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The Daily Insight

How long does it take to get a replacement EAD card?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 10, 2026

60-90 days
Processing time for a replacement EAD is 60-90 days. It is not possible to expedite the application. If you have your original approval notice from USCIS and your employer permits, you may continue working while your replacement application is being processed. Discuss this with your employer.

What if I lost my expired EAD card?

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. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card.

How do I replace my EIP card?

If your Card is permanently lost, it is important that you call Customer Service at 1.800. 240.8100 (TTY: 1.800. 241.9100) to report your lost or stolen Card immediately. Your Card will be deactivated to prevent anyone from using it and a new1 replacement Card will be ordered.

Can I renew DACA if I lost my card?

You can replace a lost DACA card by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you don’t have a copy of the initial I-765 application, contact the attorney or legal service that may have helped you request DACA.

Can I work with a lost EAD card?

The USCIS stated that, in the non-delivery of an EAD card context, the employee may present a receipt for the application for a lost EAD card in order to be eligible to work for 90 days. In short, the USCIS’s position is perfectly in accord with the regulation in 8 C.F.R. 274.

What happens if employment authorization card expires?

If you work in the U.S. based on an approved employment authorization document (EAD), it is important to note the expiration date of the card. In most circumstances, if your current EAD card expires before you get your new EAD card, you will not be authorized to work until your new EAD card is approved.

Can I work if my EAD is lost?

If the EAD is confirmed as lost, file for a replacement. You may start working once you receive your replacement EAD receipt (see #6 below) and after your approved OPT start date (check the USCIS approved OPT start date in your SEVP Portal account).

What do I do if I lost my DACA?

You can replace a lost DACA card by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s the same application that you (or your legal service provider) filed along with your Form I-821D when initially requesting deferred action.

Can I work while waiting for replacement EAD card?

Yes, for I-9 purposes, a student can start working once they receive their replacement EAD Card paper receipt notice (I-797) from USCIS (check with your employer).

How long does it take to get employment authorization card after Biometrics?

How Long Does It Take To Get Ead After Biometrics. After that, USCIS routes your EAD application to actual service center. Check your receipt number to find which service is processing your application. It usually takes 60-90 days to process and approve EAD application after you have submitted RFE response to USCIS.

Can I still work if my employment authorization card is expired?

If the person’s EAD has expired and they do not yet have the new EAD or another valid, acceptable document to present for verification, they may not be able to continue working. Certain EAD applicants are eligible for automatic 180-day EAD extensions.

Can I start work with EAD approval notice?

Even though you’ve received approval for your EAD application, it’s not enough to start working. It doesn’t prove anything to your employer, and it’s better to wait for your actual card before you start working. Other than that, you must have the EAD card if you want to work.

Can a lost card be reactivated?

If a person has lost their debit card and cancelled it then they will not be use their card again if they should find the debit card. There are good reasons for this. The activation of a debit card can usually be done on the bank’s website, although with some smaller providers this will need to be done over the phone.