Graduation season is underway in the United States, and millions of students are preparing to enter the job market. Among them are thousands of Indian students who are either searching for jobs or already working in the US.
For these students, understanding immigration rules is extremely important. One rule that often gets overlooked is updating your address with US authorities.
Failing to do so could create problems for your visa status and future immigration plans.
Why Updating Your Address Matters During OPT
International students in the US can work through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows eligible students to gain work experience for up to 12 months after completing their studies.
If you move to a new city or residence after starting a job on OPT, you must update your new address with the authorities. Many students are unaware of this requirement, but it is a mandatory rule.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), international students must report any changes to their personal or employment information to their college’s Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days.
The DSO then updates the information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Address Change Must Be Reported Within 10 Days
US government rules clearly state that foreign students must inform their DSO within 10 days of changing their residential address.
Ignoring this requirement can put a student’s F-1 visa status at risk. It may also create complications when applying for future immigration benefits, including an H-1B visa.
Apart from informing the DSO, students are also required to notify the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) about their new address within the same 10-day period.
How Can Students Update Their Address?
There are several ways to update your address:
Through the SEVP Portal
Students whose address changes after completing OPT can update their information directly through the SEVP portal.
Contact Your College DSO
Students can also contact their college’s DSO, who can update the address details in the system on their behalf.
Submit Form AR-11
All foreign students living in the US must file Form AR-11 with USCIS within 10 days of changing their address. This is a separate requirement and should not be ignored.
Home Address and Company Address Are Different
Students should understand that their home address and workplace address are not the same.
A home address refers to where the student lives and must always be kept up to date in SEVIS records.
If there is any change in the company location or workplace details, students must inform their DSO within 10 days and provide the company’s name and address as well.
Final Reminder for Indian Students
If you are studying or working in the US on OPT, make sure your address records are always up to date. A simple delay in reporting an address change could lead to visa-related complications in the future.
Reporting the change within 10 days can help you stay compliant with US immigration rules and avoid unnecessary issues.
