Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. F-1 Students: Cap Gap Extension Ends Sept. 30

Please note, this content may be outdated. Visit Study in the States' Students, Schools and Blog pages for more timely information on this topic.

Woman working on a tablet  at a crowded table

F-1 Students: Cap Gap Extension Ends Sept. 30


September 24, 2015

The annual cap gap extension ends Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The cap gap extension automatically extends F-1 status and, if applicable, post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization for eligible F-1 students who have pending or approved H-1 B temporary employment status applications.

F-1 students on the cap gap extension, therefore, may remain in the United States in F-1 status and continue working (if they were participating in OPT) through Sept. 30.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security designed the extension to cover the time period between when F-1 students typically graduate or finish their OPT, and the start of their H-1B temporary employment status, which begins on Oct. 1 of each fiscal year.

An employer may petition for an H-1B visa on behalf of an F-1 student if that student holds “theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields.” However, there are only a limited number of H-1B visas that become available every year on April 1.

If you are an F-1 student on the cap gap extension and anything changes with your H-1B employer, make sure that the employer notifies U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by Sept. 30. That way, you may be able to take steps to avoid being out of status on Oct. 1.

If you are an F-1 student and are on the cap gap extension and the H-1B application filed for you is denied, rejected or revoked, you have 60 days to depart the United States or take other steps to maintain your student status.

For more information, visit our Cap Gap page and the Cap Gap Fact Sheet on USCIS.gov. Also, talk with your designated school official about any questions you have.

Was This Helpful?
Please provide feedback on this page.