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 a period of post-completion OPT, 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 while they are within the 60-day grace period after finishing OPT, a cap-gap extension would allow them to stay in the US (but not 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Note: If a student's H-1B petition is denied, revoked or withdrawn after the OPT authorization expires, the student should stop working and discuss the possibility of pursuing other immigration options with their employer.
Title
Eligibility and Procedures
A student is eligible for a cap-gap extension if:
- The student is participating in post-completion OPT or is within the 60-day grace period after finishing OPT;
- The student's prospective employer filed an H-1B change-of-status petition with a start date of October 1; 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; and
- the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B with an October 1 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; and
- the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B with an October 1 start date.
- If the H-1B petition is approved:
- Change of status approval notice with an October 1 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 request is approved, 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 and are traveling internationally, will need to obtain an H-1B visa stamp 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.