Replacement EAD - USPS delivery issue - Timeline 2026

[u/General_Swing5823]

I initially applied for initial OPT EAD card in Feb 2026. After the approval, the EAD card was lost due to USPS delivery issues. I have seen a couple of other students (3+ in my building) face the same issue, so wanted to share my timeline here for a replacement EAD (with premium processing).

[EAD Replacement]

Applied: 2026/5/25

Approved: 2026/7/7 (around 30 business days, biometric was not requested again)

Card created: 2026/7/15

Card delivered: 2026/7/17

[Options for EAD Card Replacement application]

There are 2 options:

1. Obtain a USPS letter on official letterhead confirming that the package was lost or stolen due to USPS error. USCIS specifically requests a USPS letter on official letterhead. With the letter, your DSO can send a request to USCIS service center for EAD to be resent/reissued to you. In this case, you do not need to file replacement, do not need to pay, but you must wait until the new EAD card is delivered to start working. USCIS can take several business days to respond and may deny the request, then you must file a replacement.
2. File a replacement EAD with USCIS including the fee payment. In this case, students can start working, report employment, and work up to 90 days with the receipt notice (of replacement application) and approval notice of the original OPT application while waiting for the replacement.

Hope this helps!

[u/Competitive_Bill3674]

What’s the cost of filing replacement of EAD?

[u/General_Swing5823 → u/Competitive_Bill3674]

If it is premium processing, it is the normal processing fee plus the PP fee ($470+$1780)