cap gap travel

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H-1b status and the cap gap extension.

The H-1B status is temporary employment authorization for a nonimmigrant who performs services in a specialty occupation. An employer may petition United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for H-1B status on behalf of an employee/prospective employee if the candidate holds “theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields." USCIS is the government agency responsible for adjudicating H-1B petitions and granting H-1B status.

There is a limit, or “cap,” on the number of individuals who can receive H-1B status every fiscal year. For purposes of the cap, each fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 of the prior calendar year. For more information on the H-1B cap, visit USCIS’s H-1B Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Cap Season page.

Regulations prohibit employers from filing H-1B petitions until six months before the date of actual need for the employee. This means that once USCIS reaches the cap in one fiscal year, employers must wait until April 1, which is six months before the start of the next fiscal year, before filing H-1B petitions again.

Each year, some F-1 students seek to switch nonimmigrant classification from F-1 student status to H-1B temporary employment status after completing a program of study or post-completion optional practical training (OPT). An F-1 student’s current or prospective employer may petition USCIS for H-1B status on their behalf by filing Form I-129, “Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.”

If you are an M-1 student, your prospective employer may petition H-1B status on your behalf if your employment does not relate to your M-1 program of study. For more information on H-1B status eligibility, visit USCIS’s H-1B Eligibility Criteria page.

Many F-1 students complete a program of study or post-completion OPT in mid-spring or early summer. Per federal regulations, after completing their program or post-completion OPT, F-1 students have only 60 days to take the steps necessary to maintain legal status or depart the United States. However, because the change to H-1B status does not occur until Oct. 1, an F-1 student previously had two or more months following the 60-day period with no legal status.

Prior to 2008, in these instances, an F-1 student would have to leave the United States or apply for H-1B status at a U.S. consulate or embassy, and then seek readmission to the United States.

To deal with this situation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security established regulations that automatically extend F-1 status and, if applicable, post-completion OPT employment authorization from April 1 to Sept. 30 for eligible F-1 students. We call this the cap gap extension.

The cap refers to the limit on the number of individuals who can receive H-1B status every fiscal year. The gap is the period between the end of an individual’s F-1 status and the beginning of the individual’s H-1B status. The cap gap extension allows for some F-1 students to extend their F-1 status and/or authorized period of post-completion OPT until they transition to the H-1B status on Oct. 1.

This means an F-1 student filing for H1-B status on April 1 with a benefit start date of Oct. 1 may qualify for an extension of status and/or employment authorization. The general eligibility requirements for the cap gap extension are listed below, but please understand that your individual case may be different and you should always talk with your designated school official (DSO) about whether you would qualify for a cap gap extension. Additionally, always maintain regular contact with your potential employer to receive updates on the status of your H-1B petition, should they file one for you.

As an F-1 student, you may be eligible for an extension of your F-1 status through Sept. 30 if you meet the following requirements:

Your potential employer files an H-1B petition in a timely manner with USCIS with an employment start date of Oct. 1.
You are maintaining your F-1 status on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition.
USCIS receives the H-1B petition in a timely manner and issues a receipt for it.

You may be eligible for an extension of your F-1 status and authorized period of post-completion OPT (including the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT extension ) in the following circumstances:

Your employer files an H-1B petition in a timely manner with USCIS with an employment start date of Oct. 1.
You are in an authorized period of post-completion OPT (including the STEM OPT extension) on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition.

If you are eligible for the cap gap extension, your proof that you are still in F-1 status and that you may continue OPT (if applicable) is a note on your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility of Nonimmigrant Student Status.” Obtain an updated Form I-20 from your DSO when the Cap Gap extension begins with a note indicating that your F-1 status and, if applicable, your OPT authorization will continue, typically until Sept. 30.

If your H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, revoked or not selected, an F-1 student will have the standard 60-day grace period from the date of the rejection notice or their program or OPT end date, whichever is later, to depart the United States.

Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student on the cap gap extension may travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States. However, if an F-1 student travels abroad before USCIS approves their H-1B change of status (COS) petition, USCIS will deem the petition abandoned. The student’s F-1 status will expire per the program end date listed on their Form I-20. Meaning, if a student leaves the United States before USCIS approves their H-1B COS petition, that student will not be able to re-enter the United States as an F-1 student pursuant to the cap gap extension provisions.

