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Sponsoring someone for immigration in the United States comes with serious responsibilities.
One such responsibility is notifying the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you change your address.
How? By using Form I-865.
If you want to know who must file it, what the cost is, and what steps the process includes, check out our detailed guide below.
Need help with Form I-865?
Bradford H. Bernstein
This article was written and reviewed by Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., who has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio
What Is Form I-865?
Form I-865, Sponsor’s Notice of Change of Address, is used by Green Card sponsors to notify USCIS of a change in their address.
Sponsors must inform USCIS of any address change within 30 days of moving.
Notifying USCIS of address changes ensures that sponsors are compliant with sponsorship requirements.
Who Can File I-865?
Form I-865 can be filed by people who previously filed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to support an immigrant applying for a Green Card financially so they do not become a public charge.
These include:
- Primary sponsors: An individual who accepted financial responsibility for the sponsored immigrant.
- Joint sponsors: People who agreed to sponsor the immigrant because the primary sponsor did not meet the income requirements.
- Substitute sponsors: Individuals who filed Form I-864 in place of the original sponsor — for example, if the petitioner died.
Form I-865: The Process
To simplify the process for filing Form I-865, we have broken it down into quick and easy steps.
1. Find The Form
You can search for Form I-865 on the official USCIS website. Before you start, ensure you have the latest document version.
If you don’t have internet access, you can request a form by mail by calling the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-767-1833.
2. Read The Instructions
Download and carefully read the Form I-865 instructions, which include:
- Who must file the form
- When to file Form I-865
- How to fill it out
- Where to send Form I-865
- What happens if you do not file on time
3. Complete Form I-865
Type your information or write clearly using black ink.
List the following:
- Your full legal name
- Your date of birth
- Your new physical address
- Your new mailing address
- Information about the sponsored immigrants — names and A-numbers
- Interpreter’s information, if you are using an interpreter to file Form I-865
- Preparer’s information, if someone is helping you with the form
Double-check for errors or blank fields.
Sign the form. Note that USCIS does not accept a stamped or typed name as a substitute for a signature.
4. Mail Form I-865
Send Form I-865 to:
USCIS TSC
Attn: I-865
6046 N. Belt Line Rd., Ste. 865
Irving, TX 75038-0021
Use a trackable mail service — for example, certified mail — to confirm delivery.
5. Reply To Requests For More Information
USCIS may ask for additional information, evidence, or original documents to support your Form I-865. They will return the originals when they verify the information.
6. Wait For The Decision
USCIS will review your Form I-865 and determine if the information provided is sufficient to update your address. They will notify you in writing if your form is rejected.
If USCIS rejects your Form I-865, they will send instructions about how to correct and resubmit it.
Form I-865: Cost
Form I-865 has no filing fee. This allows sponsors to meet their legal obligations without additional financial burden.
Form I-865: Filing Tips
Filing Form I-865 is easy, but small mistakes can lead to unexpected issues. Keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- File Form I-865 within 30 days of changing your address.
- Use the most recent version from the USCIS website.
- Provide accurate information.
- Keep a copy of the form for your records.
- Ensure you send Form I-865 to the right address.
- Stay up to date with USCIS policy changes related to sponsor requirements.
Need Help With Form I-865? Schedule A Consultation
Immigration forms can be confusing as they have many requirements and deadlines to meet.
Are you wondering if you are doing everything right? You do not have to go through this alone — our experienced and caring attorneys at Spar & Bernstein will answer your questions and guide you through the process.
We will:
- Explain clearly who needs to file Form I-865 and why it matters
- Walk you through the form, section by section
- Ensure you do not miss the 30-day window to file the form
- Review the document for mistakes
- Clarify your sponsor obligations so you know what to expect
- Help you keep records, so you always have what you need on hand
In addition to Form I-865, our team of immigration lawyers will:
- Explain when your financial responsibility as a sponsor ends
- Help you with processes if you face unexpected changes in your life, such as divorce or financial hardship, that can impact your sponsorship obligations
- Share how to avoid common pitfalls like missing notifications from USCIS
Spar & Bernstein is here to help you stay informed and organized in your role as a sponsor. Reach out to our compassionate team of lawyers if you have questions or need legal guidance!
Need help with immigration forms?
Form I-865: FAQs
To conclude, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Form I-865 to ensure you are fully informed.
What happens if I do not file Form I-865?
If you do not file Form I-865 within 30 days from the date you changed your residential or mailing address, you can face penalties, including fines.
Do I need to file Form I-865 if I move temporarily?
Yes, you must file Form I-865 for any address change, whether temporary or permanent.
How long do I need to notify USCIS of address changes?
You must notify USCIS of any address changes until your sponsor obligation ends, which is usually when the sponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, earns 40 qualifying quarters of work, or under other conditions.
Do I need to file Form I-865 if I change my mailing address but not my physical address?
Yes, you must file Form I-865 if your mailing address or physical address changes so that USCIS can reach you.
What if I move to a different state or country?
You must file Form I-865 regardless of whether you move within the U.S. or abroad.
Do I need to file Form I-865 if I am no longer a sponsor?
No, if your sponsor obligation has ended, you do not need to file Form I-865.
Can I withdraw my financial support by filing Form I-865?
No, Form I-865 is used only for address updates and does not terminate your sponsor obligation.
Can I use Form AR-11 instead of Form I-865 if I am a sponsor?
No, Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card, is for general address updates. If you are a sponsor, you must use Form I-865.
Can I update my address over the phone instead of filing Form I-865?
No, USCIS does not allow address changes for sponsors by phone. Address updates for sponsors must be done by filing Form I-865.
Is the status of the sponsored immigrant affected when I file Form I-865?
No, Form I-865 only updates the sponsor’s address and does not affect the immigrant’s status or application process.
Do I need to notify the sponsored immigrant when I file Form I-865?
No, you do not need to inform the sponsored immigrant.
What if I no longer have a copy of my original Form I-864?
If you no longer have a copy of I-864, you still need to file Form I-865. Contact USCIS if you need help retrieving your original records.
Will USCIS send me a receipt notice when they get my Form I-865?
No, USCIS typically does not issue Form I-797, Notice of Action, when they receive Form I-865. The reason is that Form I-865 is a notification of an address change, and not an application or petition.
Can I file Form I-865 before I move?
No, you should file Form I-865 after you have officially changed your address.
How long should I keep a copy of Form I-865 after filing it?
You should keep a copy of Form I-865 and proof of submission for the entire period of your sponsorship to avoid problems.
Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-865?
While the form itself is straightforward, an immigration lawyer can help you make sure that you have listed all the needed information and submitted I-865 correctly.
Can a lawyer or legal representative file Form I-865 on my behalf?
Yes, a lawyer or a legal representative can file Form I-865 on your behalf, but you must still sign the form.
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