Lost EAD Card: How Replacement Planning Can Protect Your Case

Losing an EAD card can create problems quickly, especially when an employer needs updated proof of work authorization.

What a replacement filing does

A replacement request is generally handled through Form I-765. The goal is to replace the physical card, but applicants should also confirm that the underlying immigration status or employment authorization remains valid.

Documents to gather first

Copies of the lost card, prior approval notices, passport identity pages, and any employer re-verification concerns should be organized early. If the card was never received, the strategy may be different from a true loss after delivery.

Mistake to avoid

Do not focus only on the card and ignore the bigger timeline. If status, parole, or another benefit is expiring soon, that broader deadline may matter more than the replacement request itself.