Specifically, you may travel abroad and seek readmission into the United States if you are an F-1 student on the cap gap extension and meet the following criteria:

Your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved by USCIS.
You seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally such employment begins at the start of the fiscal year, i.e., Oct. 1). Y
You are otherwise admissible (e.g., you have all proper documentation including a valid, signed Form I-20 and an F-1 visa).

You will not need to provide an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This requirement does not apply because during the cap gap period your EAD card will have already expired, and USCIS will not renew the EAD card during the interim period.

As with all other international arrivals at a U.S. port of entry, the final decision on whether to grant admission into the United States lies with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Visit our Getting to the United States page and CBP’s website for more information regarding the appropriate travel documents and supporting evidence required for entry into in the United States.

Related Tags: H-1B , Change of Status

Students seeking services can see our current student services page , which includes virtual and in-person options. For J scholar and Employment-based services, please see our Contact Us page .

H-1B and OPT Cap-Gap Extensions

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The H-1B is a nonimmigrant status that permits temporary employment in "specialty occupations" . Many H-1B petitions are subject to a "Cap". The cap refers to the limit of H-1B visas allowed per federal fiscal year (FY). A fiscal year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th of the following year. Current regulations set the cap at 65,000 H-1B visas for the entire country. To check the latest cap count please visit the USCIS website. Most private industry employer petitions are subject to the cap. Universities and related nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations and government research organizations are exempt from the cap.

To find out more about the H-1B, see below and attend one of our H-1B Workshops or take a look at the H-1B FAQ page for general H-1B information . See the USCIS H-1B website for full information on H-1Bs.

The OPT Cap-Gap Extension

A Cap-Gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 OPT or OPT STEM work authorization and start of a cap subject H-1B status, allowing the student to remain in the US during the "gap."

Basics & Eligibility

What is the h-1b.

The H-1B is an employer-sponsored nonimmigrant classification which allows persons who are not citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. to work in a specialty occupation for up to six years with very limited exceptions. "Employer-sponsored" means that the employer must apply for the H-1B on behalf of the prospective H-1B employee through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) . "Specialty occupation" means a position that requires specialized knowledge and skills, and at least a bachelor's degree in that specialty. The H 1B also requires that the H-1B employer pay the H-1B employee the prevailing wage or the actual wage, whichever is higher. The prevailing wage is the salary paid to workers in similar occupations in the geographic area of the intended employment. The actual wage is the wage that the employer pays employees in similar occupations at the location of the intended employment. Since the procedures and record keeping required for the H-1B are complex, an attorney or other trained person will be necessary to complete the paperwork.

What is the H-1B Cap?

The H-1B cap is the limit on the number of H-1Bs allowed each fiscal year.* Currently, the cap is 65,000. The fiscal year begins on October 1 when a new batch of the 65,000 H-1Bs becomes available. 20,000 beneficiaries of H-1B petitions filed for new employment or for a change of employer are exempt from being counted against the H-1B cap if the beneficiary has earned a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education. See the USCIS H-1B website for the more information.

*The cap does not apply to all H-1B visas. (The cap does not affect H-1B petitions at UC Berkeley.) An individual may be exempt to the H-1B cap if they are employed or have received an offer of employment at a qualifying institution: an institution of higher education, a nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with an institution of higher education, a non profit research organization or a government organization. Berkeley International Office cannot advise on an employer's cap status. Please check with your individual employer and their legal counsel.

What is the H-1B annual timeline for cap subject H-1Bs?

H-1B Registration & H-1B Filing Employers wanting to file a cap-subject H-1B petition must first submit registrations during the registration period (generally during March) , naming and paying a $10 registration fee for each individual they hope to file for. USCIS will then conduct a lottery of all registrations received, and notify employers which beneficiaries have been selected by March 31. After notification, the employer will then have a 90-day period beginning April 1 in which to file a complete H-1B I-129 petition An employer may not file a cap-subject H-1B petition for any beneficiary whose registration was not selected in the registration lottery. For current timelines see the USCIS H-1B Electronic Registration Process website . The actual start date of these H-1B petitions will be October 1, which is the start of the H-1B fiscal year.

The actual start date of these H-1B petitions will be October 1. This means that the H-1B status cannot become effective until October 1.

