If your EAD was lost, stolen, or destroyed a new Form I-765 will need to be filed, including payment of the filing fee with the documents outlined on our Replacement EAD Checklist. You may opt to file for the replacement online using your USCIS Account or in the mail with the documents outlined on our Replacement EAD Checklist.

If your EAD was issued with an error not attributed to USCIS, a new Form I-765 will need to be filed, including payment of the filing fee. You may opt to file for the replacement online using your USCIS Account or in the mail with the documents outlined on our Replacement EAD Checklist

STEP 1: Complete Form I-765 for Replacement

• In Part I of the I-765, you will check box 1.b for a replacement EAD

• In Part 2, Question 12, you will check the box “Yes” and follow the note on the Sample I-765

• In Part 2, Question 27, you will use the eligibility category corresponding to your OPT

STEP 2: Gather Supplemental Documents

• Copies of the following documents should also be gathered and included in your submission:

• Letter of explanation:

  • In your letter include your Full name, SEVIS ID, Date of birth, Explanation of the error in detail, Statement requesting the new EAD to be mailed to you, The address you would like to receive the EAD, and your Signature.

• 2 passport-style photos that are 2” x 2”, on a white background, and taken within the last 30 days.

• A photocopy of your new I-20 with OPT approval. You can request your I-20 by completing the Request for I-20 Reprint (reason: Updated) in your ISSS Student Portal.

• Photocopies of all previous issued I-20s (from all the schools you have attended), including your original OPT request I-20.

• A copy of your passport identification page(s).

• A copy of your most recent F-1 visa.

• A copy of your I-94 Arrival / Departure Record: CBP I-94 (If you have a paper I-94 instead of an electronic I-94, photocopy both sides to submit with your application).

• Students with F-2 dependent(s):

  • Include a copy of all previously issued the Form I-20s for your dependent(s).

• Students who changed to F-1 status:

  • Include your I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS and an official transcript. Students with previous EAD(s): Include a photocopy of the front and back of each EAD card.

STEP 3: Submit Your Replacement Request to USCIS

• Students filing for a replacement online must complete the I-765 and upload all documents via their USCIS account. The EAD will need to be mailed to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox.

• Students mailing their request must complete the Paper Form I-765 and include their EAD with all documents and payment towards the filing fee in their application packet to USCIS.

If your EAD was issued with an error due to USCIS’ mistake you do not need to file a new Form I-765 or filing fee. However, a request must be made to USCIS to address the error.

STEP 1: Write a Letter of Explanation

In your letter include:

• Full name

• SEVIS ID

• Date of birth the

• Explanation of the error in detail

• Statement requesting the new EAD to be mailed to you

• The address you would like to receive the EAD,

• Signature

STEP 2: Complete the Typographic Error Correction Request Online

You will need the following documents:

• Receipt Number

• A-Number (if applicable)

• Item that contains the error

• Date when filed

• Email Address

STEP 3: Gather Supplemental Documents & Mail Your Correction Request to USCIS

Send your EAD, and letter with copies of your most recent I-20, approval notice, and any supporting documents to the following address:

Texas Service Center
U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Attn: Card Correction
6046 N Belt Line Rd. STE 114
Irving, TX 75038-0015

If USCIS determines the error was not attributed to their mistake, the original EAD will be returned to you and you will have to follow procedures under Replacement Due to Applicant Error. It is recommended that you use a trackable service when returning the EAD.

Please use this checklist for applying for a lost or stolen EAD card. Do not use this checklist if you have received your EAD card and there is an error on it (name, birthday, etc.). If your EAD card contains an error that needs to be fixed, please email [email protected] and we will provide further assistance.

• Form G-1145 (This must be at the top of your application).

• Filing Fee $410 can be paid by check, money order, or credit card. If paying by credit card, complete Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Make check or money order payable to U.S. Dept of Homeland Security.

  • NOTE: If USPS has admitted fault for the lost EAD and has provided you with a letter for your replacement EAD application, there is no fee associated with the reapplication.

• A letter to USCIS explaining how your EAD was lost/stolen.

  • Attach any supporting documents you have that explain the situation. For a stolen EAD, you should attach the police report. If you have not yet filed a police report, you should do so. If the post office lost the EAD and has provided you with a signed letter on USPS letterhead admitting that USPS lost the EAD card, include this with your application.

• Properly executed Form I-765. Please see the Sample I-765.

  • In Part I of the I-765, you will check the box 1.b for a replacement EAD

  • In Part 2, Question 12, you will check the box “Yes” and follow the note on the Sample I-765

  • In Part 2, Question 27, you will use the eligibility category corresponding to your OPT

• 2 passport-style photos that are 2” x 2”, on a white background, and taken within the last 30 days.

• A photocopy of your new I-20 with OPT approval. You can request your I-20 by completing the Request for I-20 Reprint (Reason: Updated) in your ISSS Student Portal.

• Photocopies of all previous issued I-20s (from all the schools you have attended), including your original OPT request I-20.

• A copy of your passport identification page(s).

• A copy of your most recent F-1 visa.

• A copy of your I-94 Arrival / Departure Record: CBP I-94 (If you have a paper I-94 instead of an electronic I-94, photocopy both sides to submit with your application).

• Students with F-2 dependent(s): send a copy of all previously issued the Form I-20s for your dependent(s).

• Students who changed to F-1 status: include your I-797 Approval Notice from USCIS and an official transcript.

• Students with previous EAD(s): Include a photocopy of the front and back of each EAD card.

Depending on where you currently live, submit your application to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox. If using United States Postal Service, send the application using certified mail with return receipt. If using a courier service, such as Fed Ex, DHL or UPS, retain the tracking number for your records.

• Please review the travel section of our website before making any arrangements to depart the country.

• If you need the replacement EAD card to start working, you can use the receipt notice for the reapplication of the EAD to begin working. This is outlined in the M-274 Handbook for Employers.

• Use our Employer Update form to report employment within 10 days of starting any job on OPT. If you are working as part of the STEM OPT extension, you will also need to submit the Form I-983.

• If you receive any requests for evidence (RFEs) for this application, please contact ISSS at [email protected] for further assistance.