Millennials are known to be a restless generation, always on-the-go. Technologies have also enabled them to study and work remotely. They are also likely to move frequently for various reasons. International students who hold F, J or M visas also tend to move constantly because of school changes or a new job. So do foreign workers in H-1B, L-1, etc., status. When they move, they must make sure that they report their address change to various government and private organizations. Correct and timely reporting not only ensures proper delivery of mail, but also avoids status violations. The following is a checklist of things to do when you move:
Notify Your School: Report any changes of your U.S. address or overseas permanent address to your Designated School Official (DSO). Most schools also have a webpage, email address or form for student to update their information. Failure to timely report an address change can be viewed as a status violation.
File the AR-11 form with DHS: By law, all non-US citizens must file the AR-11 form with the DHS within 10 days of move. Knowing failure to file the form is a ground for deportation. Surprisingly, many foreign students are not aware of this legal requirement.
Notify the U.S. Postal Services: Failure to notify the U.S. Postal Services about your address change will result in loss or misdelivery of mail and important documents. The postal office will also be able to forward your mail to the new address for a period of time.
Notify your immigration attorney: It is very important for your lawyer to have your up-to-date contact information, including physical and mailing address, phone number and email, etc., on file. Such information could make a huge difference in applications for immigration benefits.
Notify your employer: For F-1 students who work, they must also report their new address to their employer. We have seen many payroll statements that show an employee's old address, which could cause problems with their immigration petitions.
Notify the State DMV: You are also required to change your address on your driver's license and auto registration when you move. Each state has its own strict deadlines and fees. It is not wise to procrastinate.
Notify your bank and financial institutions: For obvious reasons, you don't want your bank or credit statements to be sent to a wrong address. Despite the popularity of paperless statements, certain documents such as a new credit card or legal documents are still sent to your physical address.
Notify your insurance companies: This includes your auto insurance, life insurance, property, rental, and health insurance
Notify Social Security Administration: For those who have a social security number and are working, they should also notify the SSA about the address change online at ssa.gov.
Notify anybody else who may send you physical mail and goods: This includes your magazine subscriptions, online accounts such as Amazon, friends and family, etc.
Finally, one must distinguish her physical address and mailing or permanent address. Even if you are moving to a new address temporarily but keeping your permanent address, you must still notify your school DSO and DHS of the change. The AR-11 form and U.S. Postal Services online portal allow you to report a temporary change of physical address.
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