Eligibility for the OPT Cap-Gap Extension

The Cap-Gap extension is available to students who, are either on approved F-1 OPT or STEM OPT or in their 60-day grace period and have a pending or approved change-of-status for an October 1st cap-subject H-1B petition with USCIS which was filed prior to the expiration of their OPT/STEM or 60-day grace period . For more informaiton, see the USCIS Cap Gap webpage .

What does it mean to have filed for an Oct. 1 Cap subject H-1B petition prior to the expiration of their OPT/STEM or 60-day grace period ? Please understand that the H-1B registration process is different than the H-1B Change of Status filing process! To qualify for the F-1 OPT Cap Gap Extension the employer must have submitted the Form I-129 requesting Change of Status and an employment start date of October 1, and that I-129 filing MUST BE RECIEVED by USCIS before the expiration of the OPT/STEM EAD or 60-day grace period.

Those filing for H-1B via consular processing DO NOT qualify for the Cap-Gap Extension. You must confirm with your employer if the H-1B will be filed as a "Change-of Status" or via "Consular Processing." You may be eligible for one of two Cap-Gap extension benefits:

If the employer filed your H-1B (change-of-status) petition and it is received by USCIS prior to your post-completion OPT expiration date, you qualify for an extension of your OPT employment authorization.
If the employer filed your H-1B (change-of-status) petition and it is received by USCIS after your post-completion OPT expires but during your 60 day grace period following OPT, your F-1 status and permission to remain in the US are extended but you are not eligible to work.

Apply for an OPT Cap-Gap Extension I-20

Petitions that have been filed and receipted: If your H-1B (I-129 including change-of-status) petition has been filed by your employer and receipted by USCIS, you are eligible for an automatic Cap-Gap extension I-20 through September 30th. To request this Cap-Gap extension I-20, access the " H-1B Cap Gap Extension I-20 Request " in your SSU Hub . You will be asked to upload the following:

Your 12 Month EAD or STEM EAD card, if you haven't already
a copy of the I-797 Receipt or Approval notice from USCIS for the I-129 filing

You will indicate your preferred Delivery Method (Express Mail, USPS Airmail or Pick Up). This will take us about 5 business days to process.

Petitions that have been filed but NOT receipted: Currently, SEVIS does not allow Cap Gap Extensions for applications that have not been selected for processing and receipted.

How long will the OPT Cap-Gap Extension I-20 request take?

Berkeley International Office will submit the Cap-Gap request to SEVIS within five (5) business days of the receipt of your request form in SSU Hub (see above), provided all information above is accurate and complete. Sometimes the Cap gap does not appear in the SEVIS record and Berkeley International Office must make a request to SEVIS to correct the record. This can cause delays in processing the request that are out of BIO's control. (See below in Problems and Issues .)

How do I know if I have a Cap Gap Extension on my I-20? What does it look like?

Page 2 of your I-20 will have 2 distinct changes:

Under EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATIONS on page 2 of your I-20, your current OPT or STEM Extension will now have a 30 SEPTEMBER end date.

What if my OPT expires before my employer files for the H-1B Change of Status? Will the preliminary or automatic Cap-Gap Extension extend my OPT?

Although your F-1 status would be extended if you are in your 60-day grace period when the petition is filed, your OPT employment authorization period has expired, and the Cap-Gap does not serve to reinstate or retroactively grant employment authorization. Your legal status to remain in the U.S. in F-1 status is extended, but you are required to stop working until your H-1B goes into effect on October 1st ( or at whatever date your Change of Status becomes effective). Consult with your BIO advisor and the legal counsel working on your H-1B application to determine your best strategy and if a Cap-Gap is really the right option for you.

Can I travel during a Cap-Gap Extension period and still return with my OPT I-20 and EAD?

Please note, traveling outside the US may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. Berkeley International Office strongly advises students to consult with their employers and the legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the US. Berkeley International Office cannot advise directly on the impact of travel on your individual H-1B application. See the USCIS Cap Gap webpage for more information.

In general, during the Cap-Gap period, you can travel and re-enter the U.S. if:

You have a valid F-1 visa at the time of re-entry
You have an I-20 that reflects the Cap-Gap benefit and has a travel signature (no older than 6 months)
The H-1B petition filed on your behalf has been approved before you travel.

