Cap-Gap Extension

A Cap-Gap Extension automatically extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of Optional Practical Training (OPT) (F-1 status) and start of H-1B status (effective Oct. 1), thereby allowing the student to remain in the US during the “gap.”

The Cap-Gap Extension is available to students who, as of April 1, were either on approved OPT or in their 60-day grace period and have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B petition with the USCIS.

This Cap-Gap Extension will produce one of two outcomes, depending on your individual situation:

  1. Extension of your OPT 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 petition prior to your OPT end date.
  2. Extension of your F-1 “duration of status.” If your OPT expired before April 1 and your employer filed an H-1B petition 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 petition is approved and goes into effect Oct. 1.

    Cap-Gap Extension FAQs

    Students in all fields of study are eligible for the Cap-Gap Extension as long as the student has not violated the terms or conditions of their F-1 status. To qualify for the Extension, the student must be the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that:

    1. Is subject to the H-1B cap (petitions filed by "Cap exempt" employers do not qualify because the Cap-Gap is not required and the H-1B can begin any day of the year, so it can begin the day after your OPT expires).
    2. Has been timely filed (within the acceptance period).
    3. Requests an employment start date of Oct. 1.
    4. Requests a change of status (rather than consular processing).

    There is no application process for the Cap-Gap Extension. If the H-1B petition has been received or approved, your SEVIS record should automatically reflect the Cap-Gap Extension and your work authorization or F-1 status will be extended to Sept. 30. It is our experience that it may take 2-3 weeks after your H-1B is receipted for your SEVIS record to be updated with the Cap-Gap Extension.

    Please note that your work authorization is automatically extended as long as a viable H-1B application is filed for you BEFORE the end date of your current F-1 OPT. Your employer may require a Cap-Gap I-20 to extend the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form.

    Therefore, 2-3 weeks after you or your employer have received the H-1B receipt notice or approval notice, you may contact the Center for International Services by email at international@syr.edu to request a Cap-Gap I-20:

    Write “CAP-GAP Extension I-20" in the subject line of your email.

    In the body of the email, include:

    • Last Name, First Name
    • SUID number
    • SEVIS ID Number (the N00 number on your I-20):
    • H-1B receipt number
    • Your current address
    • Your employer's name and address
    • The address to which you want your new I-20 sent by regular mail (or let us know that you have arranged for express mailing)

    If you or your employer have not received a receipt notice for an H-1B from USCIS, then your SEVIS record is not likely to have the Cap-Gap applied to it and we will not be able to produce an I-20 with the Cap-Gap.

    If the H-1B petition is denied, you will have the standard 60-day grace period from the date of the rejection notice to depart the U.S. However, if a denial is based on a discovered status violation, no such grace period exists and you must leave the U.S. immediately.

    View additional information on the Cap-Gap Extension.