My F-1 OPT application has been approved, but the EAD card was lost, stolen, and/or contains incorrect information. What can I do?
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My F-1 OPT application has been approved, but the EAD card was lost, stolen, and/or contains incorrect information. What can I do?
EAD Card Replacement & Correction Guide
- I. Important Initial Steps
- II. EAD Card Replacement/Correction By Situation
- III. Important Reminders
- IV. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I. IMPORTANT INITIAL STEPS
REMINDERS:
*Students MUST ensure that all immigration documents (Form I-20s, EAD cards, I-94 records, etc.) are always accurate, valid, and up to date at all times.
*Student MUST keep all USCIS emails, notices, and correspondence related to an EAD correction request as part of their immigration records.
Before Starting an EAD Card Replacement or Correction Process, Students MUST:
- 1) Read & Review All Information & Links:
- This webpage contains vital information. Students MUST review everything carefully BEFORE submitting anything to USCIS.
- 2) Confirm the Type of EAD Card Error:
- USCIS Error: If USCIS made the error (e.g., wrong dates, OPT type, biographical details, or photo) and the Form I-765 was submitted correctly, students MUST follow the ‘USCIS EAD Card Errors‘ section of this webpage.
- Student Error: If the student submitted incorrect information on the Form I-765 that caused the error, or if the card is lost, stolen, damaged/destroyed, they MUST follow the ‘Student EAD Card Errors’ section of this webpage.
- 3) Make Copies:
- Create a digital and paper copy of the incorrect EAD card BEFORE mailing the original card back to USCIS. THIS IS REQUIRED.
- 4) Complete Required Verifications/Applications:
- If necessary, the incorrect EAD card may be used to complete:
- A Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification with the OPT employer.
- NOTE: Employers are required to review the original EAD card, even if the I-9 Form is completed remotely.
- A Social Security Number (SSN) application.
- A driver’s license renewal.
- If necessary, the incorrect EAD card may be used to complete:
- 5) Adjust International Travel Plans:
- Cancel or postpone international travel for at least 1–2 months, since the incorrect EAD card MUST be returned to USCIS.
II. EAD CARD REPLACEMENT OR CORRECTION BY SITUATION
The steps required to obtain a new or corrected EAD card depend on the student’s specific circumstances and the type of EAD card error. Students MUST follow the instructions provided below according to their situation.
For Students Who Never Received Their EAD Card
If the USCIS OPT ‘Case Status Online’ shows that the EAD card was delivered and/or returned to USCIS, the student MUST make every effort to locate it. This includes checking with neighbors, the building manager or landlord, and the local USPS office to confirm whether the card was misdelivered. If the card cannot be located after these steps, the student MUST:
- 1) Submit “Did Not Receive Card by Mail” through the USCIS website.
- 2) Notify their ISO Advisor.
- NOTE: This DOES NOT apply to students who moved or changed addresses AFTER their OPT application was submitted to USCIS. Review the ‘Student EAD Card Errors’ section of this webpage for next steps.
ATTENTION: The “Non-Delivery of Card” inquiry can ONLY be submitted to USCIS 90 DAYS AFTER the student has received the EAD card approval notice.
For USCIS EAD Card Errors (ONLY)
If the EAD card error is confirmed to be a USCIS error, USCIS will make the appropriate correction at no additional cost to the student. In these cases, a student DOES NOT need to submit a new Form I-765 or a filing fee to USCIS. Instead, they have two (2) options to request a new EAD card:
- Option 1: Online Service Request For Typographical Errors: If the error is minor and DOES NOT require supporting evidence (for example, a typographical error), students can submit a service request to USCIS online for a “Typographical Error”. The student will be REQUIRED to:
- 1) Select the “EAD Replacement due to USCIS Error” option when submitting the “Typographical Error” request online.
- 2) Explain the error and include the correct information.
- 3) *Return the incorrect EAD card by mail using ONLY the United States Postal Service (USPS) to:
- USCIS
- Lee’s Summit Production Facility
- Attn: I-765 Replacement Cards
- 7 Product Way
- Lee’s Summit, MO 64002
*IMPORTANT: The use of other carriers (such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL) is NOT allowed.
*Additionally, students MUST insure and retain their EAD card tracking information to confirm that the incorrect card was delivered to USCIS. This processing time frame DOES NOT account for USPS mailing/processing.
- Option 2: Mail-In Request With Evidence For Date Errors: If the error requires the student to submit evidence to demonstrate the error and necessary correction (for example, the error relates to incorrect EAD card dates/validity period, or category of OPT issued), USCIS will make the appropriate correction at no additional cost to the student. In these cases, a student MUST submit:
- 1) A letter explaining the error. Students can find a sample letter [here].
- 2) Corresponding evidence (i.e., a copy of the submitted Form I-765 and OPT Form I-20 with the correct information).
- 3) *Return the incorrect EAD card by mail with the above documents (#1 and #2) using ONLY the United States Postal Service (USPS) to:
- USCIS
- Lee’s Summit Production Facility
- Attn: I-765 Replacement Card
- 7 Product Way
- Lee’s Summit, MO 64002
*IMPORTANT: The use of other carriers (such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL) is NOT allowed.
*Additionally, students MUST insure and retain their EAD card tracking information to confirm that the incorrect card was delivered to USCIS. This processing time frame DOES NOT account for USPS mailing/processing.
