What does “Card Was Mailed” mean?

Your OPT EAD card is on its way. Cards typically arrive within 7–14 business days by USPS. Do not begin working at your new employer until the physical card is in hand — the approval notice alone is not a List A I-9 document for first-time OPT applicants.

Your STEM OPT EAD card has been mailed. The new card should list the correct C03C category code and a start date matching your original OPT end date. Check both dates carefully when it arrives; if there's a USCIS error, report it immediately for a free correction.

H-1B approvals don't produce a physical card — the I-797 approval notice serves as the work authorization document. If you're seeing 'Card Was Mailed' for an I-129 case, it likely relates to a concurrent I-485 (green card) or I-765 (EAD) that was filed alongside the H-1B.

Your green card (Form I-551) is in the mail. Cards typically arrive within 7–14 business days. Check your name, alien registration number (A-number), and expiration date for accuracy when it arrives — file Form I-90 immediately if USCIS made any errors, at no charge.

Your green card for the family-based I-485 is on its way. Check whether it's a 10-year permanent card or a 2-year conditional card — if the marriage was less than 2 years old at the time of approval, you'll receive a conditional card and will need to file Form I-751 before it expires.

I-130 family petitions do not produce a physical card. If you see 'Card Was Mailed' in connection with a family petition, it most likely reflects a related I-485 approval. Confirm which receipt number this status is associated with to identify the correct form.

N-400 approvals do not produce a mailed card — instead, you'll attend an Oath of Allegiance ceremony where you receive your Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550). If you're seeing a 'card mailed' status on an N-400 timeline, it may reflect your green card being re-issued or replaced, not a citizenship document.