June 7, 2010: Moving After Adjustment Approved, How to Follow Up?

Moving After Adjustment Approved, How to Follow Up.

I filed an I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status. I was told that I passed my interview at USCIS in Oakland Park, FL. I since moved to Georgia. My address change form was received by USCIS.

Can you tell me if my file follows me or if I need to inform my local USCIS in Atlanta, Georgia? If “yes” where can I find their phone number. I know you will tell me I have to go to Atlanta but I live 3 hrs from Atlanta and I don’t want to go there if my case is not moved. Thank you.
— Anonymous

You are welcome. If your case was approved at the interview, then there should be no need to contact the local USCIS office where you currently live. You have already sent in form AR-11 giving them your new address, so you have met the requirement that you notify USCIS within 10 days of moving.

I would suggest you go to the USCIS website and enter the receipt number on the I-485 receipt. It should come up as “approved”. The I-551 (“green card”) production takes about 3 to 4 weeks, so the card should arrive in the mail about 3 or 4 weeks after the I-485 has been approved.

As a last resort, if you are concerned that too much time has passed since your case was approved and you have not received your I-551, you may want to visit the Atlanta office. You can make an appointment at the Atlanta District Office with an INFOPASS at www.uscis.gov. Enter your zip code at the prompt, and the USCIS site will set up an appointment that is convenient for you. Good luck!

Michael Shane and Evan Shane, Immigration Lawyers