AR11. Can we make sure it's been filed?

R

rav_oranges

Registered Users (C)
Hello Everyone,

I came to the US four years ago and moved directly into my apartment and have been there ever since. About three years ago I started the GC process. A year ago I also renewed my H1.

I just got my GC through the post.

When I moved into my apartment I sent off an AR11 but stupidly just put it in the regular post, I was new and stupid and didn't send it with any tracking, etc.

Now when I have received my GC, it mentions about updating the address on the AR11 form all the time. I don't think that I ever got a confirmation or anything back from them when I sent the form. I'm now kicking myself for not tracking the posting.

All my dealings with the USCIS have had the same address and I have received all the notices, etc.

Is there anythign I can do to see if my address has been noted by the DHS? Should I resubmit another AR11 but leave the old address blank as that would be in another country and over four years back?

I know I'm a worrier but is this something I need to get a lawyer for? If I can stop any future problems now, I would like too. I will of course from now on either do online or send with tracking if I ever move, though that at the moment isn't likely.

Thanks.
 
I don't think a lawyer is needed. You can also file AR-11 online nowadays. I think you complied with the law, and hopefully they have the AR-11 in file. If you move between now and your naturalization you might consider the online AR-11 option, I am sure you can print a confirmation page. You could probably do it now if you want. I don't think it hurts.
I am not sure how I sent my AR-11 years ago, but perhaps it was regular mail. I wouldn't panic about this. Only problem could be that you don't have proof of sending it, but it is also their fault that they don't send anything back when you register ;)

My 2 cents.
 
Thanks for the reply, it's really appreciated.

If I do it now, it asks for the previous address and that would be abroad and that of 4 years ago and me now having the GC might look weird.

Do you think it would be a good idea if I sent a letter to the AR11 address saying that I'm resending but this time keeping a record?

Or just send the form by mail with the previous address blank and this time track it?

Or as a last option am I worrying myself over nothing and just fill in a AR11 if I ever move from my current location.

I suppose my question is, if the DHS didn't get the AR11 would it cause big problems for me in the future?

It's just that I'm in the position of just getting my GC and want to do everything right. USCIS were sending all the stuff to the right place but I have begun to understand AR11 is more for some other department.

Thanks for any help.
 
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I don't remember what I did. I either put both the old and new addresses the same, or left that one blank. I don't remember putting my previous address abroad. If it lets you leave that field blank that should probably be ok. I think they care mostly about your new address, perhaps they ask for the old address to correlate to any previous AR-11 you might have sent. Overall I think this is a minor issue. If it puts your mind to ease you can do what you say, send the form by some trackable means, with return receipt and a letter explaining your concern. Either way I think you should be fine, it is mostly about your peace of mind.

My 2 cents.
 
Huracan said:
I don't remember what I did. I either put both the old and new addresses the same, or left that one blank. I don't remember putting my previous address abroad. If it lets you leave that field blank that should probably be ok. I think they care mostly about your new address, perhaps they ask for the old address to correlate to any previous AR-11 you might have sent. Overall I think this is a minor issue. If it puts your mind to ease you can do what you say, send the form by some trackable means, with return receipt and a letter explaining your concern. Either way I think you should be fine, it is mostly about your peace of mind.

My 2 cents.
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Thanks Huracan,

I think what I'll do is just send the one in the mail with my current address in both sections and just add a postit and say updating with alien number from the GC, which I didn't have before.

Do you think that's okay? It seems from your comments, I might be over worrying about this, is that true?

Thanks...
 
What you say seems perfectly fine to me. That's most likely what I did, if my memory serves me well. I don't recall if I added an explanation or just sent the form. It is the nature of immigration to make us worry :) Anyway, thousands and thousands of people naturalize without having sent a AR-11 ever. Although it is a requirement that has some severe penalties it hasn't been enforced much. I would guess that they wrote this law in the book to avoid people just "disappearing", but as long as you have been filing things with the government they should be able to find you. I believe this part of the law was introduced over fifty years ago, when it was much more difficult to track people. I guess they haven't removed the requirement just to have another way to track immigrants, and put the onus on them, instead of the government. I think some lawyers take the position that filing an application with USCIS works as well as AR-11 as notifying them of your current address.
 
Isn't AR-11 just for address changes within the US? Not for first-time moving into the US? Provided that the initial move was into the address provided on the I-94, is AR-11 really required for somebody who stays in the same place?
 
rav_oranges said:
Hello Everyone,

Is there anythign I can do to see if my address has been noted by the DHS? Should I resubmit another AR11 but leave the old address blank as that would be in another country and over four years back?

I know I'm a worrier but is this something I need to get a lawyer for? Thanks.
Click to expand...

If you are in doubt send an another one in or do it online with the old address being blank. Trying to seek a lawyer's opinion it a bit too much if you ask me.
 
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