Per Department of Homeland Security policy, an applicant who departs the U.S while a change of status application is pending is considered to have abandoned the application.

Can I file for an H-1B and a STEM OPT Extension at the same time?

Yes, but filing these applications concurrently can sometimes cause complications in your SEVIS record. Y ou can apply for a STEM OPT Extension before your OPT EAD expires. If you are planning to file for an H-1B and STEM at the same time, you should submit your OPT STEM application on time, before the original 12 month EAD expires.

You should also be mindful to take extra steps when filing for your STEM Extension and continuing your F-1 status:

Before requesting a STEM I-20, check with your employer and the legal counsel working on your H-1B and confirm that your employer recommends that you file STEM/H-1B concurrently at this time.
When submitting your STEM OPT Extension include the STEM/Cap-Gap Letter if a Cap-Gap appears on your OPT STEM I-20
If no Cap-Gap currently appears on your I-20, but your employer has filed for the H-1B include the STEM/H1B Letter
Update BIO as soon as possible regarding any Withdrawal or Denial of your H-1B petition. These actions may have an impact on your SEVIS record, and a BIO adviser will need to review the record to see if any corrections need to be made.
If your H-1B is approved, the STEM Extension (or pending STEM Extension) will end on the date your H-1B becomes effective. Report the end of your OPT via the SSU Hub . Select " Report Early OPT/Academic Training Completion " and provide your I-797 Approval Notice From USCIS. Your F-1 record will be completed after the effective date of your H-1B.

Can I also apply for a STEM OPT Extension before my Cap Gap period starts? (BEFORE my OPT EAD expires)

When submitting your STEM Extension include the STEM/Cap Gap Letter
If your H-1B is approved, the STEM Extension (or pending STEM Extension) will end on the date your H-1B becomes effective. R eport the end of your OPT via the SSU Hub . Select " Report Early OPT/Academic Training Completion " and provide your I-797 Approval Notice From USCIS. Your F-1 record will be completed after the effective date of your H-1B.

Can I apply for a STEM OPT Extension during my Cap Gap period? (AFTER my OPT EAD expires, but BEFORE the Cap-Gap extension expires Sept 30)

Berkeley International Office DOES NOT advise submitting a STEM OPT Extension application after the expiration of your original 12 month OPT EAD, even if you have a Cap-Gap Extension on your I-20 which extends your OPT until Sept 30.

USCIS states on its Cap Gap website website that "Students who are eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment and F-1 status may apply for a STEM OPT extension during the cap-gap extension period. However, students may not apply for a STEM OPT extension once the cap-gap extension period is terminated (if the H-1B petition is rejected, denied, revoked, or withdrawn) and the student has entered the 60-day grace period. " However, BIO's current experience is that that STEM applications submitted after the end of the OPT EAD, but during the Cap-Gap period carry a very high risk of denial. Additionally, for those applications that are approved, if the H-1B is later denied, it could cause serious problems the STEM OPT Extension and F-1 SEVIS record. In most cases, the H-1B denial will result in the ending of the STEM Extension and F-1 SEVIS record.

I am already approved for a STEM OPT Extension, and my STEM OPT Extension is expiring. Can I qualify for Cap-Gap Extension to start after my STEM OPT expires?

Yes, STEM extension holders may qualify for the Cap-Gap Extension if they meet eligiblity requirements. See above for Cap-Gap Eligiblity.

My employer filed for my H-1B and the petition has been approved. Should I file for the STEM Extension if my H-1B is already Approved for Oct. 1?

You may not need a STEM extension if your OPT is ending and your H-1B has already been approved. If this is your situation, check with a BIO adviser before submitting your STEM request. An adviser will need to review your record and H-1B approval notice. An adviser will determine whether a STEM Extension or Cap-Gap I-20 is better for you.

Before contacting a BIO adviser, make sure that you have 1) uploaded a copy of your OPT EAD card to the SSU Hub and 2) have your H-1B I-797 Approval Notice From USCIS.

Problems & Issues

Cap-gap not appearing in sevis system/cap-gap data fix.

If Berkeley International Office checks your SEVIS record and finds that Cap-Gap has not automatically been applied, then we will have to request a data fix from the SEVIS Help Desk. In these cases, we will have to submit a copy of your EAD card, your H-1B Receipt Notice or your H-1B Approval Notice. This will often cause a delay in the processing of your Cap-Gap I-20, and you will be notified if there is a delay of more than the 5 business day processing time.

