I lost my EAD card at a bank. It expires next year and I just…

Summary

You do not have to stop working, and you can even start a new job before the new card arrives. The receipt notice you get for filing the replacement application works as temporary proof of your right to work.

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What losing the card means for your job and your wallet

Because the card was lost after you received it, requires you to pay the standard filing fee for the replacement application. You can only avoid this fee if you request and are approved for a fee waiver.

If you are already working, you do not need to do anything with your current employer right now. Employers only need to check your documents when you are first hired or when your work authorization expires. Since your card is valid until next year, your current employer does not need to see it again until it is time for reverification.

Next steps

Here is exactly how to replace your card and handle any job changes while you wait.

File a new Form I-765

Submit a new application for employment authorization, selecting the option for a replacement card. You must include the filing fee or a fee waiver request.

Use your receipt to start a new job

If you change jobs before your new card arrives, you do not have to wait for the physical card. You can show your new employer the receipt notice proving you applied to replace a lost document.

Show the new card within 90 days

The receipt notice is valid for 90 days from your first day of work. You must present the actual replacement card to your employer before those 90 days are up.

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.

[Advice] Replacing Misdelivered/Lost EAD Card - Experiences with Fees, I-20, Timeline, and Working?

u/Icy_Addition_4062r/immigrationAug 6, 2025

My EAD card was marked "delivered" by USPS but never showed up- probably misdelivered or lost in transit. If you've gone through the replacement process for something like this, please share your experience to help me out! Quick questions: - Did you select "1.b - Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged employment authorization document" on the form? I read that USPS errors might mean no fees, did you pay the full I-765 amount upfront, or get it waived/refunded? If refunded, at what point? - Was an updated I-20 necessary from your university, or did they accept your existing one even if it wasn

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Legal sources

Here are the rules from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that govern your replacement application and your right to work.

USCIS — Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

You can replace a lost EAD by filing a new Form I-765 and paying the fee, unless you get a fee waiver.

USCIS — Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

If your EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved.

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Receipts | USCIS

You can use the receipt for your replacement application to start a new job, and it is valid for 90 days from your date of hire.

Receipts | USCIS

A receipt showing that your employee has applied to replace a List A, B, or C document that was lost, stolen, or damaged. This receipt is valid for 90 days from the date of hire (meaning, first day of work for pay) or in the case of reverification, 90 days from the date employment authorization expired.

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SettleKit is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your specific situation with a licensed immigration attorney.