Employment Authorization Document Issues

What to do if your EAD is lost in the mail (OPT or STEM OPT)

When you apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is the final step before you can begin work. Unfortunately, sometimes EAD cards get lost, misdelivered, or stolen in the mail, even if your approval notices arrive successfully. 

Please be aware there is usually little, if anything, the HIO can do to intervene in cases of a missing EAD. You may ultimately need to apply for a replacement card and pay the fee again. 

Step 1: Confirm that your EAD was mailed

  • If your case status says, “Card Was Mailed to Me,” USCIS has shipped your EAD.

  • Click the “Documents” tab or look for a USPS tracking number in the case history or on your USCIS account homepage. 

  • If the tracking information says “Unavailable,” please contact your HIO advisor to see if we can obtain the tracking information for you.

Step 2: Track the package

  • Check if the package shows as:

    • Undeliverable: This means that USPS likely returned your EAD to USCIS. Proceed to Step 3.
    • Delivered: If it says “delivered” but you didn’t receive it, proceed to Step 3.
    • Missing or Lost: Proceed to Step 5. 

Step 3: Undeliverable shipments 

  • If USPS determined that your EAD was “undeliverable,” it was most likely returned to USCIS. We recommend that you contact your HIO advisor, and you may need to work with USCIS directly to have your card located and resent. 

  • Follow the instructions in the online USCIS case status to request that USCIS resend the card to you. Be sure that your current mailing address is on file with USCIS or update it through your MyUSCIS account. 

  • You can also contact the USCIS customer service number and ask if your EAD was returned and marked as undeliverable. Keep detailed records of your conversation with the customer service agent, including the date you called, and any information the agent gave you. 

Step 4: If the tracking says “Delivered” but you did not receive the card

  • Check your mailbox, mailroom, or front desk area—sometimes EADs are delivered to nearby boxes or University mailrooms. 

  • Ask neighbors or roommates if they received the mail by mistake. 

  • Ask to speak with your delivery supervisor. 

  • Provide the tracking number and your address. 

  • Request a Missing Mail Search.

  • Get a written confirmation or case number of your inquiry.

  • If USPS confirms the card was misdelivered or lost, keep their written confirmation as USCIS may waive the reapplication fee. (In most cases, it is difficult to obtain this documentation from USPS.)

  • If USPS determines the card was delivered correctly or you are unable to obtain written documentation, you will need to pay the fee for the replacement card. 

Step 5: Report the missing EAD to USCIS

If you determine that your EAD is lost:  

  • Choose: “Did not receive card by mail.”

  • You’ll need your USCIS receipt number, mailing address, and the date on your approval notice. 

Step 6: Apply for a replacement EAD  

If your card cannot be recovered or resent, you must file a replacement application through MyUSCIS online:

  • Select “Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document” as your reason for filing. 

  • Include these documents as part of your application:  

  • Form I-20 – Contact your HIO advisor to obtain an updated version showing that your OPT was approved.  

  • I-797 Approval Notice – Located under the “Documents” tab of your approved I-765 OPT or STEM OPT application in your USCIS Online Account. 

  • Signed and dated letter from you explaining the circumstances in which your EAD was lost.  

  • Include the documents from your original application:  

  • If USPS determined that the EAD was lost or misdelivered, you will need a signed letter on USPS letterhead confirming that. USCIS will likely waive the fee if you are able to obtain a letter from USPS. 

  • After you submit your application for the replacement card, you will receive a receipt. Please share the following sections of the M-274 Handbook for Employers with your employer to determine if you are eligible to start your position while your application for reissuance is pending: 

  • Scan a copy of your EAD card as soon as you receive it.