{"id":758,"date":"2024-06-04T17:11:14","date_gmt":"2024-06-04T17:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/experience-tst.syr.edu\/intercultural-collective\/?page_id=758"},"modified":"2026-01-29T14:47:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T19:47:50","slug":"cap-gap-extension","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/experience.syracuse.edu\/intercultural-collective\/center-for-international-services\/employment\/cap-gap-extension\/","title":{"rendered":"Cap-Gap Extension"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A Cap-Gap Extension automatically extends an eligible F-1 student\u2019s status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT<\/a> or STEM Extension<\/a>) and start of H-1B status (effective Oct. 1), thereby allowing the student to remain in the U.S. during the \u201cgap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Cap-Gap Extension is available to students who, as of April 1, were either on approved OPT or STEM Extension or in their 60-day grace period and have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Cap-Gap Extension will produce one of two outcomes, depending on your individual situation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Extension of your OPT or STEM Extension work authorization to Sept. 30. This happens if your approved OPT end date (on your EAD Card) is April 1 or later and your employer filed an H-1B application prior to your OPT or STEM Extension end date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Extension of your F-1 \u201cduration of status,\u201d but not your work authorization. If your OPT or STEM Extension expired before April 1 and your employer filed an H-1B application during your 60-day grace period, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. if you otherwise maintain your F-1 status, but you are not authorized to work until the H-1B application is approved and goes into effect Oct. 1.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n
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    Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
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