Losing your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can be stressful. You need it to work legally in the U.S. If your EAD is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must inform USCIS. A “Sample Letter To USCIS For Lost EAD” helps you do this.
Writing to USCIS can feel daunting. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
This article provides sample letters. Use them as templates. Easily create your own letter to USCIS.
Sample Letter To Uscis For Lost Ead
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
USCIS
[USCIS Address – if known, otherwise omit]
**Subject: Request for Assistance – Lost Employment Authorization Document (EAD)**
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to inform you that I have lost my Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
My EAD card details are as follows:
* **Name:** [Your Full Name]
* **A-Number (if known):** [Your A-Number]
* **USCIS Receipt Number (if known):** [Your Receipt Number]
* **EAD Card Number (if known):** [Your Card Number]
* **Date of Birth:** [Your Date of Birth]
I believe the EAD was lost on or around [Date of Loss] at [Location of Loss – if known]. I have taken the following steps to locate it: [ Briefly describe steps taken, e.g., searched my home, contacted my employer].
I understand that I may need to apply for a replacement EAD. Please advise me on the necessary steps to take to obtain a replacement as quickly as possible. I rely on my EAD for employment authorization.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
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How to Write Letter To USCIS For Lost EAD
Subject Line: Clarity is Key
The subject line is your clarion call. Make it unambiguous.
- Example: “Request for EAD Card Replacement – [Your Name] – Receipt Number: [Your Receipt Number]”
- Clearly state the purpose: replacement of a lost Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Include your name and receipt number for facile identification.
Salutation: Formal Courtesies
Address your correspondence with appropriate respect. Avoid colloquialisms.
- Option 1: “To Whom It May Concern:” (if you don’t have a specific name)
- Option 2: “Dear USCIS Officer:” (if you prefer a slightly more personalized, yet generic, approach)
Introduction: State Your Case Succinctly
Immediately articulate your reason for writing. Don’t bury the lede.
- Begin by stating that you are writing to request a replacement EAD card.
- Specify that your original EAD card was lost, misplaced, or stolen.
- Include your alien registration number (A-number), if applicable.
Body Paragraph 1: Identifying Information
Provide all pertinent details that will enable USCIS to locate your records expeditiously.
- Full legal name: As it appears on your USCIS documents.
- Date of birth: In MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Address: Current mailing address.
- Phone number: A reliable contact number.
- Email address: For electronic correspondence.
- A-Number (if applicable): Your alien registration number.
- Receipt number: From your EAD application (Form I-765).
Body Paragraph 2: Details of the Loss
Provide a concise account of how the EAD was lost. Honesty is paramount.
- Briefly describe the circumstances under which the EAD card was lost or stolen. Be factual and avoid embellishment.
- If stolen, mention whether you filed a police report and include the report number, if available.
- State the approximate date when you realized the EAD card was missing.
Supporting Documentation: Bolstering Your Claim
While you can’t replace the EAD with copies, provide anything that substantiates your identity and application.
- Copy of your driver’s license or passport.
- Copy of your I-797 approval notice for your EAD application (if available).
- Copy of any other USCIS correspondence related to your EAD.
- Police report (if the EAD was stolen).
Closing: Cordial Conclusion
End the letter with a polite closing. Indicate your willingness to cooperate further.
- Express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
- Reiterate your request for an EAD card replacement.
- Offer your availability for further information or documentation.
- Closing options: “Sincerely,”, “Respectfully,”, or “Best regards,”
- Your full legal name (typed and signed).
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Frequently Asked Questions: Lost Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
This section provides answers to common questions regarding lost or stolen Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and how to notify U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Understanding the proper procedure can help expedite the replacement process.
What should I do if my EAD is lost or stolen?
Immediately report the loss or theft to the local police department and obtain a police report, if possible. Then, promptly notify USCIS of the lost or stolen EAD.
How do I notify USCIS that my EAD is lost or stolen?
You should submit a written notification to USCIS, including your name, A-number (if applicable), date of birth, mailing address, and a detailed explanation of how and when the EAD was lost or stolen. Include a copy of the police report, if available.
Where do I send the notification letter to USCIS?
The notification letter should be sent to the USCIS Service Center that processed your original EAD application. Refer to your previous approval notice (Form I-766) to find the appropriate address.
Do I need to file a new application for a replacement EAD?
Yes, you must file a new Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with the required fee and supporting documentation, to request a replacement EAD. Indicate on the application that it is a replacement for a lost or stolen EAD.
What documentation should I include with my replacement EAD application?
Include a copy of your lost EAD (if available), a copy of the police report (if obtained), a copy of your written notification to USCIS, and any other documents that support your eligibility for employment authorization. A copy of your I-797 approval notice is usually helpful.