Cap-Gap Extension
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.
The Cap-Gap Extension bridges the gap between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status, allowing the student to remain in F-1 status until April 1st of the following year or until their H-1B becomes effective, whichever is earlier. If the student is in a period of authorized Post-Completion or STEM OPT on the date the student becomes eligible for the cap-gap extension, the student’s Post-Completion or STEM OPT employment authorization is also automatically extended until April 1st.
Eligibility Requirements
The student must be the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that:
- is subject to the annual cap
- was timely filed with USCIS
- requests an employment start date of October 1st of the following fiscal year
- requests a change of status within the U.S.
During the Cap-Gap Extension period, students must continue to maintain their F-1 status and continue to meet all reporting requirements.
Loss of Eligibility
Students lose the benefit of the cap-gap extension if:
- The H-1B petition for the student is rejected, denied, or withdrawn.
- The H-1B petition for the student was approved but the change of status portion was denied.
Students should contact their International Student Advisor whenever there are changes to the H-1B petition filed on behalf of the student to determine if there is an impact on the student’s eligibility for the Cap-Gap Extension.
Request Procedure for the Cap-Gap Extension
The Cap-Gap Extension is generally updated automatically in SEVIS but the ISSS office does not print the new Form I-20 for students unless it is specifically requested. To request a new Form I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension, please complete and submit the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request Form in Limited Services in the ISSS Portal.
If the cap-gap extension is not automatically updated in SEVIS, the ISSS office will have to request a correction to the student’s SEVIS Record. This process can take 2-3 weeks to be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After the correction is approved in SEVIS, ISSS will issue a new Form I-20 to the student.
Travel During the Cap-Gap Extension
ISSS strongly recommends that students not depart the U.S. during the period of the cap-gap extension until they qualify for travel and re-entry in H-1B status. Students should contact their employer and/or the immigration attorney who filed the H-1B petition if they have plans to travel outside the U.S. during this time.