Relocating for Your OPT Job: Moving States Checklist
Got an OPT job in a different state? Follow this immigration-safe moving checklist to ensure you don't accidentally violate your F-1 status during the move.
Congratulations on landing your OPT job! But there is a catch: the job is in San Francisco, and you went to school in Boston. Moving across the country as an international student involves a lot more than just packing boxes. Here is the immigration-critical checklist you must follow.
The 10-Day Address Update Rule
Under federal immigration law, you are required to update your physical US address with both USCIS (via AR-11 form) and SEVP (via the SEVP Portal) within 10 days of moving to a new address. This is not optional—failure to comply can be grounds for SEVIS termination.
This Is a Legal Requirement
Under INA Section 265, every noncitizen must report an address change within 10 days using USCIS Form AR-11 (online at uscis.gov). Additionally, OPT students must update their address in the SEVP Portal. Missing this deadline can result in deportation proceedings.
Your Complete Relocation Checklist
Update your address in the SEVP Portal
Log into the SEVP Portal and update your physical address within 10 days of moving.
File Form AR-11 with USCIS
Go to uscis.gov and file the AR-11 online. It takes 5 minutes and is free.
Notify your DSO
Email your school's International Student Office. They may need to update your SEVIS record as well.
Get a new state driver's license
Most states require you to get a new license within 30-60 days of establishing residency.
Register your car in the new state
If you own a car, you must register it and get new plates (usually within 30 days).
Update your employer's records
Give HR your new address for W-2 and tax purposes.
Forward your mail via USPS
Set up mail forwarding at usps.com so you don't miss any USCIS or immigration notices.
Update your bank address
Banks use your address for verification. Update it to avoid account freezes.
TrackMyOPT Keeps You on Track
Moving is chaotic enough without worrying about immigration deadlines. TrackMyOPT sends you automated reminders for address update deadlines, tracks your SEVIS reporting, and stores all your documents securely in the cloud—so no matter where you move, your immigration file travels with you.
Move with Confidence
TrackMyOPT makes sure you never miss an immigration deadline during your relocation. Automated alerts, document storage, and compliance tracking—all in one place.