A cap-gap extension automatically extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of OPT (F-1 status) and start of H-1B status (effective October 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 1st, 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:
- Extension of your OPT work authorization to September 30th. 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. OR
- Extension of your F-1 “duration of status.” If your OPT expired before April 1st and your employer filed an H-1B petition during your 60-day grace period, you are allowed to remain in the US 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 October 1.
Cap-Gap Extension FAQs
Who is eligible for the extension?
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 his or her F-1 status. To qualify for the extension, the student must be the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that:
- 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.)
- Has been timely filed (within the acceptance period)
- Requests an employment start date of October 1
- Requests a change of status (rather than consular processing)
How do I obtain a Cap-Gap I-20?
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 September 30th. 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, two to three 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
- SU ID 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.
How does my employer update the I-9 with the cap-gap extension of OPT?
Your employer should consult section 6.4.2 of the I-9 Handbook for Employers.
What happens if my H-1B is denied after receiving the cap-gap extension?
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 US. However, if a denial is based on a discovered status violation, no such grace period exists and you must leave the US immediately.
View additional information on the Cap-Gap Extension.