Have you checked your USCIS case status and seen the update: “Card was mailed to me”—but are not quite sure what it means for your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) status? You are not alone. This common notification often leaves applicants wondering about delivery timelines and what to expect.
For many international students, OPT applicants, STEM OPT students, H-4 EAD holders, and adjustment-of-status applicants, this is one of the final steps before receiving physical work authorization.
In this blog, we will explain exactly what this status means, how long it takes to receive your card, and what actions to take if you do not receive it.
What Does “Card was Mailed to Me” EAD Status Mean?
The USCIS status “Card Was Mailed To Me” means USCIS has:
- Approved your EAD application
- Printed your EAD card
- Handed the card to USPS for delivery
This status usually appears after:
- “New Card Is Being Produced” or
- “Case Was Approved”
At this stage, your physical EAD card is already on the way to the mailing address listed on your USCIS application.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your EAD Card?
Most applicants receive their EAD card within:
- 5–10 business days after mailing
- Sometimes up to 14 business days, depending on USPS delays or location
Delivery timelines may vary based on:
- USPS processing speed
- Weather disruptions
- Apartment or shared housing delivery issues
- Address accuracy
Some applicants receive the card within just a few days, while others may experience minor postal delays.
How to Check Your EAD Status?
Tracking your EAD application remains simple if you know where to look.
1. USCIS Website
Visit the
USCIS portal and create an online account. Once registered, you will receive a USPS tracking number, which allows you to monitor your EAD card’s delivery.
2. Lawfully App
Lawfully is a mobile app that syncs with USCIS data. After downloading the app, you can enter your case number to receive automatic status updates and notifications.
3. USPS Informed Delivery
Once USCIS mails your EAD card, you may receive a tracking number. By signing up for USPS Informed Delivery, you can track your mail in real time and receive text or email updates about its delivery status.
How to Prevent Your EAD Card from Getting Lost During Delivery?
To make sure your EAD card arrives safely, take these steps to reduce the risk of delivery issues:
1. Ensure Your Name Is on the Mailbox
If you live in shared housing or an apartment, make sure your full name is clearly labeled on the mailbox. USPS may refuse to deliver mail if the name does not match, which can result in delays or returned mail.
2. Update Your Address Promptly After Moving
If you change your residence, submit Form AR-11 (Change of Address) on the USCIS website within 10 days. Let your immigration attorney know ahead of time so they can help with the update. Keep in mind that USCIS may take up to a month to process the change, so plan accordingly.
3. Set Up Mail Forwarding with USPS
To prevent missing mail during the address update period, you can set up mail forwarding through USPS for about $1. This ensures that any mail sent to your old address—such as your EAD card—will be automatically redirected to your new one. Forwarding is free for the first month and can be extended up to 18 months.
4. Use Mail Security Options
If you are concerned about mail safety, consider USPS Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery, which requires a valid ID upon delivery to prevent misdelivery. If you are often away, you can also authorize someone you trust to receive your mail by filing a Standing Delivery Order with USPS.
What to Do If Your EAD Card Gets Lost in the Mail?
If your EAD card does not arrive, there are two common scenarios—each requiring a different response:
1. Your EAD Card Was Returned to USCIS (Bounced Mail)
Sometimes, USPS may deliver your EAD card to the wrong address, and the recipient kindly returns it to USCIS. If your tracking number shows that the package was “returned to sender,” here is what to do:
- Step 1: Call the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 and ask to speak with an InfoPass officer.
- Step 2: Provide your case number and other relevant information. Be sure to write down the officer’s badge number for future reference.
- Step 3: Explain that your EAD card was returned to USCIS and request that they remail it.
- Step 4: If confirmed, USCIS will typically resend your card within a week.
- Step 5: Call back after a few days to follow up. Once it is remailed, you will be given a new USPS tracking number.
2. Your EAD Card Is Marked “Delivered” but You Did not Receive It
If your tracking status shows “delivered” but the card never reached you, take the following steps:
-
Contact your local USPS office—not the national hotline. Ask for details about the delivery and, if possible, request to speak directly with the mail carrier who handled it.
-
If the card was delivered to the wrong address, try contacting the recipient to retrieve or forward the mail.
Keep in mind that while some people have recovered their card this way, USPS may not always provide detailed delivery information.
If you are unable to locate your EAD card, visit the USCIS website and file a “Non-Delivery of Card” service request. This will prompt USCIS to verify your situation and begin the process of issuing a replacement card.
Final Thoughts
In summary, understanding the “Card was mailed to me” EAD status and taking the right steps can help ensure your EAD arrives safely and on time. If you are still unsure or facing delays, don’t hesitate to reach out to USCIS or seek professional guidance.
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FAQs
1. How can I track my EAD card after it is mailed?
Once your status changes to “Card was mailed to me,” USCIS typically provides a USPS tracking number. You can find this number by logging into your USCIS online account. For real-time delivery updates, consider signing up for USPS Informed Delivery, which notifies you via email or text when your mail is scanned for delivery.
2. How long does it take after EAD approval for the card to be mailed?
After USCIS approves your EAD, it usually takes about 7 business days for the status to update to “Card was mailed to me.” Once mailed, delivery typically takes another 7–10 days, depending on your location and USPS service speed.
3. What should I do if my EAD card was marked “delivered” but I didn’t receive it?
First, contact your local USPS post office to confirm the delivery address and speak with the mail carrier if possible. If you still cannot locate the card, file a “Non-Delivery of Card” request on the USCIS website to initiate the reissuance process.
4. How long does the “New Card Is Being Produced” status last?
This status typically lasts a few days to a week. It indicates that your EAD has been approved and is being printed. After that, the next status you will see is “Card was mailed to me.”
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