How Can I Change My Green Card Application Status?

During the Green Card application process, there might be situations where you need to change or update your application status due to changes in your personal information, circumstances, or eligibility. For example, you might move to a new address, change employers, or get married, and it’s essential to inform the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about these updates to ensure the proper processing of your application.

Common Reasons for Changing Your Green Card Application Status:

Change of Address:

If you move to a new address after submitting your Green Card application, you are required to inform USCIS about the address change.

• You can file a Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) online or by mail. You should also update your address in the USCIS online account if you have one.
• It’s important to keep USCIS informed of your address to avoid missing any communications about your case.

Change in Employment:

If you are applying for a Green Card based on employment (e.g., through an employer-sponsored visa), and there is a change in your employer, you must inform USCIS about this change. This is especially important for employment-based Green Card applicants.

• In some cases, you might need to file a new Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) or update your Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) if the new employment involves a different job or employer.

Change in Family Status:

If you get married or have a child after submitting your Green Card application, you must update your application to reflect these changes.

• For example, you may need to file an additional Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) for a newly married spouse or file the necessary documents to include a child as a derivative applicant.

Change in Immigration Status or Eligibility:

If your immigration status changes or you become eligible under a different category, you must notify USCIS of this change.

• For example, if you transition from a temporary visa holder to a permanent resident or gain eligibility for a different Green Card category, you may need to file additional forms or documents to update your application.

Error Correction:

If you made a mistake or provided incorrect information in your application, you can correct the mistake by submitting the correct form or updated information to USCIS.

• You can submit a letter of explanation along with the corrected documents or forms to fix any errors in your application, such as names, dates of birth, or other personal details.

Requesting an Expedite:

If there is an urgent reason for expediting your Green Card process (such as a medical emergency or a critical employment situation), you can request to expedite your application. You must submit a formal request with supporting evidence to USCIS.

Steps to Change or Update Your Green Card Application Status:

File Form AR-11 (Change of Address):

If your address has changed, you are required to notify USCIS by filing Form AR-11. This ensures that USCIS sends correspondence to the correct address.

• You can submit Form AR-11 online through the USCIS website or mail it directly to USCIS.

Submit Updated Forms:

If your situation changes in a way that requires additional forms, such as a new Form I-130 for a new spouse or an I-140 for employment changes, submit the necessary forms promptly.

• For example, if you switch employers while your Green Card application is pending, you may need to file a new Form I-140 if you are in an employment-based category.

Submit Evidence and Supporting Documentation:

If you are updating your application due to a change in family status (e.g., marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child), provide the necessary evidence such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other official documents.

• If your application is being affected by employment changes, you will need to submit new employment letters, job descriptions, or updated Form I-485 documentation.

Contact USCIS Customer Service:

If you need to request a status update or have complex changes to discuss, you can contact USCIS customer service or use their online Case Status Tool to track the progress of your application.

• You can also schedule an appointment at a USCIS local office through the Infopass system if you need to speak with an officer in person.

Follow Up on Your Request:

After submitting any changes, keep track of your case. You will typically receive a confirmation notice from USCIS once they have processed your update or change.

• Ensure that you also check for any additional information or documents requested by USCIS.

Monitor Your Visa Bulletin:

If your priority date is involved in the application process, make sure to check the Visa Bulletin regularly to see if your priority date becomes current, allowing you to move forward with your application.

Example:

Maria, a Green Card applicant, recently moved to a new address. She submitted her Form AR-11 online and updated her address in the USCIS online account. A few months later, Maria's Form I-485 was accepted, and she received a notice to attend her biometrics appointment at her new address. By keeping USCIS informed about her address change, she was able to receive all updates on time and continue the process without delay.

Conclusion:

Changing or updating your Green Card application status is a crucial part of ensuring that your case is processed smoothly, and that USCIS has the most accurate information about your application. Whether it's an address change, employment shift, family status update, or correction of errors, notifying USCIS in a timely manner helps avoid delays and complications in your Green Card journey. Always remember to file the appropriate forms and provide the necessary supporting documents to ensure your application remains valid and up-to-date.