OPT EAD Card: What You Need to Know

Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card is the physical proof that USCIS has approved your OPT application. Without this card in hand, you cannot legally begin working. Even if your OPT start date has already arrived. This guide covers everything you need to know about the EAD card itself: what it is, what is on it, what to do if there are errors, and how to use it with employers.

For the application process that leads to receiving this card, see our step-by-step OPT application guide.

What Is the EAD Card?

The Employment Authorization Document, officially designated Form I-766, is a credit-card-sized photo identification card issued by USCIS. It serves as proof that you are authorized to work in the United States for a specified period and under specific conditions.

The EAD card is classified as a List A document under the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification process. This is significant because a List A document establishes both your identity and your work authorization simultaneously. This means your employer does not need to ask for any additional documents (like a passport or Social Security card) to complete your I-9 form, though many employers do not know this, and you may need to politely educate them.

What Is on the EAD Card

Your EAD card contains the following information, and you should verify every field upon receipt:

• Your photograph: Taken from the photo you submitted with your I-765 application.
• Full legal name: Must match your passport. Any discrepancy is a problem.
• USCIS Number (A-Number): Your unique Alien Registration Number, formatted as A followed by 9 digits (e.g., A012-345-678). This number stays with you for all future immigration applications.
• Date of birth: Verify this matches your passport.
• Country of birth: As listed in USCIS records.
• Category code: For post-completion OPT, this will read C03B (corresponding to eligibility category (c)(3)(B)). For pre-completion OPT, it reads C03A. This code tells employers the specific basis for your work authorization.
• Card expires date: The last day your EAD is valid. For standard OPT, this is exactly 12 months from your OPT start date.
• "Valid from" date: Your OPT start date. The earliest date you can begin working.
• Card number: A unique identifier for this specific card.
• Fingerprint: Embedded biometric data.

When You Receive Your EAD

USCIS mails the EAD card to the address you provided on your I-765 application. Current processing times for OPT EAD applications are approximately 3 to 5 months from filing, though this varies. See our OPT timeline guide for detailed processing time information.

Important: USCIS mails the card via USPS. Make sure your mailing address is current and that someone is available to receive mail. If you move while your application is pending, update your address with USCIS immediately through your myUSCIS account or by filing Form AR-11.

You will typically receive an approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) before or around the same time as the physical card. The card itself usually arrives within 1 to 2 weeks after the approval notice.

What to Do If There Is an Error on Your EAD

Inspect your EAD card carefully as soon as you receive it. Common errors include misspelled names, wrong dates of birth, incorrect category codes, or wrong validity dates.

If the error was caused by USCIS (i.e., the information on your I-765 application was correct, but the card was printed incorrectly):

1. Do not use the card with incorrect information.
2. Contact USCIS immediately by calling 1-800-375-5283 or by submitting a service request through your myUSCIS account.
3. USCIS will issue a corrected card at no additional cost. You will need to mail back the incorrect card.

If the error was caused by information you provided incorrectly on your I-765, you may need to file a new I-765 application with the correct information, including a new $410 filing fee.

What If Your EAD Is Lost or Stolen

If your EAD card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must file a new Form I-765 as a replacement. Select "replacement" as the reason for applying on the form. A new $410 filing fee applies.

While waiting for your replacement card:

• You are still authorized to work during your valid OPT period, but you will have difficulty proving it to employers without the physical card.
• File a police report if the card was stolen. This may be useful documentation.
• Some employers may accept the I-797 approval notice combined with other List B and C documents for I-9 reverification, but this varies.
• Consider requesting expedited processing for the replacement if you need to start a new job.

Using Your EAD at Work: The I-9 Process

When you start a new job, your employer is legally required to complete Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) within 3 business days of your start date. Here is how the EAD fits in:

List A Document

Your EAD card is a List A document, which means it proves both your identity and your employment authorization. When you present your EAD, your employer should:

• Record the document title (Employment Authorization Document)
• Record the document number (your USCIS number or card number)
• Record the expiration date
• Not request any additional documents (requesting more is an unfair immigration practice)

Important Notes for Your Employer

• Your employer cannot refuse to accept a valid EAD card. Under anti-discrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b), employers cannot demand specific documents or reject valid documents based on citizenship status or national origin.
• Your employer can use E-Verify to confirm your work authorization electronically. If they do, the EAD information should verify successfully.
• Your employer should set a reminder for your EAD expiration date to complete I-9 reverification, unless you obtain a new work authorization (such as STEM OPT or an H-1B).

EAD Expiration and What Comes Next

Your OPT EAD card is valid for exactly 12 months from your OPT start date (minus any time used for pre-completion OPT at the same degree level). The card cannot be renewed. There is no OPT renewal or extension for standard (non-STEM) OPT.

Before your EAD expires, you need to have a plan. Your options include:

• STEM OPT extension: If your degree is in a STEM-designated field (check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List), you may apply for a 24-month extension. See our STEM OPT guide for details.
• H-1B sponsorship: Work with your employer to file an H-1B petition. If selected in the lottery, cap gap provisions may extend your OPT until October 1.
• Change of status: Apply for a different visa status (e.g., if you enroll in a new degree program, return to F-1 student status).
• Depart the United States: If no other authorization is secured, you must leave the U.S. within 60 days of your OPT end date (the grace period).

For a detailed breakdown of options as your OPT period ends, visit our OPT expiration guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work before my EAD card arrives?

No. Even if your OPT start date has passed and your case shows "approved" online, you cannot begin working until you physically receive the EAD card. There is no exception to this rule for standard OPT.

Can I have more than one EAD at a time?

You should only have one valid EAD at a time based on the same eligibility category. If you receive a new card, the old one is effectively superseded.

Does the EAD card let me work anywhere?

Your OPT EAD authorizes you to work in any position that is directly related to your major field of study. It is not an unrestricted work permit. You can work for any employer (you are not tied to one company), but the work itself must relate to the major listed on your I-20.

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