My F-1 OPT EAD was returned to USCIS by the postal service due…

You cannot use your approval notice to start working. You must wait for the physical Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to arrive.

“My F-1 OPT EAD was returned to USCIS by the postal service due to an insufficient address, and I have already filed a Non-Delivery of Card request; how long does it typically take for USCIS to process the return and re-mail the card, and are there any additional steps I should take beyond updating my address?”

Summary

You did the right thing by filing the non-delivery request quickly. USCIS holds returned cards for 60 business days before destroying them, so acting fast protects your card from being destroyed.

Read the full explanation

Working without the physical card

The rules strictly forbid F-1 students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) from starting a job without the physical card in hand. The Form I-797 approval notice does not count as proof of work authorization.

You must wait until you have the physical EAD card and your OPT start date has arrived before you begin your employment. You cannot use alternative proof to satisfy your employer's Form I-9 requirements.

The 60-day destruction rule and timeline

USCIS does automatically destroy returned EAD cards if no action is taken. They keep undeliverable secure documents for 60 business days (12 weeks) after the post office returns them. If they do not find an updated address for you in their system within that window, they destroy the card. If your card is destroyed, you have to file a brand new Form I-765 and pay the filing fee again.

Since you already updated your address and filed an inquiry, USCIS will check their systems and process the return. Official data shows that USCIS successfully re-mails 95 percent of returned cards within 60 business days of receiving them back.

Next steps

Since you already filed the non-delivery request and updated your address with USCIS, you have completed the main official requirements. Immigration attorneys recommend a few practical steps to make sure the post office delivers the card successfully this time.

Update your address with the post office

Updating your address with USCIS does not update it with the United States Postal Service. The post office will not forward mail from USCIS, so you must update your information with both agencies.

Tape your name inside your mailbox

Make sure your name is clearly visible to the mail carrier inside your mailbox.

Check with your local post office branch

Go in person to your local post office to confirm they have a record of you living at your current address.

Present the physical card to your employer

Once the card arrives, you can complete your employment verification and start your job.

Others who faced this

You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.

STEM OPT EAD card lost by USPS while returning to USCIS - starting new job next week, need advice 😭

u/pingping158r/f1visaOct 24, 2025

Hi everyone, hoping someone here’s been through this before. I’m a May 2024 grad currently on **STEM OPT**. My STEM OPT EAD card was approved, but USPS couldn’t deliver it to my address. It was marked “return to sender,” and then USPS *lost it* while being sent back to USCIS. I’ve already done a Missing Mail Search and talked to USPS - they confirmed it’s lost. USCIS still shows “card was produced.” I’m starting a **new role next week**, and I’m honestly panicking a bit. I have my approval notice but not the actual card. My questions are: 1. Since I have the **approval notice**, am I allow

5 View on Reddit

EAD returned to USCIS by USPS — what should I do?

u/Internal_Skirt2509r/USCISSep 12, 2025

Hi everyone, I’m in a stressful situation with my EAD card and hoping someone here has faced something similar. * My EAD card was **delivered on Sep 6**, but USPS marked it **“Addressee Unknown”** because my **name was not on the mailbox**. * On **Sep 8**, USPS status changed to **“Returned to Sender.”** * I visited my local USPS on **Sep 9**, and they said the package has already left their facility. * Now, I **cannot track it further** on USPS, so I have no idea where it is or when it will reach USCIS. * USCIS reportedly takes some time to put returned cards into the **re-mail queue**, and

1 View on Reddit

EAD card not delivered after 7 weeks.

u/AggravatingGas6923r/f1visaSep 9, 2025

I graduated in May. Applied for OPT on June 10th. I had a job offer in July so I paid the extra $1700 for premium processing in mid-july. My OPT was approved on July 25th. My card was mailed out on July 30th. It has been over 7 weeks and I still do not have my card. The website said my tracking number was "Unavailable" so I reached out via the online chat and was given my tracking number. My card was stuck "in network transit" for over 3 weeks when I reported it missing. They found it after a week and sent it back to sender (USCIS). I have been trying to ask them where my card is but all they

18 View on Reddit

Legal sources

This guidance is drawn from federal regulations, USCIS manuals, and practitioner advice.

USCIS M-274 Section 7.4.2

F-1 students on OPT must obtain the physical EAD before they are allowed to begin employment.

USCIS M-274 Section 7.4.2

F-1 students must obtain an EAD from USCIS before they are authorized to work pursuant to OPT. The student may not begin employment until the date indicated on the EAD.

Read the full text

USCIS Policy Manual Vol 11 Part A Ch 3

USCIS holds returned secure documents for 60 business days before destroying them.

USCIS Policy Manual Vol 11 Part A Ch 3

In 2018, USCIS began retaining non-deliverable secure identity documents returned to USCIS for 60 business days, or 12 weeks, before destroying them.

Read the full text

USCIS Policy Manual Vol 11 Part A Ch 3

Data shows that USCIS successfully re-mails 95 percent of returned documents within 60 business days.

USCIS Policy Manual Vol 11 Part A Ch 3

Between June 2017 and October 2017, PONDS data showed 95 percent of secure identity documents were successfully re-mailed to requestors within 60 business days of being returned to USCIS.

Read the full text

USCIS Change of Address

Updating your address with the post office does not update it with USCIS, and the post office will not forward USCIS mail.

USCIS Change of Address

Changing your address with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will not change your address with USCIS and USPS will not forward your mail from USCIS.

Read the full text

Immigrate2USA Blog

Attorneys recommend taping your name inside your mailbox to help the post office deliver your mail correctly.

Immigrate2USA Blog

In any circumstance, make sure you “tape” your name to the inside of your mailbox.

Read the full text

Immigrate2USA Blog

Attorneys advise visiting your local post office to confirm they have your current address on file.

Immigrate2USA Blog

Go to your local post office to make sure they have a record of you living at your address.

Read the full text

This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your specific situation with a licensed immigration attorney.

Summary

Working without the physical card

The 60-day destruction rule and timeline

Next steps

Others who faced this

Legal sources

Related answers

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