OPT EAD Approved But Not Delivered: What To Do?

Key Takeaways:

• Confirm your EAD status in the USCIS online account, and use the USPS tracking number for delivery monitoring.
• Contact your local post office if USPS shows delivered but the EAD card is not received; check for misdeliveries.
• Wait up to 30 days for standard delivery; if delay exceeds 90 days, submit a USCIS case inquiry for resolution.

What Should I Do if My OPT or STEM EAD is Approved but the Card is Not Delivered?

Receiving the approval for your OPT EAD or STEM EAD is an exciting step, but if your card does not arrive, it can be frustrating and stressful. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate through the steps to address this issue.

Confirm Your USCIS Online Account Details

Step 1: Log in to your USCIS online account to verify the status of your application. If your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is approved, USCIS will usually mark the card as mailed and provide you with a United States Postal Service (USPS) tracking number.

Action: Use the provided tracking number to monitor the delivery process on the USPS website. This early step ensures you have all the necessary details to track your EAD card effectively.

Contact Your Local Post Office

Step 2: If the USPS tracking system shows that your EAD card was delivered but you have not received it, contact your local post office immediately.

Note: Provide the post office with your tracking number and request a thorough check. Misdeliveries or holds at the post office are not uncommon.

Wait for the Standard Processing Time

Step 3: Understand the processing times. USCIS generally mails the EAD card within 7-14 days after approval. If it has been less than 90 days, it might still be within the standard delivery window.

Advice: Patience is crucial here. USCIS advises allowing up to 30 days from the approval date for the card to arrive.

Submit a Case Inquiry to USCIS

Step 4: If more than 90 days pass without receiving your card, submit a case inquiry through the USCIS e-request system.

Instructions: Select “Did not receive card by mail” in the “Case Inquiry” section. This step officially notifies USCIS of the issue.

Fill Out the Non-Delivery of Card Form

Step 5: If the USCIS online status indicates that your card was mailed but you didn’t receive it, you can fill out the USCIS Non-Delivery of Card online form.

Tip: Make sure to have your receipt number handy as you will need it to complete the form.

How to Request a Replacement EAD?

Step 6: If your EAD is lost, stolen, or destroyed, consider filing Form I-765 again along with the required fee for a replacement. However, if the non-delivery is due to a USCIS or USPS error, you should not be required to pay the fee again.

Link: For detailed guidance on filling Form I-765, visit the USCIS official page.

Update Your Mailing Address

Step 7: Keeping your mailing address updated with USCIS is critical. Use Form AR-11 to update your address promptly if you have moved recently.

Reminder: This step is vital to ensure that you receive all correspondence and documents from USCIS without delay.

What Can You Use as Temporary Proof of Authorization?

Step 8: While waiting for your physical EAD card, your I-797 approval notice acts as temporary proof of your work authorization for up to 90 days when filling out Form I-9 for employment.

Recommendation: Communicate this with your employer to avoid any work interruptions.

Should I Avoid International Travel?

Step 9: Avoid international travel while waiting for your replacement EAD card. Being without your physical card could pose significant challenges when re-entering the United States.

Warning: Re-entry into the U.S. may be difficult without the physical card available.

Engage Your Designated School Official (DSO)

Step 10: Keep in touch with your school’s international student office throughout this process. Inform your Designated School Official (DSO) about the situation.

Note: They may offer additional guidance or assistance in communicating with USCIS on your behalf.

Contact the USCIS Contact Center for Assistance

Step 11: If other methods fail, consider contacting the USCIS Contact Center directly. Prepare your receipt number and all relevant case details before calling to expedite the process.

Advice: Be polite but persistent to get the assistance you require.

Request Help from CIS Ombudsman

Step 12: As a last resort, if you have exhausted other options and still have not received your card after an extended period, consider submitting a case assistance request to the CIS Ombudsman’s office.

Document All Communications

Step 13: Keep detailed records of all correspondence and communications, including dates, names, and notes on conversations.

Tip: This documentation can be instrumental if you need to escalate your case further.

How to Correct USCIS Errors

Step 14: If you finally receive your EAD but notice that it contains errors due to USCIS mistakes, submit a service request for corrections. There should be no additional cost for this correction if it’s USCIS’s error.

Step: Return the incorrect card and clearly explain the mistake.

Communicating with Your Employer

Step 15: If you have a job offer, inform your employer about the situation and the steps you are taking to resolve it. Many employers are familiar with immigration processes and might provide the necessary support.

