Many are visiting or moving to new places. But if you’re living in the United States on a visa, there’s a new reminder you should not ignore.
The US government is now strictly enforcing an old rule. All foreign nationals staying in the US must register their address or update it every time they move. If not, they could face deportation.
What’s the rule?
This rule is not new. It exists under the Alien Registration Act of 1940. But now, it is being taken more seriously.
The rule says that all non-US citizens must:
Register with the US immigration system
Inform the government within 10 days of changing address
If you don’t do this, you may face fines, jail, or removal from the country.
Who needs to register?
This rule applies to:
People living in the US on work, study, or visitor visas
Green card holders
Asylum seekers
Children and spouses of visa holders
Only a few people with diplomatic visas are exempt.
What to do?
If you are in the US on any kind of visa, here’s what you need to do:
Fill out Form AR-11
Submit it online or by post
Do this every time you change your address
You can do it online at the USCIS website. It takes just a few minutes.
What happens if you ignore this?
Immigration officers can now check if you have registered. If not, you may:
Lose your visa
Face legal problems
Be asked to leave the country
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in the US. This rule applies to everyone who is not a US citizen.
Why is this happening now?
After the pandemic, the US is being more careful about immigration rules. Authorities want to keep better records of everyone living in the country.
There are many people who have lived in the US for years but never filed AR-11. Now, they could face trouble.
What Indian nationals should know
The US is home to over 4.5 million Indians. Many are students, IT professionals, doctors, and visitors.
If you have an:
H-1B
L-1
F-1 (student visa)
B1/B2 (visitor visa)
You must file this form every time you change your home address. This also applies to your family members.
Simple steps to register
Go to uscis.gov
Click on Change of Address Online
Fill the Form AR-11
Submit it and keep a copy
Final advice
This rule is being taken seriously. If you or someone you know lives in the US on a visa, make sure to register.
It’s quick. It’s free. And it may protect your stay in the US
