After being selected for an H1B visa in the FY2025 lottery, there are several important steps you need to follow to ensure the smooth processing of your visa application:
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While being selected for an H1B visa is a crucial step, it doesn't immediately result in approval. So, what happens if your OPT expires before you receive H1B approval? There's no need to worry, thanks to the cap-gap extension that acts as a safeguard.
The H1B's start date is October 1st, coinciding with the start of the U.S. fiscal year. However, since most U.S. institutions have graduation dates between May and July, many people's OPT ends within this period, much earlier than the H1B start date.
The period from the end of OPT to the start of H1B is known as the Cap Gap. "Cap" refers to the H1B's numerical limitation, and "Gap" signifies the time interval. The Cap Gap extension, introduced by the Department of Homeland Security in 2008, allows for the extension of OPT for H1B holders during this period, ensuring they can legally reside and work in the U.S. The extension requires the following conditions to be met:
Students meeting these criteria can work without worry during the Cap Gap period; their OPT will automatically extend and seamlessly transition to H1B. However, don't forget to submit your H1B selection notice to your school's International Student Services Office and request a new I-20 indicating the Cap Gap extension dates. Failure to report to the school can lead to automatic termination of F-1 student status after OPT ends, potentially preventing the work permit extension. So, remember to communicate with your school after H1B selection!
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