Did you lose the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) you received from the US government? Maybe you never received it because it was lost in the mail? Follow these instructions to get a new card mailed to you as soon as possible.

Once you follow this process, you are allowed to use the receipt notice you receive from the US government for your replacement application as an I-9 document for up to 90 days of employment. See the USCIS I-9 Receipt web page for more details. However, we advise you NOT to travel internationally while waiting for a replacement EAD card.

STEP 1

Get a new I-20 from the Office of Global Services.

To get a new I-20, schedule an appointment with an OGS advisor.

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STEP 2

Decide how you want to file your application to the government to replace a lost or stolen EAD.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently accepts EAD replacement applications through two methods:

  1. Filing the application online
  2. Filing the application by sending it through the mail

If you want to apply for the replacement EAD online:

Review our guidance on filing the online I-765.

If you want to apply for the replacement EAD by mail:

Review our guidance on filing the I-765 for OPT by mail.

In addition to the documents listed on the file the I-765 online and by mail we pages, to replace a lost or stolen EAD you must also include:

  • A copy of the approval notice you received for your OPT application AND a copy of the barcode sheet that came with your EAD (if possible)
  • A letter to the US government explaining the circumstances, including a copy of a police report (if applicable). If you never received the EAD card at all, be sure to clearly state that in the letter.
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STEP 3

Submit your replacement application to the US government.

If you are applying for the EAD replacement online:

Review our guidance on filing the online I-765.

If you are applying for the EAD replacement by mail:

Send your application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services by FedEx or UPS.

You can use eShipGlobal to get your shipping label at a discounted rate. Learn how to use eShipGlobal. Register with eShipGlobal to get started.

Mail your application to the Direct Filing Address for Form I-765 listed for foreign students.

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STEP 4

Confirm the US government received your application and track your application status.

Receive an electronic receipt from USCIS within 2-3 weeks and a paper receipt within 3-5 weeks.

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