ISSS Link (e-forms)

Cap-Gap Extension

A cap-gap extension is a provision that extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of their OPT and the beginning of their H-1B status.

If a student is in a period of post-completion OPT, and they have applied for H-1B temporary worker status, a cap-gap extension would allow the student to stay in the US and continue working during this gap.

If a student applies for H-1B status while they are within the 60-day grace period after finishing OPT, a cap-gap extension would allow them to stay in the US (but not continue working) during the gap.

Note: If a student's H-1B petition is denied, revoked, or withdrawn after the OPT authorization expires, the student should stop working and discuss the possibility of pursuing other immigration options with their employer.

Eligibility

A student is eligible for a cap-gap extension if:

  • The student is participating in post-completion OPT or is within the 60-day grace period after finishing OPT;
  • The student's prospective employer filed an H-1B change-of-status petition with a start date of October 1; and
  • The employer is subject to the H-1B "cap." Students should check with their employer to determine if they are subject to the cap.

  1. Log into ISSS Link, navigate to the "F-1 Practical Training" tab and select "H-1B Cap Gap Form."
     
  2. Complete and submit the e-form. Students will be asked to upload the following documents:
    • If the H-1B petition is still pending:
      • H-1B receipt notice
      • Letter from the employer to ISSS verifying the following:
        • they are a cap-subject employer
        • they have filed an H-1B petition on the student's behalf
        • the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B with an October 1 start date
           
    • If the H-1B petition is waitlisted:
      • Waitlist information
      • Letter from the employer to ISSS verifying the following:
        • they are a cap-subject employer
        • they have filed an H-1B petition on the student's behalf
        • the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B with an October 1 start date
           
    • If the H-1B petition is approved:
      • Change of status approval notice with an October 1 start date
      • Letter from the employer to ISSS verifying the following:
        • they are a cap-subject employer
        • they have filed an H-1B petition on the student's behalf
        • the H-1B petition is for a change of status to H-1B

If the H-1B request is approved, students must not leave the US after their employment authorization document expires. Students will not be re-admitted to the US in F-1 student status.

Students who have an approved H-1B and are traveling internationally, will need to obtain an H-1B visa stamp and re-enter the country no earlier than 10 days before their H-1B employment start date.

Students should discuss any international travel plans with both their ISSS advisor and their employer while on a cap-gap extension.

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