U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently launched a new self-service, which simplifies the process of changing your address with USCIS. This new Enterprise Change of Address (E-COA) tool is designed to make life easier for individuals with pending applications, petitions, or requests, streamlining the address update process and enhancing efficiency.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how the E-COA tool works, its key features, and who can benefit from this user-friendly platform.
What is E-COA?
The E-COA tool allows users with pending applications, petitions, or requests to update their address with USCIS more easily. This initiative aims to reduce the hassle of changing addresses by offering a one-stop solution. With E-COA, most individuals with a USCIS online account can efficiently update their mailing and physical addresses for pending applications, petitions, or requests.
Streamlining the Address Update Process
Before the introduction of E-COA, changing your address with USCIS could be a cumbersome and time-consuming task, often involving multiple steps. With E-COA, the process becomes far more streamlined, by eliminating the need to update the address in multiple places; fill out a paper AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card; call the Contact Center; or visit a USCIS Field or Asylum Office. E-COA will automate address changes for almost all form types (the exceptions are listed at https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange).
Who Can Benefit from E-COA?
E-COA is available to most individuals with a USCIS online account, regardless of whether their pending case was submitted online or by mail. The tool can be used by individuals with pending applications, petitions, or requests, making it highly convenient for those going through the immigration process. Even if you don’t have any pending applications, you can use the tool to meet the requirement of notifying USCIS of your address change.
However, it’s important to note that individuals protected under 8 USC 1367 (persons with pending or approved applications or petitioners for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) benefits, T nonimmigrant status, or U nonimmigrant status, and their beneficiaries or derivatives) cannot use E-COA during the initial phase. For these cases, please follow the specific instructions provided on how to request a change of address:
- Represented applicants or petitioners with VAWA-, T-, or U-related cases can request a change of address by emailing the designated mailbox under the Inquiries for VAWA, T, and U Filings section.
- Unrepresented individuals with VAWA-, T-, or U-related cases can request a change of address by following the instructions on the How to Change Your Address webpage. Individuals who requested parole for an Afghan national can request a change of address for beneficiaries who have relocated outside of Afghanistan by following the instructions on the Information for Afghan Nationals webpage.
How to Use E-COA
To take advantage of the E-COA tool, you need a USCIS online account. You will need to enter your last name, date of birth, and new physical and mailing addresses. It’s also encouraged to provide information about any pending application, petition, or request to facilitate the process.
Important Notes
It’s crucial to remember that changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) does not automatically update your address with USCIS. Both addresses must be updated separately. Address changes made through E-COA will not impact Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) or Privacy Act (PA) requests. If you need to change your address for a FOIA or PA request, please email FOIAPAQuestions@uscis.dhs.gov.
Conclusion
The E-COA tool marks a significant step forward in simplifying and expediting the process of updating your address with USCIS. This innovative platform streamlines the experience for customers, making it easier than ever to maintain accurate contact information during the immigration process. If you have pending applications, petitions, or requests with USCIS, or even if you simply need to notify USCIS of an address change, E-COA is here to make the process more efficient and hassle-free.
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