OPT Cap-Gap Extension

Updated 03/31/2025

What is the H-1B visa?  

The H-1B visa is a type of work authorization that allows nonimmigrants to pursue employment in “specialty occupations.” The fiscal year for H-1B begins on October 1 and ends on September 30. Companies can file a petition on behalf of their employees as early as April 1, which is six months prior to October 1.  

What is the H-1B Cap?  

The H-1B Cap refers to the limited number of H-1B visas that are available each fiscal year.  

What is the Cap-Gap Extension?

For students transitioning to an H-1B visa, a gap may occur between the end of their F-1 status and the start of their H-1B status (typically October 1). The Cap-Gap Extension automatically extends F-1 status and, if applicable, work authorization to bridge this period. This extension remains in effect until the approved H-1B start date or April 1 of the following fiscal year, whichever comes first.

OIS advisors process the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Requests on behalf of students. To process the requests, students must be able to provide proof that their petition has been properly filed. 

Who is eligible?

Current 12-month Post-Completion OPT or 24-month STEM OPT Extension students: 

  • In an approved period of F-1 employment with a future EAD end date, and 
  • Who have a properly filed an H-1B (change of status) petition 

The H-1B petition must be filed before your EAD end date has been reached. If your EAD expires before the H-1B petition is filed, only your F-1 status will be extended. The work authorization will not be extended.  

How is the Cap-Gap I-20 endorsed to indicate employment authorization?

The Cap-Gap Extension I-20 is updated to include a statement that F-1 status and employment authorization (i.e., OPT or STEM OPT Extension), if eligible, is automatically extended to April 1 for individuals whose H-1B petition is properly filed or approved. If the H-1B petition is cancelled or denied, the F-1 status and employment will be shortened according to that date.    

Students who have filed an H-1B petition can remain in the United States and continue employment with their expired EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Additional information about the Cap-Gap Extension can be found on the USCIS website.

How do I request a Cap Gap Extension I-20 from OIS?

  1. Login to Trojan International
    • Pay the $100 Cap-Gap Extension Administration Fee using the Cap Gap Extension Payment form
      • $100 Cap-Gap Extension Administration Fee supports OIS services related to maintenance of status throughout the period of application and Cap-Gap Extension employment. Extended services provided to Cap-Gap Extension students include I-20 travel endorsements, review and processing of mandated reports, and continued access to advisors for questions pertaining to your F-1 status and Cap-Gap Extension employment matters. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon submission.
    • Submit the Cap Gap Extension I-20 Request
      • Upload copies of the following documents (PDFs only):
      • Current Employment Authorization Document (EAD, front side only)
      • I-797 Receipt Notice for Pending or Approved H-1B petition with a 13-digit Receipt Number (note that an I-797 for Registration Selection does not suffice)
  2. OIS will email the Cap Gap Extension I-20 to student

How long does OIS take to process the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request?

OIS processes completed Cap-Gap I-20 Requests within ten (10) business days from submission.

OIS will reject incomplete submissions. If your submission is rejected, you must resubmit the same previously rejected request with the appropriate corrections, and the 10 business day processing time will restart. You will not need to pay another $100 Cap-Gap Administration fee.

How will I receive the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 from OIS?

Processed Cap-Gap Extension I-20s will be signed and distributed electronically by OIS Designated School Officials (DSOs). Students will be notified by email to download and print their signed Cap-Gap Extension I-20 from the OPT I-20 Request System.

SEVP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of State (DoS) have confirmed they accept I-20s electronically signed by DSOs. Please note only DSOs may electronically sign I-20s; students may not electronically sign any documents submitted to USCIS.

What do I do if my OPT expires and my Cap-Gap Extension request is still pending with OIS?

Please verify that you have received the extension of your work authorization to April 1 in your SEVP Portal account. You may continue working while your Cap-Gap Extension I-20 is pending with OIS.

What happens if I receive the H-1B pending or approval notice from USCIS after my current EAD has expired and I am in the 60-day grace period?

If your OPT authorization is expired and you are in your 60-day grace period when you receive the I-797 receipt for a pending or approved H-1B petition from USCIS, only your F-1 status is extended. Your work authorization is not extended, meaning you can remain in the U.S. until April 1, but you cannot work. 

What happens if my H-1B petition is subsequently rejected, denied or revoked during the Cap-Gap Extension period?

Denied, Revoked, or Withdrawn Before April 1: 
Students will have the standard 60-day grace period to depart the U.S. or take other appropriate steps to maintain lawful status. 

Still Pending on April 1: 
If the H-1B petition remains in pending status on April 1, the student may no longer work on OPT/STEM OPT and the 60-day grace period begins on April 1.

Do OPT/STEM OPT unemployment rules apply to students with a Cap-Gap Extension?

Yes. The 90-day (for post-completion OPT) and 150-day (for STEM OPT) limitation on unemployment continues during the Cap-Gap Extension.

Can I apply for STEM OPT Extension during the Cap-Gap Extension period?

Yes – if you meet all STEM OPT eligibility requirements. 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. You will be required to pay the $200 STEM OPT Extension Administration Fee.

Does the Cap-Gap Extension also extend my dependent’s F-2 status?

Yes.

May students travel outside the United States during a Cap-Gap Extension period and return in F-1 status?

Please consult your H-1B sponsor regarding the impact international travel plans may have on your H-1B petition before travelling abroad.