Cap-Gap Extension

This extension is for students with a pending or approved H1-B petition with a change of status option.

If you are a student with a pending or approved H1-B petition, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension.

The Cap-Gap Extension allows students on Post-Completion or STEM OPT to continue working between the end of their OPT and the beginning of their H-1B period if the H-1B petition was filed during the H-1B filing period and before the student's OPT period has ended.

Students with a pending or approved H1-B petition who are not currently on OPT (such as current students or students in the 60-day grace period) are eligible for an extension of their F-1 status but may not work during the Cap-Gap period.

Students who chose consular processing are not eligible for this extension.

NOTE:  This extension is automatic, but proof of the extension is not given unless requested. Students may request an I-20 for proof of the extension by completing the Cap Gap form in iStart. The extension ends if USCIS rejects, denies, or revokes the H-1B petition or if the employer withdraws the petition.