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International Student and Scholar Services

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".

Here are some additional resources related to Cap Gap:

You are eligible for a Cap Gap Extension if all of the following are true:

  • You are maintaining your F-1 status
  • You are the beneficiary of a nonfrivolous, properly and timely filed H-1B petition
  • Your employer is subject to the numerical "cap"
  • The H-1B petition requested a change of status (NOT consular processing)
  • The H-1B petition requested a start date between October 1 and April 1 of the following year

What is Extended

  • If your H-1B petition was receipted before the expiration date on your OPT/STEM EAD card, then both your F-1 status and employment authorization will be extended to April 1 of the following year.
  • If your H-1B petition was receipted after the expiration on your OPT/STEM EAD card (but before the end of the 60-day grace period following that date), then only your F-1 status will be extended and not to your employment authorization. You can remain in the U.S. in F-1 status, but you cannot work, during the "gap" period.

F-1 students who are eligible for Cap Gap and would like a new I-20 printed reflecting the extension of their status/employment should submit a  Cap Gap Request in the ISSS Portal.

You are NOT eligible for a Cap Gap Extension if:

  • Your employer is cap-exempt OR
  • Your H-1B petition requested "consular processing" OR
  • Your H-1B petition requested a start date outside of the applicable fiscal year OR
  • Your H-1B petition was filed after your 60-day grace period expired (if this occurs, USCIS will likely deny the change of status portion of the petition, and you will be required to travel to change status)

Change of Status to H-1B

If your employer has filed for your change of status to H-1B, submit a Change of Status Receipt Notice Upload in your ISSS Portal to upload a copy of your receipt notice. ISSS will verify that the change of status is showing on your SEVIS record, if applicable.

Remember that you must continue to maintain your F-1 status up until your new status begins.

Once you are approved for your change of status to H-1B:

  • Submit a Change of Status Approval Notice Upload in your ISSS Portal to upload a copy of your approval notice.
  • Submit an OPT/STEM Employer Update Request in your ISSS Portal to report the end of your STEM training and upload your final evaluation with your current employer. The end date of your final evaluation period listed on Form I-983 should either be the expiration date of your STEM EAD card or the day before the start of your new status (whichever is earlier).

Other Status Changes

Update ISSS if any major change related to your visa status occurs, such as the following:

  • You plan to depart the U.S. prior to your STEM Extension end date, with no plans to return and resume your STEM Extension OPT employment.
    • Submit an OPT/STEM Employer Update Request in your ISSS Portal to report the end of your STEM employment AND
    • Submit a Program Completion Request in your ISSS Portal to report your departure from the U.S.
  • You plan to transfer to another U.S. institution - Submit a Transfer Out Request in your ISSS Portal.
  • You plan to begin a new program of study at ISU - Submit a Change of Level Request in your ISSS Portal.
  • You have applied or been approved for a change of status (other than H-1B).
    • If you have applied for your change of status through USCIS:
      • Submit a Change of Status Receipt Notice Upload in your ISSS Portal to upload a copy of your receipt notice.
      • Once you are approved for your change of status, submit a Change of Status Approval Notice Upload in your ISSS Portal to upload a copy of your approval notice.
    • If you changed your status by obtaining a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad and entering the U.S.:
    • Submit an OPT/STEM Employer Update Request to report the end of your STEM employment.
    • Remember that you must continue to maintain your F-1 status up until your new status begins.