H1-B Approved-Approval Notice-Change of Address

[a380x]

Hi Everybody,
On 19-May-2008, I received status update from USCIS that my H1-B got approved and they have sent out approval notice. Before I ask questions, let me describe summary of app process.

My employer had me check I-129 for my information and in that I had given my old address, say address-1, because when they were applying that's the address I was staying at.

I moved on 1-Apr-08 to a new place. By this time, the app was already sent out with old address.

Now when on 19-May-08, I received status update, USCIS mentioned that if I move before I receive the receipt, I should contact customer service. I have following questions in this regard:

1) Was I supposed to inform USCIS as soon as I moved?

2) How serious the change of address is withe regard to approval of H1-B? Can it happen that not updating USCIS in timely manner have an effect on approval? I don't think so, but still would like to hear your opinions.

3) Notice of Approval is as same as I-797, right?

4) Who receives the notice of approval? Employer or Me? There was no lawyer involved here.

5) Who is supposed to update USCIS? Employer or Me?

I am not sure if my employer still aware of the approval.

Please let me know your opinions, ideas, and suggestions.

Thank you,
VJ

[DMX17]

1) and 2) For addess change follow:

https://www.immihelp.com/reporting-c...ress-to-uscis/

3)I-797A or I-797B are approval notice. I-797C is just a receipt notice to state that your case has been received, pending etc.

4) Employer. H1 is an employer's petition.

5) See 1)

[a380x]

The USCIS site states that..
Customers who have an application and/or petition which has been filed with USCIS but has not yet been decided (also known as a 'pending' case) should notify USCIS of any change of address as soon as possible after moving.

The keyword here is pending. My case already been approved. Do you think it will be a good idea to simply call up USCIS on their customer service and just update the address.

The website states USCIS should be notified in 10 days after change of address. I had updated address in my University's database withing 10 days, so that they must have updated SEVIS. But I wasn't aware that I was supposed to update USCIS as well! And it has been more than 10 days, will this be a problem? Should we even mention this to USCIS? or just simply call up and update the address?

Thanks for your quick reply and time.
VJ

[DMX17]

Since your case has been approved, I think you do not need to notify USCIS. The address change with the university (sevis) should take care of address change with DHS, I think. To be sure, you might want to talk to your international office if you need to file the AR-11 or the school takes care of that. I don't know much about this so see what others have to say.

[txh1b]

For a H1b, address change has less impact as that will be mailed to the Attorney on file/Employer. AR11 filing is a requirement for everyone irrespective of a pending application status. Just file it.

[a380x]

Since your case has been approved, I think you do not need to notify USCIS. The address change with the university (sevis) should take care of address change with DHS, I think. To be sure, you might want to talk to your international office if you need to file the AR-11 or the school takes care of that. I don't know much about this so see what others have to say.

I just informed my employer and the University about this. I specifically asked the International Center of the Uni that when they update SEVIS , does USCIS also get notified?

Will update here as soon as I receive info
Thanks

[a380x]

For a H1b, address change has less impact as that will be mailed to the Attorney on file/Employer. AR11 filing is a requirement for everyone irrespective of a pending application status. Just file it.

Alright. If the employer receives the notice then it is fine. I was not even sure of this.

Filling up AR-11 without worrying much sounds reasonable but let's just wait for Int center of Uni to respond.
Thanks

[txh1b]

AR11 is a simple form and does not involve any fees. In your best interest, fill it, drop it in the mail, keep a copy for yourself.

A sevis update will sned an update to USCIS. This is to ensure that you have proof that you have complied with the address change requirement of USCIS that I am asking to file AR11. It costs less than a buck to do it.

[a380x]

AR11 is a simple form and does not involve any fees. In your best interest, fill it, drop it in the mail, keep a copy for yourself.

A sevis update will sned an update to USCIS. This is to ensure that you have proof that you have complied with the address change requirement of USCIS that I am asking to file AR11. It costs less than a buck to do it.

Okie dokie. Filing AR-11 is not at all a problem. I just wanted to make sure that I take right steps when I do the address change.

As DMX17 pointed out, change of address can be filed online as well. The site states Most customers can now notify USCIS to change their address on a pending case online here on our website. Non-citizens can also now complete the Form AR-11 online here on our website. So, it won't take any money to file it not even a buck!

Further , FYI, updating SEVIS does not update USCIS, that's what I heard back from Int Center of the Uni. I need to update USCIS separately and specifically.

There's a field in AR-11 that asks If not a Permanent Resident,my stay in the U.S. expires on: (Date - mm/dd/yyyy) . I am not sure what date to insert in this after I got the approval. I think it will be 3 years from 1-Oct-08, right?

[txh1b]

It all depends on what notifying USCIS means. SEVIS database is owned by DHS and USCIS is part of DHS. But essentially, USCIS does not have the time to check the DB to ensure the address change is complete or if a person complied. AR11 is the best way and is the mandated way.