Stem extension during cap gap. The following is an excerpt from the original document: Renew Driver’s License during OPT Cap Gap A student on the cap-gap extension should present an updated Form I-20 that shows the extension of stay. On May 10, 2016, this extension effectively replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension. ” The Cap-Gap Extension is available to students who, as of April 1, were either on approved OPT or STEM OPT H-1B Cap-Gap Extension The duration of F-1 status and work authorization can be extended, H-1B Cap-Gap, for students on OPT or STEM OPT if they have a timely-filed, non-frivolous H-1B petition. If you are an F-1 student applying for a STEM OPT extension and have timely filed your Form I-765 for work authorization, you can automatically continue to work while your application is being processed. Importantly, students can apply for a 24-month STEM extension during the cap-gap period, provided they remain eligible. To begin the process of applying for H-1B and becoming eligible for a possible extension of STEM OPT, you must speak to your employer. in F-1 status until the start date of their approved H-1B employment period, even if the OPT authorization and/or F-1 grace period would have otherwise expired before October 1. —and in some cases keep working—until their H-1B starts. The cap-gap extension of status and work authorization ends on April 1, when the H-1B status begins. When an employer files an H-1B cap petition for you this spring, the cap-gap rule automatically bridges the time between the end of your OPT/STEM OPT and the start of H-1B status (1 Oct 2025) —so you can keep working legally with no break. Cap Gap to H-1B A Cap-Gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of their F-1 Post-OPT/STEM OPT work authorization and the start of their cap subject H-1B status, allowing them to remain in the U. This extension allows them to continue working while their H-1B visa is being processed. The 90-day (or 150-day for STEM OPT) limitation on unemployment during the post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension. A Cap-Gap Extension automatically extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT or STEM Extension) and start of H-1B status (effective Oct. " Basics & Eligibility expand all Cap-Gap OPT Extension For Students "Cap-gap" is the period of time between the expiration of your OPT and the October 1 start of an H-1B petition. It is not to be construed as legal advice nor presumed indefinitely up to date. ill display the cap-gap extension. A cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 status and start of H-1B status, thereby allowing the student to remain in the US during the “gap. H-1B: Who qualifies for the H-1B cap-gap? International students are eligible for the H-1B cap-gap extension only if they meet all of the following qualifications: They are currently employed through OPT or STEM OPT. Cap gap usually lasts until the H-1B Jan 16, 2026 · Discover the STEM OPT to H-1B bridge: I-765 filing, Cap-Gap extension, SEVIS updates, I-983 form, key deadlines, and common pitfalls. The 90-day, 120-day for 17-month STEM OPT, or 150-day for 24-month STEM, limitation on unemployment during the post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension. 1 day ago · Cap gap begins when USCIS receives a cap-subject H-1B change of status petition—not at registration or lottery selection. employer. 1), thereby allowing the student to remain in the U. Cap Gap Extension of OPT is intended to extend status and work permission for the period between the end of OPT and the start of a timely filed H-1B petition requesting Change of Status. since your OPT EAD has expired. The 90-day limitation on unemployment during the initial post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension. Jan 17, 2025 · Students who are eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment and F-1 status may apply for a STEM OPT extension during the cap-gap extension period. USCIS website states "Students who are eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment and F-1 status may apply for a STEM OPT extension during the cap-gap extension period. OPT-STEM: The Cap Gap is the period after F-1 students’ OPT has expired, but before their H-1B work authorization begins on October 1. The H-1B work visa is an employer sponsored petition submitted by the employer on your behalf. Most employers can file an H-1B cap-subject petition each year on April 1. If you are in the process of applying for a STEM OPT extension while waiting for your H-1B petition to be processed, you will continue to benefit from the cap-gap provisions. The cap-gap extension allows H-1B visa holders on OPT to bridge the gap between the end of their OPT employment authorization and the start of their H-1B visa. Yes, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension during the cap gap extension of OPT. STEM OPT Extension During Cap-Gap Students may apply for a STEM OPT Extension during the Cap-Gap period. Once your cap-gap extension ends on September 30, you must stop any work in the OPT or STEM OPT program and begin your 60 days grace period that would have accompanied the end of your F-1 visa stay. Here are some additional resources related to Cap Gap: USCIS: Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations Study in the States The 90-day limitation on unemployment during the initial post-completion 12-Month OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension, as does the additional 60-day limitation on unemployment under the STEM OPT extension guidelines. The Cap Gap Extension is sometimes called OPT Cap-Gap, F-1 Cap Gap or H-1B Cap Gap. The OPT Cap-Gap Extension A Cap-Gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 