ESSENTIAL USCIS EAD CARD ERROR INFORMATION
REMINDER: If the error is determined to be a student error, USCIS will send a notice. The student MUST then file a replacement EAD application by following the ‘Student EAD Card Errors’ section of this webpage.
IMPORTANT: If the error is determined to be a USCIS error, it will take approximately 30 business days AFTER USCIS receives the incorrect EAD card from the student to process their new EAD card request. USCIS will then issue and mail the corrected EAD card at no additional cost.
ATTENTION: While mail-in requests are accepted, USCIS encourages applicants to use online tools such as the Service Request Management Tools whenever possible. In addition to mailing back the original/incorrect EAD card, which is REQUIRED.
NOTE: Students should ALWAYS retain copies of any materials submitted to USCIS.
For Student EAD Card Errors (ONLY)
If the EAD card error is confirmed to be a student error, containing incorrect information, or if the card is lost, stolen, damaged/destroyed, the student MUST apply for a replacement EAD card with USCIS. NOTE: A new Form I-20 is NOT required for this process.
- Students should follow the ‘Student EAD Card Errors Checklist’ below, consult the ISO Post-Completion OPT webpage, and the USCIS website (www.uscis.gov) for instructions.
- Processing times for a replacement EAD card are typically 3 to 5 months, unless the student files for Premium Processing.
- NOTE: Students should contact their ISO Advisor if they receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS or if they have additional questions.
Student EAD Card Errors Checklist:
- Written Statement to USCIS: Explain why the replacement is needed (lost, stolen, never received, or correction of an error), including the Form I-765 USCIS receipt number, and attaching any supporting evidence (e.g., police report if stolen, etc.). Students can find a sample letter [here].
- Passport Photos: Two new photos that meet U.S. passport photo requirements.
- New Form I-765: Complete the Form I-765 online. Students MUST select “Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document or correction of my employment authorization document NOT DUE to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services error”.
- Form I-765 Filing Fee: Pay the required OPT filing fee. NOTE: For expedited processing, students can select Premium Processing and pay the additional cost.
- Required Supporting Documentation: Submit all the required documentation, as listed on the ISO website [here].
III. IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Make a Copy of the EAD Card
- A) Before mailing the incorrect EAD card to USCIS, make a digital copy of the card and also upload a copy to iMIT for ISO records.
- Students can log into iMIT (via limited client services), select ‘F-1 Practical Training’ > ‘OPT/STEM OPT Reporting’ > ‘Start New Request’ > and then complete the ‘Submit OPT / STEM OPT EAD Card’ e-Form.
- Make sure that all uploads are in acceptable file types (e.g., PDF, JPG, GIF, BMP, and PNG) and that the file is under 2MB in size.
- B) Once the corrected EAD card is received, students MUST make a digital copy of the card and also upload a copy of the new card to iMIT as well [see iMIT process in “A)” above].
- Update Form I-9 with the OPT employer. NOTE: After receiving the corrected card, students MUST present it to their employer so that the Form I-9 can be updated with the corrected EAD card information.
EAD Card Delivery Tips
- Students should have their full name listed on the inside and outside of the mailbox where the EAD card is being delivered.
- Students should put a notice on the inside of the mailbox saying, “DO NOT Return Priority Mail.”
- Students should track the EAD card delivery and wait for the postal delivery worker on the expected delivery date (if possible).
- Students can also inform the postal delivery worker that they are waiting for a valuable piece of mail.
IV. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- 1) “How does USICS send my EAD card?”
- USCIS mails all EAD cards through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Students can track delivery on the USPS website. Replacement cards that are NOT expedited with Premium Processing typically take 3–5 months for processing.
- 2) “On the new Form I-765, for the question, ‘Have you ever applied for employment authorization before?’ what should I answer?”
- Students should select “YES” and provide the information from their prior OPT receipt notice (Form I-797) or previous EAD card number.
- 3) “My OPT application is PENDING, and I moved from the address I used on the Form I-765. Will my card be forwarded?”
- It is strongly advised NOT to change the address entered on the Form I-765 while the OPT application is pending.
- U.S. government-issued mail, including the EAD card, is NOT forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service. This means the card WILL NOT be delivered to a new address, even if forwarding instructions have been filed.
- Students may submit a change of address on the USCIS website. However, there is NO GUARANTEE that the update will be processed in time.
- NOTE: Any address provided MUST be accurate and spelled correctly to avoid delivery issues.
- 4) “My EAD card never arrived, despite the USCIS Case Status website indicating it has been delivered.”
- In rare cases, an EAD card may be lost in the mail. USCIS issues ONLY one (1) original card and DOES NOT provide duplicates. Students should review the ‘For Students Who Never Received Their EAD Card’ section of this webpage for instructions.
- 5) “My Replacement EAD Card is being processed; can I start working?”
- Yes. For I-9 Employment Verification purposes, students may begin working once they receive the official USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming the replacement EAD application is in process, and the approved OPT start date (as listed in the student’s SEVP Portal account) has been reached.
- NOTE: An OPT employer must review and accept the replacement EAD card receipt notice, so students must confirm directly with their OPT employer.
Disclaimer: The information on this webpage is only for MIT-sponsored students.
For additional questions, students should first review the ISO Entering the U.S. for All International Students web pages thoroughly. They are encouraged to use the ISO search tool (located at the top of the ISO website) or consult the comprehensive FAQ section in the ISO Knowledge Base. MIT students may also contact their designated ISO Advisor directly for assistance.
