Issues & Problems during OPT

If you have previously filed an an application with USCIS (such as first applying for 12 month OPT, and you are now applying for the STEM Extension) and moved addresses in between applications, it is possible that you could face mailing issues. If you did not update your address with USCIS using the online AR-11 form prior to submitting your current USCIS application, it is likely that your receipt notice and EAD card will be mailed to the address that was listed in your previous USCIS application—even if you listed a new address in the STEM Extension I-765. While mailing issues may be unavoidable at this point, you can take the following steps to try to get it corrected:

• Sign into BIO's advising hours to inform an adviser
• Fill out the online AR-11 Change of Address form
  • Be sure to indicate "YES" to the question "Have you filed an immigration-related application or petition and your case is pending a decision or you have not received a notice, card, or document?"
  • In the "Case Information" section, select "I765" for Form Number
  • Select "I765 - Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]" for the Form Sub Type
  • Add your Receipt Number from your application and zip code used when filed
  • Fill out the rest of the information

Even after informing an adviser and submitting the AR-11 form, your address may not be updated in the system until after your STEM Extension application has been reviewed and approved, and it is very possible your EAD card could be delivered to your previous address. With this in mind, we encourage you to make some plans in case that this does happen:

• Check your USCIS Case Status regularly to see if the card is delivered or returned to USCIS.
• Contact the landlord or current residents at your previous address to see if they would be willing to forward you the EAD card if it is delivered to that address.
• If your card is returned to USCIS, follow their instructions to have it re-sent to your new address.
• If your card is delivered to your previous address and you are not able to have it forwarded to you, then you will need to apply for a Replacement EAD. See our instructions below in the "Replacement, Lost, Stolen, or Damaged EAD Card" section.

Withdrawing your OPT application is complex and the fee is non-refundable. If your OPT has already been approved, it is not possible to withdraw it. Please contact a Berkeley International Office advisor if you are considering withdrawing your OPT application.

You'll receive an electronic copy in your online USCIS account after e-filing.  You should also receive a paper I-797 which USCIS mails out within 2 - 4 weeks after an applicant has submitted the OPT application to USCIS.

• To inquire about your OPT application status.
• Proof that USCIS has received your OPT application.
• Contains a date when USCIS begins processing your OPT application.
• Contains a case number to track your OPT application.
• Necessary if you would like to travel outside of the U.S while your OPT application is pending. 

If you wish to request a replacement  of the paper version, review the Replacement I-797C tutorial below for a complete overview of the process.

• Call USCIS to obtain the tracking number for your EAD Card. If you are registered for an account with USCIS.gov, the tracking information should show in your account if the card has been mailed.
• Check the tracking number. If it shows “delivered,” contact USPS to see if they are able to locate the mail for you.
  • If USPS is responsible for the lost card, you will need to obtain an official letter on a letterhead from USPS stating such.
  • Email the letter to internationaloffice@berkeley.edu so that an adviser can assist you with contacting USCIS about your case.
  • If approved, USCIS will then issue a new replacement EAD at no additional cost.
• If your case status shows “undeliverable,” it means that USPS may have returned the EAD to USCIS.
  • Follow the instructions in the online USCIS case status to request that USCIS resend the card to you.

• 2 U.S. Passport Photos (with name and I-94 number written lightly in pencil on back of each), taken within the past 30 days.
• USCIS Fee. See the USCIS I-765 page for current filing fee.
• New form I-765 either e-filed or paper (if filing by mail) indicating reason for filing as: 1.b. - Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged employment authorization document. Remember: In the I-765 form, you'll need to be sure to indicate you have previously applied for OPT or STEM and indicate your previous receipt numbers. (You previously applied and your card was lost stolen or damaged!)
• Letter explaining that your original EAD has been lost, stolen, not delivered by mail, etc.
• Copy of OPT I-20 that was previously issued by BIO for your initial/STEM OPT application. It does not have to be issued within the past 30/60 days.
• Copy of passport biographical page and F-1 visa stamp, if applicable.
• Copy of current electronic I-94 record or paper Form I-94 (both sides) 
• Copy of your previous OPT/STEM I-797 receipt notice and copy of original EAD Card, if applicable. 
• If it is a replacement request due to an error not by USCIS, the original EAD is required and you must submit the applicaiton by mail in order to return the incorrect EAD to USCIS.
• If filing by mail: Form G-1145 to confirm receipt and obtain case number in advance of paper notification.

BIO recommends filing the I-765 form and OPT/STEM OPT EAD applications online via e-filing. If you would like to e-file your replacement, See the USCIS e-filing website for more information. Refer to the OPT tutorial or STEM OPT tutorial for specific instructions on how to prepare documents for electronic filing or filing by mail.

If you choose to file by mail ( not recommended), make sure that you use a form of mailing with guaranteed delivery, tracking, and delivery confirmation.

Find the appropriate direct mailing address. 

1. Go to USCIS direct filing address page
2. Click on "Foreign Students."
3. Find your eligibility category.
4. Choose the address based on your type of mailing (US Postal Service or private courier). Write the address EXACTLY as indicated on the webpage.