OPT or OPT STEM work authorization and start of a cap subject H-1B status, allowing the student to remain in the US during the "gap. The OPT Cap Gap Extension automatically extends F-1 students’ immigration status and work authorization in order to bridge the gap between the end of their F-1 status and the start of their H-1B status. " Basics & Eligibility expand all CAP GAP EXTENSION WHAT IS IT? CAP-GAP EXTENSION IS A PERIOD IN WHICH AN ELIGIBLE F-1 STUDENT’S STATUS IS AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE END OF F-1 STATUS AND THE START OF H-1B STATUS. Yes, the 90-day unemployment limit continues during the cap gap extension period. during the “gap”. In a nutshell, if you are in cap gap period and you qualify for STEM OPT, do not miss the opportunity to apply for STEM OPT Extension, before your 12 month OPT expires. The H-1B Cap Gap Extension lets eligible F-1 students stay in the U. Are you an international student on STEM OPT, eagerly anticipating your transition to an H-1B visa? The period between your STEM OPT EAD's expiration and the potential start of your Cap-subject H-1B can feel like navigating a complex maze, often fraught with uncertainty and critical deadlines. S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants F-1 students whose employer filed an H-1B petition for change of status on their behalf during their period of authorized OPT, STEM OPT, or grace period an automatic extension of their F-1 status and OPT or STEM OPT authorization (if applicable) until the start of Traveling on the Cap Gap Extension Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student on the cap gap extension may travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States. If OPT has ended and you are in the grace period, you may receive a status extension but generally cannot keep working. ” Travel During F-1 OPT In this section, we’ll cover the things you need to be aware of and the documents you need to carry if you’re planning to travel abroad after you have applied for post-completion OPT, including STEM OPT extension and the Cap-Gap extension. How to request a cap gap extension if an eligible student record is not automatically updated in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). in F-1 status while continuing their Optional Practical Training (Post-OPT/STEM OPT) work/employment authorization until The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status and work authorization past the EAD End Date, for students transitioning to an H-1B work visa. " Students with STEM degrees who are eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension can also benefit from the cap-gap extension. Disclaimer: The information provided here is of a general nature and may not apply to any specific or particular circumstance. Learn everything about the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension: eligibility, work authorization, travel guidelines, and applying for OPT extension. . You will be required to pay the $200 STEM OPT Extension Administration Fee. CAP GAP EXTENSION WHAT IS IT? CAP-GAP EXTENSION IS A PERIOD IN WHICH AN ELIGIBLE F-1 STUDENT’S STATUS IS AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE END OF F-1 STATUS AND THE START OF H-1B STATUS. USCIS must receive the STEM OPT Extension application before the cap-gap extension period is terminated (by April 1 of the following fiscal year) or by the notice of rejection, denial, or revocation of the H-1B petition. They work for a US employer that is eligible for the H-1B lottery. Which types of petitions give eligibility for the F-1 cap gap extension. Will the cap gap extension and the approved H1B still be valid for circumstances like getting laid off, change of employer before Oct, company merger and acquisitions, etc? WHAT IS THE CAP-GAP EXTENSION A Cap-Gap Extension allows eligible F-1 students to “bridge the gap” between the expiration of their Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT authorization and the start of their H-1B status. During post-completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment. For students on STEM OPT, the 150-day unemployment limit continues during the cap gap extension period. Cap gap can extend F-1 status, but work authorization continues only if OPT or STEM OPT was still valid at filing. during the “gap. The automatic extension of status also applies to your F-2 dependents. Situations Requiring a SEVIS Data Fix The USCIS and DHS provide guidelines for “data fix” requests, a mechanism used to correct or update a student's SEVIS record in specific circumstances. The cap-gap extension is a regulation that extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 OPT or STEM OPT work authorization and the start of a cap-subject H-1B status, allowing the student to remain in the U. The “Gap” refers to the period after your F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, or 60-day grace period expires and before you may start H1b employment. The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. It’s important to note that the Cap Gap does not apply to those who are in the process of applying for STEM OPT extensions. This phenomenon, known as the STEM OPT Cap Gap, is a pivotal juncture for thousands of aspiring Eligibility for the Cap-Gap Extension The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status and any current valid OPT work authorization for students who are the beneficiaries of a timely filed, cap-subject, H-1B petition that requests a change of status. However, if an F-1 student travels abroad before USCIS approves their H-1B change of status (COS) petition, USCIS will deem the petition abandoned. This extension enables students to remain in the U. " The H-1B cap is the limit on the number of H-1B's