to think you are lying about other parts of your case. Unless you have a legitimate reason to say that your permanent address is in NY, I think you should probably move your case. Indeed, that is required by the law. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason,
Thank you Jason for the help you provide for asylum seekers and this blog. After reading the article, I was wondering how a temporary change a address not notified to the uscis affects the interview? Are questions about your current address being asked during the interview? Or is the uscis informed about your places of work or studies (through EAD and others)?
Thanks again,
You will have to explain why the address was temporary and why you did not change it. But if you have a good explanation and keep most of your documentation at your permanent address, it should not be a problem. Take care, Jason
Hi Jason
Thank you for this article. It somehow look as the situation I am in.I applied asylum in Texas it”s already been 4 months. I moved to another place where the office is New Jersey for a short courses. While here I applied for medical insurance assistance as I needed a small surgery and when I applying they needed A number and copy of my fingerprint paper to check my status ,lickily I got insurance from the state. I am moving back to Texas in two months. Do I need to change adress. I am afraid as I read in your article it can slow or stop the clock since just 4weeks are ahead for me to apply for EAD.
Moving should no longer stop the clock, but given that you are only in the new address for a short time and you are returning to TX, I do not expect there will be a problem if you keep the case in your permanent address in TX and do not move the case to NJ and then back to TX. Take care, Jason
Hi, Jason! How is it going? So If I move from Illinois to Washington it won’t stop the clock, and I still will be able to get an EAD? If I get you right I think you should update the article, it would help others. Thank you and have a great day!
Good point – I updated it. Thank you, Jason
Hi! If I made a political asylum in Florida can I do the fingerprint in Boston pleas help
This used to be possible, and it may still work, but we have not done it in a while, and I believe they made some changes to the system, so you I am not sure. If you try it, please let us know what happens. Thank you, Jason
Thank you so much jason.