EAD (WorkPermit)

Hi all, I just wanted to share my super crappy unfortunate experience with all. I'm a NYC filer.
PD 9/2/16

My EAD card was approved on 12/16/16 and was mailed to me on 12/21/16. I left for Moscow for New Years with my husband and upon coming back didn't see a card. Since they tell you to wait a month before freaking out and putting in a service request, I waited until 1/22/17 to send in a service request. After numerous conversations with USCIS operators, someone finally suggested I speak with an immigration officer. While I was in touch with them, I went to my local USPS and tried to locate my card once the immigration officer shared the tracking number. Based on that, it says my card was delivered to my mailbox. Going to USPS didn't lead to anything at all, they refused to write me a letter stating non-delivery of my letter. I wasted many hours at the post office and spoke with too many incompetent people. It was beyond frustrating.

I called the local congresswoman's office and the loveliest case worker heard me cry on the phone and promised to get to the bottom of it. I pretty much had no hope already so I went to the bank, did another money order for $410 to file for replacement. I went to the congresswoman's office yesterday. She called someone and accessed all of the information in less than 2 minutes. USPS claim delivery was made, USCIS don't take responsibility either, so I had to re-file.

I Fedex'd these documents yesterday to NBC:
1) Letter to USCIS with the details of my misfortunes
2) Newly filled out and signed I-765
3) Money order for $410.00
4) 2 passport-sized photos
5) Copy of I-765 approval notice from 12/16/16
6) Copy of my ASC Appointment Notice with stamp confirming completed biometrics
7) Copy of my previous EAD granted for OPT after graduating from my university
8) USPS response to my request to investigate
9) Letter from USPS (that basically says they're not sorry)
10) Tracking information for the letter containing my EAD card
11) Offer letter from my new employer

Now the shittiest part is that I am due to start a new job that I just interviewed for a month for once I found out my case was approved. I received my job offer a week ago and am due to start on Feb 6th. Funny thing is that I spoke with multiple immigration officers (call the customer line, ask to speak to Tier-2; call early in the morning as at 8:30am yesterday the call back wait was over an hour) and they all give me completely different info as to whether I can start working on Monday or not. I let HR know and they asked me to bring everything I have with me on Monday. Worse comes to worst, I will have to take a week / 10 days off until my receipt for replacement arrives and come back to work under the receipt rule and show them my actual card when it arrives.

Also, the USCIS officer I spoke to yesterday legitimately said bye and hung up on me as I was politely asking her about the receipt rule. Unreal.

Anyways, just a heads up that this insanity does occur. Get to the congresswoman as soon as you feel like card should have already gotten to you and do not wait a month. No mail takes a month to arrive. Pray that your employer is understanding and try to negotiate something. Don't rely on USPS for **** because those people are straight up useless. Be prepared to pay the fee again.