OPT FAQ
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      OPT FAQ - How to Ensure I Receive My EAD Card and What to Do If It's Lost During Delivery?

      This guide explains how to prevent your EAD card from getting lost during delivery and outlines steps to take if it does go missing.

      There is no option to pick up your EAD card in person. It can only be delivered by mail, which has resulted in a high rate of lost cards over the years.

      How to Prevent Your EAD Card from Getting Lost During Delivery

      • Make sure your name is on the mailbox

      If you are sharing housing, make sure your name is on the mailbox. USPS delivers mails based on the names listed, so add your name if it is not already there.

      • Update your address promptly after moving

      Within 10 days of moving, you can submit Form AR-11 (Change of Address) online on the USCIS website. You can also notify your lawyer before moving and provide the effective date of your new address so they can file the form for you.

      • Set up mail forwarding with USPS

      If you are concerned about mail being sent to your previous address, you can set up mail forwarding with USPS either at a local office or online. The service costs just around one dollar. Free forwarding is available for up to 1 month, but you can pay to extend it for up to 18 months. With this service, USPS will intercept mail sent to your previous address and forward it to your new one.

      Taking this step is crucial because USCIS can take up to 1 month to process Form AR-11. During this time, mail might still go to your previous address.

       

      What to Do If Your Mail Gets Lost?

      There are two scenarios to consider:

      1. Bounced Mail

      If USCIS sent your mail to the wrong address but the recipient kindly returned it to USCIS, you can track its progress by your tracking number. If USPS records show that the mail was returned to the sender, you need to contact USCIS and request a remail.

      Here’s what you need to do:

      • Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 and ask to be connected to infopass.

      • Provide your case number and other details. Remember to note the operator's badge number for future reference.

      • Explain that your mail was returned to USCIS and request a remail.

      • If USCIS confirms the mail was returned, they will resend it within a week.

      • Follow up with a call in a few days to check the status. If the mail has been resent, you will receive a new tracking number.

      2. Marked as "Delivered" but Not Received

      First, try contacting USPS. Call the local post office where the tracking shows the last stop and ask for information. If possible, speak to the mail carrier who handled the delivery to find out the final delivery address. Then, you can contact the recipient to ask them to forward the mail to you or arrange to pick it up.

      While some have successfully retrieved mail this way, it is more likely that USPS will not provide this information.

      If you are unable to get the mail this way, go to the USCIS website and file a "Non-Delivery of Card" request. This will start the process of issuing a new card.