H1B Status and Cap Gap Extension Guide for Students

H-1B and Cap-Gap I-20 Guide

Cap-Gap Eligibility

USCIS determines Cap-Gap eligibility based on an individual's H-1B petition. ISGSS does not grant or approve Cap-Gap extensions. Our role is to update and issue Form I-20s when the student's SEVIS record reflects the Cap-Gap benefit.

If your employer files an H-1B petition on time with an October 1 start date, you may qualify for an automatic extension of your F-1 status and OPT/STEM OPT through September 30 if:

You are maintaining valid F-1 status.
Your OPT/STEM OPT is still valid when the petition is filed.
USCIS receives the petition and issues a receipt notice.

If eligible, request an updated Form I-20 from ISGSS as proof of your Cap-Gap extension.

If your H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, revoked, or not selected, you will have a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S., starting from the later of your OPT end date or the notice date.

To request a Cap-Gap I-20, complete the and upload the required documents there (please do not email documents).

Please have these documents ready:

Approved H-1B: Approval notice with updated I-94.
Pending H-1B: I-797 receipt notice and Page 2 of the filed I-129 petition (black out your SSN).
STEM OPT students: H-1B approval or receipt notice, plus the final evaluation section of Form I-983 signed by you and your employer.

If you are on STEM OPT (before your Cap Gap period begins), please remember that you are still responsible for all STEM OPT Validations and Reporting Requirements through the end date on your STEM OPT EAD. More information about required STEM OPT validations can be found here.

Important note: Uploading a premium processing notice or H1B registration copy in replacement for the actual H1B Receipt Notice is NOT accepted and will not be approved for a cap-gap I-20.

ISGSS will email your updated Form I-20 within 7鈥�10 business days after receiving your documents.

Cap-Gap Reporting Requirements

Your reporting requirements depend on your F-1 status and your SEVIS record.

If your SEVIS record remains ACTIVE with a Cap-Gap extension

You must continue meeting all STEM OPT reporting requirements, including required validations and Form I-983 evaluations.
Your final scheduled report is the 24-month validation.
After that, you only need to notify ISGSS of any changes to your address or employment during your Cap-Gap period.

If USCIS approves your H-1B change of status and your SEVIS record is updated to COMPLETED

You must complete the and upload a copy of your H-1B approval notice so ISGSS can update your record.

If USCIS approves your H-1B petition with Consular Processing (Form I-797B)

Your SEVIS record must remain ACTIVE until you activate your H-1B status.
After you receive your Form I-797B, submit it through the , along with any other required documents.
Until your H-1B status is activated, you must continue complying with all applicable STEM OPT reporting requirements, including required validations and Form I-983 evaluations>

Questions? Contact ISGSS@lewisu.edu and include your SEVIS ID and 麻豆传媒高清 ID number for faster assistance.