What if my original OPT expires and my Cap-Gap Extension data fix is still pending with SEVIS Help Desk?

Your post-completion OPT is automatically extended, whether you apply for the Cap-Gap extension I-20 or not. Therefore, you are allowed to continue working with your employer while the Cap-Gap extension data fix is pending. Also, keep in mind that the 90-day unemployment rule remains in effect during your automatically extended work authorization. During this time you must continue to update Berkeley International Office of any changes in your employment or address via our Student SEVIS Update (SSU) Hub form.

What happens if my H-1B is rejected, withdrawn, or denied after applying for the Cap-Gap Extension?

If the student's H-1B is not selected, or is withdrawn, denied, or revoked the student will have the standard 60-day grace period from the date of the rejection notice to prepare for and depart the U.S. In some cases it may be possible to apply for an I-20 transfer during the grace period, but this is often not available. However, if a denial is based on a discovered status violation, no such grace period exists and the student must leave the U.S. immediately.

What if a Cap Gap appears in my record, but my employer is not subject to the Cap? Or my employer filed the H-1B for "consular processing"?

You are not eligible for the Cap Gap Extension if your employer is not cap-subject, or if your employer files for your H-1B via consular processing. If a Cap-Gap appears in your F-1 record and you are in one of these categories, please contact Berkeley International Office as soon as possible. An adviser will need to submit a request to SEVIS Helpdesk to remove the H-1B or Cap-Gap information from your F-1 record. If we are not able to remove the incorrect H-1B information from your record, your F-1 record may accidentally complete.

Incorrect consular processing H-1B notations are quite common, as SEVIS sometimes has difficulty identifying whether the petition is a Change of Status H-1B or a consular processing petition.

What if my regular Cap Gap Extension until Sept. 30 expires and my H-1B is not yet approved?

If your H-1B has not yet been accepted for processing and receipted, BIO cannot extend your OPT past September 30 unless you can qualify for and submit a timely filed OPT STEM Extension . If your H-1B is not approved by Sept. 30, your F-1 employment authorization will end. You will then have the standard 60-day grace period from the Cap Gap end date of Sept 30 to 1) depart the U.S., 2) apply for an I-20 transfer , or 3) to work with your employer and immigration legal counsel regarding your current H-1B Change of Status and options to remain in the U.S.

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NOTE: Institutions of higher education or their affiliated or related nonprofit entities, as well as nonprofit and government research organizations, are exempt from the H-1B cap. They can file H-1B petitions any time of the year and are not subject to the numerical limit. Cap-exempt employers may plan in advance to avoid any gap between OPT and the H-1B status begin date. Since they are exempt from the cap, the information below does not apply.

If a person's H-1B is subject to the cap, and if that person's OPT expires before September 30, the time in between the EAD expiration and October 1 is called the “cap gap.”

What Are “Cap Gap” Extensions and Who is Eligible?

If you meet all of the following eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to an extension of F-1 status and employment eligibility to cover the “cap gap” period:

You have properly maintained F-1 status
Your employment is subject to the H-1B cap
Your employer filed an H-1B petition for “Change of Status” (not “Consular Notification”) on or after April 1
Your EAD expires between April 1 and September 30
The H-1B petition was filed before your EAD expired

If your registration is selected in the lottery, this does not mean that you are eligible for the Cap Gap extension. Your sponsor should receive an I-797 notice of your selection, but they still need to file the H-1B petition in a timely manner in order for you to be eligible for the Cap Gap extension.

The cap-gap extension of status and work authorization ends on October 1, when the H-1B status begins. The automatic extension of status also applies to your F-2 dependents.

NOTE: If conditions 1-4 above are true but the H-1B petition was filed in the 60-day grace period following the end of your OPT, you are not eligible for the “cap gap” extension of employment eligibility. You may still be eligible to remain in the United States until October 1 if the H-1B petition is approved. Consult the immigration attorney for your employer for information about this scenario.

Additional information can be found at Extension of Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations Questions and Answers , and H-1B Cap Season .

When and How Should I Request a “Cap Gap I-20 Reprint”?

