Have you changed your address since arriving in the U.S? If you are an immigrant in the United States, it’s up to you to make absolutely certain that you are receiving the important immigration notices and documents you need – without delay.

It is absolutely imperative for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to have your correct mailing address at all times – and now, it’s actually more important than ever. Keep reading to learn why.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN BEGINNING IN APRIL?

Beginning on April 2, 2018, USCIS will destroy all Permanent Resident Cards, Employment Authorization Cards, and Travel Documents that are returned as undeliverable by the U.S. Postal Service.

Permanent Resident Cards, Employment Authorization Cards, and Travel Documents will be destroyed by USCIS after sixty business days if USCIS has not been contacted by the document’s intended recipient and if the correct mailing address has not been provided.

If you requested or expected an immigration document, moved, failed to receive the document, and it is destroyed, you will be looking at a long wait – and probably an additional expense – to replace that document.

HOW CAN AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER HELP YOU?

Immigrants in the United States may need the advice and legal services of an experienced Las Vegas immigration attorney to help them understand precisely what the law requires and how to comply with it.

If you are an immigrant in the U.S., don’t hesitate to seek the legal help you need.

USCIS encourages every immigrant to report a change of address within ten days of relocating within the United States or any of its territories using the change of address procedures outlined at uscis.gov/addresschange. Exceptions include:

1. Diplomats
2. Official government representatives to an international organization
3. Certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for less than thirty days

WHERE ARE YOUR DOCUMENTS SENT?

If you are entering the United States on an immigrant visa, USCIS will mail your Green Card to the mailing address in the United States that you provided at the time of your immigrant visa interview or to the address you provided when you were admitted entry into the United States.

If you move after you arrive in the United States, please update your address. To avoid the inconvenience of extra waiting and additional cost, make sure that you always give USCIS your current mailing address.

Mailing address information may be used by and disclosed to U.S. Department of Homeland Security personnel and contractors or other agents who need the information to assist in activities related to providing status information on a pending immigration benefit application or petition.

WHY IS IT VITAL FOR USCIS TO HAVE YOUR ADDRESS?

In other words, it is very much in your best interests for USCIS to have your current, accurate mailing address. Immigration authorities may need to contact you for a number of reasons, including immigration benefits and changes in your immigration status.

U.S. immigration laws are complicated and confusing. Changes in the law are frequent. Staying compliant and up-to-date with the law can take a little bit of effort.

If you have any questions regarding compliance with immigration laws, call today and speak to an experienced Las Vegas immigration attorney to have your questions answered.