If you and/or USPS are finally not able to locate the missing EAD card, complete the USCIS Non-Delivery of Card online form. You will need your receipt or case number from your I-797 receipt notice. 

You may need to apply for a replacement EAD if: (1) you successfully received your EAD but it was later lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged; or (2) you did not receive your EAD card, but efforts to find it were not successful.

Steps to Take

Log into your myUSCIS online account and start the process to file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Be prepared to pay a new I-765 filing fee (however, see Supporting Evidence, below).

1. Select the correct EAD category for your employment type, e.g., C03B for post-completion Optional Practical Training or C03C for the STEM Extension of post-completion OPT.
2. Select “Replaceent of lost, stolen or damaged employment authorization document” as the reason for filing
3. Include:
   • Your most recent Form I-20 showing your OPT / other employment recommendation or approval with dates
   • I-797 Approval Notice, which you can find under the “Documents” tab in your myUSCIS online account
   • Brief letter and supporting evidence explaining the circumstances - see below*
   • A copy of your lost or stolen EAD, if you have one
   • Copy of your passport ID page and Form I-94
   • EAD card photos in the format used for your original I-765 application

*Supporting Evidence

Your application for a replacement EAD should include supporting evidence that includes, at minimum, a letter of explanation that explains what happened to your EAD card.

If you received your EAD but it was later lost or stolen, indicate this in your letter. You may choose to attach additional supporting evidence such as a police report.

If you did not receive your EAD card due to US Postal Service misdelivery or mishandling, try to get a letter from your local US Post Office confirming these details. Upload this evidence along with other documents when applying for your replacement. In this type of case, USCIS may choose to waive the fee upon request.

If you have questions about the information on your EAD, contact your ISSS advisor. Here are some common issues and questions about

F-1 students and OPT start/end dates: The work authorization dates on the EAD may NOT be the same dates that you requested when you applied for OPT. USCIS may issue a card with different dates if they were unable to approve your EAD before your requested start date. 

Misspellings or incorrect dates of birth: If your card misspelled your name or date of birth, you should check your original I-765 application. If the error was made by you, then you would need to apply for a replacement EAD. If, however, it is clear that USCIS made the error, you can request a replacement EAD at no charge to you. If you are not sure about the source of the error, contact ISSS. 

To request a corrected card, follow the instructions below:

• Make a photocopy of both sides of the card
• Complete any hiring process, if needed, if you plan to start work in the near future; you can provide your employer with a corrected card once it is produced and sent to you.
• Start the process when you plan to be in the U.S. for at least the next two months, as it may take that amount of time for the correction to be made.
• Once you have taken these steps
  • Go to the USCIS e-request page.
  • Select “Typographic Error” under the “Service Request” section.
  • Fill out and submit the “Typographic Error” form.
  • After you have completed the form, wait for instructions by email, including information about how to return the incorrect EAD back to USCIS.
  • Wait for delivery of your corrected card.