Information for International Scholars at UNLV

Change of Mailing Address Requirement

If you move, you must notify the USCIS and the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) within 10 days.

1) J-1 and F-1 - Those individuals who have been entered into the SEVIS system (i.e., F-1s, F-2s, J-1s and J-2s) satisfy this requirement by reporting the new address to OISS within 10 days of the change.
2) Other visa categories – Other visa categories such as H-1B, H-4 and pending immigrants (those who are applying for permanent residency) must complete DHS Form AR-11 and mail it to DHS within 10 days of the address change.
3) Special Registrants - If you are subject to Special Registration, there is a different form you need to complete – Form AR-11SR.

Sending Form AR-11 informs USCIS of your address change, but it does NOT tell a processing center or district office to change your address on a pending petition. If you have a change of status, extension of status, petition for permanent residence, or work permission request pending, speak to the International Scholar Advisor before filing Form AR-11.

Guidelines for Completing Form AR-11

When do we need to file the form?

You need to file the AR-11 form if your address has changed since you last entered the U.S. You must file within 10 days of the change.

If you are here with Dependents:

You need to complete and send Form AR-11 to USCIS for each person.

OISS suggests making a photocopy of the complete Form AR-11 for your personal records and sending it by CERTIFIED MAIL, so that you have proof that you have complied with the requirement.

Remember to update your address with OISS as well.

Download Form AR-11 Change of Address Form.

NAME:

Write your name exactly as it appears on your passport and I-94. If you do not have a middle name, write the word “none” in that space.

I AM IN THE UNITED STATES AS:

If you are a J-1 Professor, Research Scholar, or Short-Term Scholar, check “Visitor.”

If you are a J-1 or F-1 Student, check “Student.”

If you are an H-1B, TN, J-2, F-2, or TD dependent, or in another non-immigrant status, check “Other” and write in your visa type.

COPY NUMBER FROM ALIEN CARD:

If you do not have an “A” number from an alien card (permanent resident card), you may cross out the A and write “I-94 Number” and then fill in the I-94 number from the Form I-94 arrival/departure record stapled in your current passport.

PRESENT ADDRESS:

Even if you receive all your mail at a P.O. Box, indicate your RESIDENTIAL address. USCIS has made very clear that your RESIDENCE address is what should be written here, not an office, department, or work address.

(IF THE ABOVE ADDRESS IS TEMPORARY):

I expect to remain here… You need to provide your best estimate at the time you fill out the form. You will complete a new AR-11 when you move, so USCIS will have a good idea where you live anyway. Do not automatically estimate the number of years by the prospective completion/end date on your DS-2019/I-20 or H-1B approval notice. You may want to use the length of your current lease or rental agreement.

I WORK FOR OR ATTEND SCHOOL AT:

Research scholars, professors, short-term scholars, faculty, and staff should write their department name and address.

Students who graduate and are on Academic Training/OPT should write the company/employer name and address.

Current students who have not graduated should write the OISS address.

PORT OF ENTRY INTO U.S.:

This is the city or airport where you most recently entered the U.S. It is stamped in red on your Form I-94 or in your passport.

DATE OF ENTRY INTO U.S.:

This is the date of your most recent entry into the U.S. as stamped in red on your Form I-94 or in your passport.

IF NOT A PERMANENT RESIDENT, MY STAY IN THE U.S. EXPIRES ON:

If you are in J-1 status, your expiration date will be D/S plus the ending date on your most recent DS-2019 form.

If you are in H-1B status, your expiration date is the end date listed on your Form I-797 approval notice.

If you are in F-1 status, your expiration date will be D/S plus the end date on your Form I-20 or Practical Training period.