If you meet eligibility criteria 1-5 above, the cap gap extension of F-1 status and employment eligibility is automatic. Individuals with a receipted H-1B petition are eligible for an automatic extension of F-1 status and any authorized OPT until September 30. The H-1B petition receipt is not the same as the registration selection receipt.

You do not have to apply for a cap gap extension.
USCIS informs SEVIS of the H-1B application and SEVIS updates your I-20 record with a note about the extension of F-1 status and employment eligibility.

After the H-1B Receipt Notice comes and before your EAD expires, you may request an I-20 reprint showing the cap gap information.

Your employer will probably want to review it and save a copy in your employment records.
You may also need the updated I-20 for other purposes, like getting a new driver's license.

Generally you should wait to request the Cap Gap I-20 Reprint until you have the H-1B Receipt Notice (not the selection receipt).

If you have not received the H-1B Receipt Notice yet, let your employer know that you need a copy as soon as it arrives. When you get the Receipt Notice, you can request a Cap Gap I-20 Reprint.

Before requesting the Cap Gap I-20 Reprint, please check your OPT Employer Record and update with any changes, as necessary.

To request your Cap Gap I-20 Reprint, log in to the M-Passport portal , click on Requests > Cap Gap I-20 , and follow the instructions from there.

How Long Will It Take to Get a “Cap Gap I-20 Reprint”?

Remember, the International Center is simply reprinting the I-20 for you. If USCIS and SEVIS have made the proper updates, processing time is the same as for any other reprint (5-10 business days).

NOTE: Unfortunately, sometimes USCIS and/or SEVIS fail to make the proper updates to a student's SEVIS record. In this case, it may become necessary for an International Student/Scholar Advisor (ISSA) to intervene on your behalf by filing a “data fix” ticket with SEVIS Help Desk. The Help Desk must process the data fix before the International Center can produce your Cap Gap I-20 Reprint; their processing time can range from weeks to months. If a data fix is necessary, the ISSA who receives your reprint request will inform you and maintain communication with you.

Reporting Requirements During Cap-Gap Extension Period

Students who remain in the U.S. under the “Cap Gap” regulation remain in F-1 status and must continue to report:

address changes through Wolverine Access
employment information to the IC through the M-Passport portal

What if the H-1B Petition is Not Approved?

If your H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, revoked, rejected, is not selected, or if the change of status request is denied or withdrawn even if the H-1B petition is approved for consular processing, the “cap gap” extension of employment eligibility will immediately terminate.

Typically, you will have 60 days (from notification of the above circumstances) to depart the U.S.
If, however, the denial is because of a status violation, there is no grace period.

Can I Travel Internationally During the “Cap Gap” Period?

After an H-1B petition with Change of Status is filed, consult your employer's immigration attorney about all international travel, whether or not your EAD is expired.

If your EAD is expired, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status. You may consult your employer's attorney about whether and when you may be eligible to re-enter the U.S. in H-1B status.

IMPORTANT: OGS phone lines will be closed from 1pm - 5pm on Thursday, May 16th. NOTE: Due to a high volume of requests, please allow for 15 business days for all e-form processing. We cannot accommodate requests to expedite e-forms at this time. Thank you for your patience.

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Students Studying in The United States H-1B and the Cap-Gap Extension

The Cap-Gap Extension extends an eligible F-1 student's status to “bridge the gap” between the end of Post-OPT or STEM Extension and the start of H-1B status, thereby allowing the student to remain in the U.S. during the "gap".

What is H-1B Status?

The H-1B is temporary employment authorization that is used for nonimmigrant individuals in a specialty occupation. In order to become eligible for H-1B status, an employer must sponsor an individual and submit a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Each year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a limit (cap) of 65,000 new H-1B visas for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher being sponsored by a cap-subject employer. 20,000 additional H-1Bs are reserved for individuals with a master’s degree or higher earned at a U.S. college or university. Some H-1B visas are not cap-subject, including but not limited to those employed at institutions of higher education, nonprofit research organizations, or government research organizations. H-1B visas are adjudicated through a randomized system and begin on October 1 for cap-subject employers.

You can learn more about the H-1B Cap Season here.

What is the Cap-Gap Extension?

The Cap – Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status that may be granted to F-1 students who need to “bridge the gap” between the expiration of their OPT/STEM EAD and the start date of their approved H-1B sponsored by a cap-subject employer.

