Cap Gap Extension

Students who apply for H-1B status while on OPT or OPT STEM extension may request a “CAP-GAP” I-20 while their H-1B is pending or approved to extend their F-1 status to Sept. 30 of the year the H-1B application was filed. CAP GAP I-20s can only be issued during the H1B application period from April 1-Sept. 30.

The cap-gap extension is automatic for eligible students.  However, students may request I-20 with Cap Gap notation.  Please follow steps below to request Cap Gap I-20.  
 

Eligibility

• You must be currently completing OPT or in your OPT grace period

• You must have a timely filed H-1B petition and change of status request with USCIS.
   

Required Materials

• USCIS Receipt Notice 

• EAD Card (front & back)
   

Procedure

1. Log in to your My OPT Profile

2. Click on “2. Requests”  

3. Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the OPT Cap-Gap Extension Request.

4. ​Upload EAD card and Receipt notice

5. Submit OPT Cap-Gap Extension Request. 

You will receive an email from the International Student Services office once your new I-20 is available in the International Student Platform.  

Special Considerations

• The Cap Gap I-20 serves as proof of continued employment authorization. Although not require, some student may choose to request the Cap Gap I-20.  

• If you are completing authorized OPT on the April 1, the Cap-Gap extension, extends your F-1 status, and authorized period of post-completion OPT to Sept. 30.  

• ​If you are not completing authorized OPT on the April 1, you are not eligible for an extension of employment authorization. If you are still in your 60-day grace period, you are eligible for an extension of status, but not of work authorization.

• If the H-1B petition filed for an F-1 student with a cap-gap extension is denied, rejected, revoked, or withdrawn, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, revocation, or withdrawal of the petition) to depart the United States.

• Regardless of Cap Gap status, if you are eligible to apply for STEM 24-month STEM Extension, we encourage you to submit your STEM Extension application to USCIS. 
  
   

To begin this request, login here: My OPT Profile