Cap-Gap Extension
A cap-gap extension is a provision that extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of their OPT and the beginning of their H-1B status.
- If a student is in their post-completion OPT period and they have applied for H-1B temporary worker status, a cap-gap extension would allow the student to stay in the US and continue working during this gap.
- If a student applies for H-1B status during their 60-day grace period after finishing OPT, they can stay within the US but cannot continue working during the gap.
Note: If a student's H-1B petition is denied, revoked, or withdrawn after the OPT authorization expires, the student should stop working and discuss the possibility of pursuing other immigration options with their employer.
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Eligibility and Procedures
A student is eligible for a cap-gap extension if:
- The student is participating in post-completion OPT;
- The student's prospective employer filed an H-1B change-of-status petition with an employment start date within the fiscal year for which the H-1B status is being requested; and
- The employer is subject to the H-1B "cap." Students should check with their employer to determine if they are subject to the cap.
- Log into ISSS Link, navigate to the F-1 Practical Training tab and select H-1B Cap Gap form.
- Complete and submit the form. Students will be asked to upload the following documents:
- If the H-1B petition is still pending:
- H-1B receipt notice
- Letter from the employer to ISSS verifying the following:
- they are a cap-subject employer;
- they have filed an H-1B petition on the student's behalf;
- the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B; and
- the requested H-1B start date.
- If the H-1B petition is waitlisted:
- Waitlist information
- Letter from the employer to ISSS verifying the following:
- they are a cap-subject employer;
- they have filed an H-1B petition on the student's behalf;
- the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B; and
- the requested H-1B start date.
- If the H-1B petition is approved:
- Change of status approval notice with the approved H-1B start date
- Letter from the employer to ISSS verifying the following:
- they are a cap-subject employer;
- they have filed an H-1B petition on the student's behalf; and
- the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B.
- If the H-1B petition is still pending:
If the H-1B petition is pending with USCIS, students must not leave the US after their employment authorization document (EAD) expires. Students will not be re-admitted to the US in F-1 student status.
Students who have an approved H-1B petition and are traveling internationally will need to obtain an H-1B visa stamp abroad and re-enter the country no earlier than 10 days before their H-1B employment start date.
Students should discuss any international travel plans with both their ISSS advisor and their employer while on a cap-gap extension.