Fact: This proactive communication can alleviate potential job-related issues while your EAD card issue is being resolved.

Things to Keep in Mind About EAD Processing and Delivery Times

• Processing Time: EAD cards are typically mailed within 5-10 business days after approval.
• Allow Up to 30 days: USCIS advises allowing up to 30 days for mailing after approval.
• Typical Delivery: Many individuals receive their EAD cards within 1-2 weeks of approval.
• USPS Delivery Times: Variance in delivery times may occur due to USPS schedules.
• Tracking Number: Utilize your USPS tracking number for tracking.
• Inquiry: If the card is not received within 30 days, submit an inquiry to USCIS.
• Production Time: EAD cards are often produced within two weeks of approval and then sent via USPS Priority Mail.
• Delivery Window: Some sources suggest it may take 3-10 days for delivery post the “New card is being produced” status update.

How Can You Ensure Your EAD Card is Delivered to the Correct Address?

Key Actions:

1. Update Address Promptly: Use Form AR-11 to update your address with USCIS within 10 days of moving.
2. Correct Address: Ensure the address on your I-765 application is accurate before submission.
3. Monitor Status: Consistently check your case status to verify the address once your EAD card is being produced or mailed.
4. Avoid USPS Forwarding: Remember, USPS does not forward EAD cards.
5. Correct Address Pre-Mailing: Contact USCIS swiftly if you realize the address is incorrect after approval but before mailing.
6. USPS Informed Delivery: Sign up for this service to track your mail, ensuring you don’t miss the card’s delivery.
7. Prompt Actions: If the card is returned to USCIS because of an incorrect address, promptly request re-mailing to the correct one.
8. Stable Address: Use a stable address, such as your attorney’s, if you anticipate moving during the application process.
9. Replacement Card: As a last resort if your card is lost, you may need to seek a replacement EAD.

Summarizing Crucial Steps to Ensure Correct EAD Delivery

• Update USCIS Address Pre-Approval: Keep your address updated with USCIS before the approval stage.
• Check Your Address: Verify your mailing address on the I-765 application before submission.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regularly check the case status to catch any wrong address issues early.
• Avoiding USPS Forwarding: Understand that forwarding services don’t work for USCIS mail.
• Immediate Contact If Incorrect Address: Quickly contact USCIS if your address changes after approval but before mailing.
• Using I-797: In instances where the card is delayed, use your I-797 notice for temporary work authorization.
• Prompt Action: If the card is lost, apply for a replacement EAD quickly to continue your work authorization status.

Efficient handling of these steps is vital to ensure that you receive your OPT EAD or STEM EAD card without issues. Remaining proactive and communicating promptly with relevant authorities can significantly aid in resolving any delivery problems. By following these guidelines, you can minimize stress and effectively manage your work authorization status. For further official information and forms, consult the USCIS official website.

Final Note: Stay proactive and maintain close communication with your school’s international student office or legal counsel if you face substantial delays or challenges.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Specialized Immigration Terms

1. OPT (Optional Practical Training) EAD: A type of Employment Authorization Document issued to F-1 students allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in fields related to their major area of study after completing their academic program.
2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) EAD: An extension of the OPT EAD specifically for graduates in STEM fields, permitting them to work in the U.S. for an additional 24 months after the initial 12-month OPT period.
3. USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services): The federal agency responsible for administering immigration and naturalization processes, including the issuance of EAD cards.
4. I-797: A Notice of Action form issued by USCIS as a receipt or approval notice for various immigration applications, which can temporarily serve as proof of employment authorization while waiting for a physical EAD card.
5. Form I-765: The application form submitted to USCIS to request an Employment Authorization Document. This form is used both for initial EAD requests and for replacements in case of card loss, theft, or destruction.

This Article In A Nutshell:

If your OPT or STEM EAD is approved but not delivered, log into your USCIS account to check the status and tracking number. Contact your local post office with this number. If unresolved, submit a case inquiry on the USCIS website. Patience and timely follow-up are key.
— By VisaVerge.com

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. If you reference or use any content from this article, please attribute it to VisaVerge.com by including a link to the original source. We appreciate your adherence to our content usage policies and your commitment to giving proper credit.

Read more

• Understanding the Role of a Deadhead Passenger in Aviation
• Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Real ID Before the 2025 Deadline
• UK Tech Leaders Advocate for Government Support on Skilled Immigration
• Hajj Tragedy: Over 1,300 Pilgrims Perish in Heat Wave
• Indian Immigrant Doctors: Pioneers in US Healthcare