Correcting an Error on Your EAD
If you receive an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) which contains an error (e.g., typo in name or incorrect birthdate) that was caused by USCIS, you must correct the error to avoid having any problems in the future. You must return the original EAD card to get it corrected. USCIS will issue a corrected EAD normally within 30-45 days of receiving the EAD that contains the error.
Before following the instructions below, be sure that:
- You have made a photocopy of the EAD card;
- You have already provided the card for your employment hiring process, SSN application, or driver's license renewal;
- You do not have any international travel plans in the coming 1-2 months.
Correcting an Error on Your EAD
To correct an error that USCIS has made on your EAD, follow the instructions listed below.
Write a Letter of Explanation
Write a letter to USCIS explaining the situation.
In your letter, include:
- The date;
- The address of the USCIS office as indicated on your approval notice;
- Your personal identifying information:
- Full name as indicated on your I-20,
- Date of birth,
- SEVIS ID number,
- USCIS Receipt Number for the OPT EAD with the error;
- A detailed explanation of your situation (that the EAD was issued with incorrect dates);
- A statement indicating that you have enclosed supporting documentation that provides the correct information (for example, your incorrect EAD card and the dates that should instead have been on your EAD card, a copy of your previous Post-Completion OPT I-20 and previous Pre-Completion OPT EAD card);
- A statement requesting USCIS to mail the new corrected EAD card to you;
- The U.S. address that you would like the new EAD card to be mailed to;
- Your signature.
Submit the Typographic Error Form
- Go to the USCIS e-request page.
- Fill out and submit the "Typographic Error" e-form.
- You will receive an email with instructions. Follow the instructions to mail your EAD back to USCIS.
Please note: If USCIS determines that the card contains incorrect information that is NOT due to USCIS error, they will return the EAD Card. You will need to request a Replacement EAD and repay the USCIS I-765 filing fee.
Send Your Correction Request to USCIS
Send your letter, EAD card with the error, and other supporting documents via FedEx or UPS so that you can track the package. Keep a copy of the shipment tracking information for your records.
If your application was approved by the Potomac Service Center (Check your USCIS receipt number: if the first 3 letters of your OPT receipt number are YSC, then the card was produced by the Potomac Service Center.); send the letter and supporting documentation to:
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Potomac Service Center
2200 Potomac Center Drive, Stop 2425
Arlington, VA 20598-2425
If your USCIS receipt number does not begin with YSC, please contact your ISSS advisor for more guidance of the correct mailing address.
Report to ISSS Once You Receive Your Corrected EAD
Once you receive the corrected EAD card, scan it, and submit the OPT/STEM OPT reporting e-form on iPenn.
Write a Letter of Explanation
Write a letter to USCIS explaining the situation.
In your letter, include:
- The date;
- The address of the USCIS office as indicated on your approval notice;
- Your personal identifying information:
- Full name as indicated on your I-20,
- Date of birth,
- SEVIS ID number,
- USCIS Receipt Number for the OPT EAD with the error;
- A detailed explanation of your situation (that the EAD was issued with incorrect dates);
- A statement indicating that you have enclosed supporting documentation that provides the correct information (for example, your incorrect EAD card and the dates that should instead have been on your EAD card, a copy of your previous Post-Completion OPT I-20 and previous Pre-Completion OPT EAD card);
- A statement requesting USCIS to mail the new corrected EAD card to you;
- The U.S. address that you would like the new EAD card to be mailed to;
- Your signature.
Submit the Typographic Error Form
- Go to the USCIS e-request page.
- Fill out and submit the "Typographic Error" e-form.
- You will receive an email with instructions. Follow the instructions to mail your EAD back to USCIS.
Please note: If USCIS determines that the card contains incorrect information that is NOT due to USCIS error, they will return the EAD Card. You will need to request a Replacement EAD and repay the USCIS I-765 filing fee.
Send Your Correction Request to USCIS
Send your letter, EAD card with the error, and other supporting documents via FedEx or UPS so that you can track the package. Keep a copy of the shipment tracking information for your records.
If your application was approved by the Potomac Service Center (Check your USCIS receipt number: if the first 3 letters of your OPT receipt number are YSC, then the card was produced by the Potomac Service Center.); send the letter and supporting documentation to:
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Potomac Service Center
2200 Potomac Center Drive, Stop 2425
Arlington, VA 20598-2425
If your USCIS receipt number does not begin with YSC, please contact your ISSS advisor for more guidance of the correct mailing address.
Report to ISSS Once You Receive Your Corrected EAD
Once you receive the corrected EAD card, scan it, and submit the OPT/STEM OPT reporting e-form on iPenn.
