Immigration

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: How the Cap-Gap Rule Supports F-1 Students Moving to H-1B?

February, 08, 2025-11:27

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The Cap-Gap Rule Supports F-1 Students Moving to H-1B:

The annual H1B cap-filing season prompts inquiries regarding the extensions of F-1 student status and optional practical training (OPT) prior to the commencement of H1B status. Many international students often seek clarification on how to align H1B applications with the expiration of their F-1 status and OPT employment authorization. Below is essential information regarding the functioning of the “cap-gap” extension of F-1 status and OPT.

Background: The Cap-Gap Rule
The cap-gap rule originates from a regulation established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2008. This rule allows for automatic extensions of status for certain students, effectively closing the gap between the conclusion of their student status, usually OPT, and the beginning of the next government fiscal year on October 1st. Given the annual limits on H1B petitions, October 1st marks the earliest date that a cap-subject H1B worker can commence employment in H1B status. However, many students find that their F-1 status and OPT authorization expire earlier in the summer due to the standard academic calendar. Under certain conditions, the cap-gap rule provides extensions for student status and/or employment authorization. The rule and its general provisions are outlined below.

Eligibility Under the Cap-Gap Rule
An F-1 student whose status expires (1) after the submission of an H1B petition requesting a change of status effective October 1st of the same year, and (2) before the requested start date of October 1st, is granted an automatic extension of F-1 status. This extension lasts until September 30th, provided the H1B petition is accepted and remains pending or is approved.

If the student is authorized for OPT at the time of the H1B petition filing, their employment authorization is automatically extended throughout the entire cap-gap period. Conversely, if the petition is denied, withdrawn, revoked, or rejected, the F-1 status and work authorization will terminate. The student will still be entitled to the standard 60-day grace period following the triggering event or the conclusion of their academic program.

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi is an Immigration policies researcher and immigration laws analyst.
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi
Disclaimer: The information presented here is general in nature and might not be applicable in any given situation. It should not be interpreted as legal advice or taken for granted that it is always current.