F-1 Cap-gap Period Extended

Written By Robin Catmur-Smith

January, 2025

  • A new H-1B modernization rule extends the cap-gap period for F-1 students with an approved OPT and a pending or approved H-1B petition by six months, from the previous end date of October 1 to April 1 of the relevant fiscal year. See here.

    • This is a positive change for students who are approved for a cap-gap extension of their OPT period, who also have a pending or approved H-1B petition. Instead of having the cap-gap OPT extension expire on October 1, the extension will be valid until April 1 of the following year. This is very useful if the H petition doesn’t get approved, or begins, after October 1.

Robin Catmur-Smith
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