Immigration Information
How to Change Your Address During an Immigration Case
And What to Do If You Missed a Hearing
Moving can affect where immigration notices are delivered. Updating one agency may not update every immigration record, and missing a hearing can have serious legal consequences.
Why Keeping Your Address Current Matters
Immigration agencies and courts may send notices, interview appointments, requests for evidence and hearing information to the most recent address contained in their records.
If a notice is sent to an old address, a person may not learn about an important deadline or court date until after it has passed. In some circumstances, failing to appear at an Immigration Court hearing can result in a removal order being entered in the person’s absence.
A New Immigration Court Decision
On September 3, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued a precedential decision called Matter of Diji.
The Board held that, when mailing a Notice to Appear by regular mail, the Department of Homeland Security may rely on the most recent address previously provided by the person. That can include an address provided before the Notice to Appear was issued.
The Board also held that written notice may be considered sufficient for an in absentia proceeding when it is mailed to the most recent address the person provided.
USCIS and Immigration Court Use Different Systems
The correct update process depends on which agencies are handling the person’s applications or proceedings. Updating an address with one agency does not necessarily update records maintained by another.
Applications and Petitions
USCIS generally requires noncitizens who are subject to address reporting requirements to report a change of address within 10 days.
An address can generally be updated through a USCIS online account or by following the agency’s Form AR-11 process.
Changing an address with the Postal Service does not automatically update it with USCIS.
Immigration Court and BIA Cases
A person with a pending Immigration Court case generally uses Form EOIR-33/IC or EOIR Respondent Access to update contact information.
A person with a matter pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals generally uses Form EOIR-33/BIA.
Updating USCIS does not necessarily update the Immigration Court or Board of Immigration Appeals record.
Address-Change Checklist
- Identify every immigration agency handling an application, petition, appeal or court proceeding.
- Review recent notices to determine which agency or court issued each document.
- Follow the specific address-change procedure required by each agency.
- Include every pending receipt number or case number required by the applicable process.
- If represented, notify the immigration attorney or accredited representative immediately.
- Retain copies, electronic confirmations, mailing receipts and delivery records showing when and where each update was submitted.
- Continue checking case information and mail sent to the previous address when it is safe and practical to do so.
What If You Already Missed an Immigration Hearing?
A person who misses an Immigration Court hearing may be ordered removed in absentia. However, a missed hearing does not mean that every case has the same legal outcome.
Depending on the facts, an attorney may evaluate whether a motion to reopen or rescind an in absentia order is available. Issues that may matter include:
- Whether proper notice was provided
- Which address appeared in government records
- When and how an address change was submitted
- Whether the notice was returned as undeliverable
- Whether exceptional circumstances prevented attendance
- Whether the person was in federal or state custody
- How much time has passed since the removal order
- What documents or other evidence support the request
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my address with USPS update my immigration case?
No. A Postal Service change of address does not replace the separate procedures used by USCIS, Immigration Court or the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Does updating my address with USCIS update Immigration Court?
Not necessarily. USCIS and the Executive Office for Immigration Review maintain different systems. A person with a court case may need to update the Immigration Court separately.
Which EOIR address form should I use?
Form EOIR-33/IC is generally used for a case pending before an Immigration Judge. Form EOIR-33/BIA is generally used for a matter pending before the Board of Immigration Appeals. Follow the current form instructions for the particular proceeding.
Can a hearing notice be sent to an address I provided before my court case began?
Under the Board of Immigration Appeals’ September 3, 2026 decision in Matter of Diji, DHS may rely on the most recent address the person provided, including an address provided before issuance of the Notice to Appear.
Can a removal order be entered if I did not attend the hearing?
In some circumstances, an Immigration Judge may enter an in absentia removal order when a person fails to appear. Whether the notice was legally sufficient and whether a remedy may be available depend on the individual facts.
Can a missed immigration hearing be reopened?
A motion to reopen or rescind may be available in certain circumstances, including some cases involving lack of notice, qualifying exceptional circumstances or custody through no fault of the person. Eligibility, deadlines and evidence requirements must be evaluated individually.
What records should I keep after changing my address?
Keep copies of every submitted form, online confirmation, receipt number, mailing receipt, delivery record and communication with the agency, court or legal representative.
Related Immigration Resources
Get Clear Guidance About Your Immigration Case
If you moved, missed a notice or learned that a hearing occurred without you, Barchiesi Law PLLC can review the circumstances and explain the legal options that may be available.
Immigration legal help is available in English and Spanish.
Official Information and Sources
- Board of Immigration Appeals: Matter of Diji
- USCIS: How to Change Your Address
- EOIR: Immigration Court and BIA Address-Change Forms
- EOIR Respondent Access
This page provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration procedures, court decisions and government policies may change. Reading this page or contacting Barchiesi Law PLLC does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every immigration matter depends on its individual facts and applicable law. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Do not rely on this page to calculate or satisfy a filing, hearing, appeal or other legal deadline.