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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 OPT and the beginning of their H-1B status.

Eligibility

You are eligible for a cap-gap extension if:

  • You are participating in post-completion OPT or are within the 60-day grace period after finishing OPT;
  • Your prospective employer filed your H-1B change-of-status petition with a start date of October 1; and
  • The employer is subject to the cap on H-1B visas. If you're not sure if they are subject to the cap, just ask them.

Timing and work authorization

During post-completion OPT: If you are on post-completion OPT and you have applied for H-1B temporary worker status, a cap-gap extension would allow you to stay in the US and continue working during this gap.

During 60-day grace period after OPT: If you apply for H-1B status while you are within the 60-day grace period after finishing OPT, a cap-gap extension would allow you to stay in the US (but not continue working) during the gap.

How to get a cap-gap I-20

  1. Log in to ISSS Link and fill out the cap-gap extension request e-form. You will need to upload a copy of:
    1. If your H-1B petition is still pending: your receipt notice and a letter from your employer to ISSS verifying that they are a cap-subject employer that has filed an H-1B petition for you for a change of status to H-1B with an October 1 start date
    2. If your H-1B petition is waitlisted: your waitlist information and a letter from your employer to ISSS verifying that they are a cap-subject employer that has filed an H-1B petition for you for a change of status to H-1B with an October 1 start date
    3. If your H-1B petition is approved: your change of status approval notice with the October 1 start date and a letter from your employer to ISSS verifying that they are a cap-subject employer that has filed an H-1B petition for you for a change of status to H-1B
  2. Once the I-20 is ready, you may pick it up from the ISSS office or you may request express shipping (at student's expense) using eShipGlobal.

Travel restrictions during cap gap

If your H-1B request is approved, don't leave the US after your employment authorization document expires. You will not be re-admitted to the US in F-1 student status.

If you have an approved H-1B and are traveling internationally, you'll need to get an H-1B visa stamp and re-enter the country no earlier than 10 days before your employment start date.

Please discuss any international travel plans with both your ISSS advisor and your employer while you're on a cap-gap extension.

If your H-1B petition is denied

If your H-1B petition is denied, revoked, or withdrawn after your OPT authorization expires, you should stop working and discuss the possibility of pursuing other immigration options with your employer.