Employment / H1B Cap-Gap Extension
H-1B Cap-Gap Extension
The H-1B cap-gap extension is a period in which eligible F-1 students can request an extension to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status.
To be eligible for Cap-Gap Extension, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a pending H1B application with USCIS that was filed prior to the expiration of your OPT/STEM OPT or 60-Day Grace Period. (An I-797 Notice indicating H1B "Registration Selection" does not make you eligible for Cap-Gap)
- Your H1B petition indicates change of status, not consular processing.
- Your OPT/STEM OPT or 60-Day Grace Period expires before September 30.
Types of Cap-Gap Extensions
The type and length of your Cap-Gap extension depends on your H-1B petition phase. Below are the types of Cap-Gap, required documentation for each type, and how the extensions are applied to your I-20 record.
| H-1B Petition Phase | Required Documentation | How the Extension is Applied to Your I-20 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Filed, Not Receipted | Mail receipt showing H1B application was timely filed to USCIS (from FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.) | If your OPT/STEM OPT authorization has not expired, your OPT/STEM OPT authorization
and F-1 status will be extended to June 1. If your OPT/STEM OPT authorization has already expired, but you were in your 60-day grace period at the time of filing, your F-1 status will be extended to June 1, but your OPT/STEM OPT work authorization will not be extended. |
| Filed and Receipted | Receipt Notice I-797 | If your OPT/STEM OPT authorization has not expired, your OPT/STEM OPT authorization
and F-1 status will be extended to September 30. If your OPT/STEM OPT authorization has already expired, but you were in your 60-day grace period at the time of filing, your F-1 status will be extended to September, but your OPT/STEM OPT work authorization will not be extended. |
| Filed and Approved | Approval Notice I-797 | If your OPT/STEM OPT authorization has not expired, your OPT/STEM OPT authorization
and F-1 status will be extended to September 30. If your OPT/STEM OPT authorization has already expired, but you were in your 60-day grace period at the time of filing, your F-1 status will be extended to September, but your OPT/STEM OPT work authorization will not be extended. |
How to Request an H1-B Cap-Gap I-20
To request an H1-B Cap-Gap I-20, please submit the following via email to iss@fullerton.edu or in person in Titan Hall 1123:
- Completed Cap-Gap Extension Request Form
- Copy of current OPT/STEM OPT EAD
- Copy of H1-B Filing Documentation (refer to table above)
Please note that documentation indicating your H1B registration was selected does not qualify you for Cap-Gap. Your H1B petition (Form I-129) must be filed in order to qualify.
Please allow 15 business days (minimum) for processing of your request and issuance of the Cap-Gap I-20. Your updated I-20 will be sent to you by email as a PDF attachment. ISS is only permitted to send your I-20 to the email address associated with your SEVP Portal.
Note: Once you receive the I-797 Receipt or Approval Notice, Cap Gap Extension is automatically applied to your record. You are not required to receive the updated I-20 in order for the Cap Gap Extension to be valid. Students who are eligible for extension of their OPT or STEM OPT may continue working while their updated I-20 is being processed.
