What Is Form I-865?
Sponsors use Form I-865 to notify USCIS of a change in address. This requirement helps ensure that USCIS can contact sponsors about any matters related to the immigrants they have agreed to support. If you’ve signed a Form I-864 in the past, you are legally obligated to file Form I-865 within 30 days of changing your address.
When Must You File Form I-865?
You must file Form I-865 any time your address changes while your sponsorship agreement is still in effect. The sponsorship remains active until the immigrant you sponsored:
- Becomes a U.S. citizen
- Works or receives credit for 40 quarters (about 10 years) of employment
- Leaves the United States permanently and formally abandons lawful permanent resident status (by filing Form I-407 or being held to have abandoned it)
- Loses lawful permanent resident status in removal proceedings
- Passes away
If any of these occur, your sponsorship will end, and you will no longer need to file updates.
How to Complete Form I-865
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key parts of the form:
Part 1 – Information About You (the Sponsor)
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, new physical and mailing addresses, and the date your address change took effect.
Part 2 – Information About the Immigrant(s) You Sponsored
List the names and Alien Registration Numbers (A-Numbers) of all immigrants you are sponsoring.
Part 3 – Your Statement, Contact Information, and Signature
You must personally sign and date the form. Typed or stamped signatures are not accepted.
Part 4 & 5 – Interpreter and Preparer Information (if applicable)
If someone helped you fill out the form or interpreted for you, they must complete and sign these sections.
Part 6 – Additional Information
Use this space if you need to provide extra details or sponsor information for more than four immigrants.
Where to File
The USCIS mailing address for Form I-865 can change. Always confirm the current filing address at
www.uscis.gov/I-865 before submitting your form.
If you are a lawful permanent resident sponsor, you must also file a separate change of address (Form AR-11) within 10 days of moving, as required by 8 CFR 265.1.
Penalties for Failing to File
Failing to report your change of address can lead to serious consequences. Under 8 U.S.C. §1183a(d) and 8 CFR 213a.3. You could face civil fines:
- $250–$2,000 for failing to notify USCIS, or
- $2,000–$5,000 if you knew the immigrant received means-tested public benefits.
Additionally, knowingly submitting false information can result in criminal penalties.
Pro Tips
- Keep proof that you mailed or submitted your Form I-865, such as a certified mail receipt or delivery confirmation.
- Submit the most current version of the form from the USCIS website.
- Sign all pages and include translations for any non-English documents.
- Keep a copy for your records.
Final Thoughts
Form I-865 may seem like a simple address update, but it plays a crucial role in maintaining your legal compliance as a sponsor. Submitting it promptly keeps your record in good standing and helps prevent unnecessary fines or legal complications.
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