USPS Loses EAD, F-1 OPT Stuck ‘In Transit’ Forever?

An F-1 student is dealing with a serious issue after USPS lost their Employment Authorisation Document during delivery. The OPT approval came in December 2025. USCIS marked the card as produced in January, but you never received it.

The USPS tracking status continues to show the package as “in transit” without updates. Your local post office has confirmed it never received the mail. You are now left without your EAD despite having an approved OPT status.

What to Do If USPS Lost EAD

Experts advise you to file a USCIS e-request immediately if USPS lost EAD during shipping. You must clearly report that the EAD card was not delivered. This step creates an official record with USCIS.

You should also submit a Missing Mail Search request with USPS. This helps trace the package internally. Do not file a new I-765 application at this stage, as USCIS must first respond to your e-request.

When Filing a New I-765 Is Allowed

You can file a new I-765 only if you personally lost the EAD card. If USPS or USCIS caused the loss, you must wait for formal instructions. Filing again means paying the full application fee once more.

Experts stress that filing early without guidance can delay your case further. Always document every response and reference number during communication with USCIS and USPS.

How Long You Should Wait for USCIS

If 90 days pass without resolution after USPS lost EAD, you can contact a local Congressional representative. Their office can directly communicate with USCIS. This step often speeds up stalled cases.

Such delays place extreme pressure on you as an F-1 student. You already manage strict visa rules, job timelines, and legal compliance. Losing an EAD card during OPT makes the situation even harder.