allowed To account for this gap, the U. Due to the limited SEVIS database technical functionality, the dates on the STEM OPT Form I-20 do not print accurately, since they overlap with the Cap-Gap Extension. An OPT, or Optional Practical Training program is for international student on an F-1 visa and a predominant working option. The “cap-gap” provisions allow an extension of F-1 status, post-completion OPT, or the 60-day grace period, assuming the student is in one of those “statuses” on the date the H-1B petition is filed. Here are a few ways in which they differ. Students on cap-gap extension should not travel outside the U. The H-1B cap-gap extension allows F-1 students currently on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT to continue working if they have a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting change of status and an employment start date of October 1 (the first day of the following fiscal year). Many students apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in case the H-1B is not approved. during the "gap. They win the H-1B lottery. Students can request a new I-20 from OIS that demonstrates the extension of their F-1 status and/ r OPT/STEM OPT work authorization. The "cap-gap" extension is for F-1 students who currently hold post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM Extension OPT, who are the beneficiaries of a "cap-subject" H-1B petition, and whose current work authorization ends prior to the anticipated H-1B start date. The Cap Gap Extension is an extension of the work authorization given to F-1 international students who are currently on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT at the time an H-1B cap-subject petition is filed on their behalf, by a sponsoring US employer. The actual length of a Cap Gap extension will vary, depending on the amount of time between when your F-1 OPT/STEM OPT authorization ends and when your H-1B starts. Students May File for STEM Extension During Cap Gap During the cap-gap period, the student beneficiary may also apply for the 24-month STEM extension, if otherwise eligible. Once all 90 (or 150) unemployment days are used, the student MUST be employed or risk termination of their OPT. The student transitions to H-1B status on the app The Cap-Gap extension is available to F-1 students whose OPT period expires before October 1st and who have been offered an H1b visa for a position with a U. Eligibility for Cap Gap Extension To be eligible for a cap-gap extension, students must have a pending or approved H-1B petition requesting a change of status, and the petition must be filed before the end of their F-1 status or OPT/STEM OPT period. " My DSO and employer's immigration team weren't sure if I would still be able to apply at this point or if the application would get denied. The most popular visas for non-immigrant foreign nationals is the H-1B visa. If the H1B petition is withdrawn, revoked, or denied, and the student has entered the 60-day grace period, s/he is no longer eligible to apply for a STEM extension. If you are currently on post-graduate OPT or OPT STEM extension, and your employer is sponsoring you for H-1B status, this page is for you! What is Cap-Gap OPT extension? The “cap” refers to a quota on the number of workers who can receive H-1B Learn all about cap gap extensions! This guide provides essential information on maintaining your H-1B OPT status. Learn how the cap-gap extension helps F-1 students maintain legal status and work authorization while awaiting H-1B approval. H-1B Cap Gap Extension of STEM OPT The H-1B work visa is an employer sponsored petition submitted by the employer on your behalf. Ensure a smooth transition to H-1B status with these practical tips. The Cap-Gap extension is available to students whose H-1B was as a Change of Status and is on: I’m on regular OPT, but have a pending H-1B petition and a Cap-Gap I-20 — should I still apply for a STEM extension? Is there a resource list of employers participating in E-Verify? The H-1B Cap Gap Extension allows certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in the U. A general overview of the H-1B petition and the cap-subject petition process. May a student eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment authorization and F-1 status apply for a STEM OPT extension while he or she is in the cap-gap extension period? Cap Gap Extension "Cap Gap" is a term used to describe the "gap" between the end of OPT/STEM Extension and the beginning of H-1B status with an employer subject to the H-1B "cap". The cap-gap period previously ended on October 1. What Is the Cap-Gap Extension? This would allow the individual, during the gap or space, to remain in the United States. This rule will be applied to eligible F-1 students who are a beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B cap-subject petition beginning with the FY 2026 H-1B registration period. The Cap Gap OPT extension does not apply if your H-1B is filed as Consular Processing, is withdrawn, or is denied. Eligibility for a Cap Gap Extension The OPT Cap-Gap Extension A Cap-Gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 OPT or OPT STEM work authorization and start of a cap subject H-1B status, allowing the student to remain in the US during the "gap. Click on the STEM OPT Frequently Asked Question topic of your choice: General, Students, Employers, School Officials, Cap-Gap Extensions and H-1B Visas. With this extension, the cap-gap period now ends April 1 of the relevant fiscal year. A cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision that extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status, thereby allowing the student to remain in the U. cgwk, lys4n, uwc9, yxq1s, hqlozx, bt0lb, gfe9, rjsl, igtzg, neeiln,