Because new H-1Bs become effective on October 1 of each year , the Cap-Gap Extension allows eligi ble F-1 students to remain in the U.S. between the expiration of their OPT/STEM Extension and the start of their H-1B.

You can learn more about H-1B status and the Cap-Gap Extension here.

Cap-Gap Extension Eligibility

Please be aware that the responsibility of the office of global services (ogs) regarding h-1b petitions is minimal..

As an F-1 student, you may be eligible for the Cap-Gap extension if:

You have maintained your F-1 status
You are the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that was timely filed by an employer that is cap-subject
If you have applied for the H-1B via consular processing, you do not qualify for the Cap-Gap Extension.

The Cap-Gap Extension is automatically applied to a student’s SEVIS record. As such OGS is able to provide proof of the extension only if a student has been deemed eligible by USCIS.

If Your H-1B Petition was Filed During Your 60-Day Grace Period:

If your sponsoring employer filed the H-1B petition during your 60-day grace period, your Cap-Gap Extension will allow you to remain in the U.S. until the start date of your H-1B (unless your petition is rejected, denied, or withdrawn). However, your work authorization will not be extended, and you must stop working as of the expiration date on your EAD.

Please Note: Once your SEVIS record completes for the change of status to H-1B, your F-1 status has ended, and OGS is not able to “revert” your status back to F-1.

You can learn more about eligibility for the Cap-Gap Extension here.

How can I Request Proof of my Cap-Gap Extension?

Please fill out this e-form: Cap Gap I-20 Request .

You will need to provide proof of a qualifying “pending” or “approved” H-1B petition. If you are able to do so, OGS will issue you an updated I-20 reflecting your Cap-Gap Extension of status, and extension of OPT/STEM work authorization if applicable.

Can I Apply for the STEM Extension During the Cap-Gap Extension period?

OGS DOES NOT advise students to submit an application for the STEM Extension after the expiration date of your OPT EAD, even when a student has received the Cap-Gap Extension. It is the experience of OGS and other institutions that applications for the STEM Extension have a very high rate of denial when they are submitted to USCIS beyond the OPT EAD expiration date.

If a student chooses to submit an application for the STEM Extension after their Cap-Gap Extension has been applied but before their OPT EAD has expired , they are advised to also submit a letter to USCIS informing them of the date discrepancy that may exist between the actual OPT end date and the Cap Gap Extension end date (September 30). The letter should advise the adjudicators at USCIS that if the STEM Extension is approved, it must be approved based on the actual OPT end date, not based on the end date of the Cap Gap Extension. Please fill out OGS’ inquiry form to request this letter template.

If a student decides to continue on their STEM extension rather than changing to H-1B, they must ensure that the employer requests the withdrawal of the H-1B petition prior to October 1. If this is not done, the H-1B status will begin on October 1 and the student’s eligibility for the STEM OPT extension will be cancelled.

If a student decides to change to H-1B and not proceed with the STEM OPT extension application, the student should send a letter to the USCIS, requesting that the STEM application is withdrawn.

H-1B Reporting

There are many complexities that an F-1 student may experience when changing their status from F-1 to H-1B.

If your status has already changed or will be changing from F-1 to H-1B, please complete the H-1B Status Change Reporting e-form . An OGS Designated School Official (DSO) will review the request and review your F-1 SEVIS record to ensure any changes are reflected accurately.

You should fill out this e-form :

To report that your H-1B petition for change of status was approved (I-797A Approval Notice from USCIS)
To report that your H-1B petition for consular processing was approved (I-797B Approval Notice from USCIS) and you have re-entered the U.S. in H-1B status.
To report that your H-1B petition for consular processing was approved (I-797B Approval Notice from USCIS) but you have NOT re-entered the U.S. in H-1B status yet.
To report that your H-1B petition was withdrawn by your employer.

If you received a Request for Evidence (RFE) for your H-1B petition that requires you to provide information related to your F-1 non-immigrant status or academic background, please submit the H-1B RFE Response Request e-form .

If your H-1B petition was denied , please submit the H-1B Denial Notification e-form . OGS will review the denial notice to determine if any institutional support from OGS or Northeastern is appropriate.

Impact of Changing to H-1B from F-1 Status

If you are approved for H-1B change of status, as of the effective date of the H-1B period (October 1 in most cases for cap-subject employers), your F-1 status ends and your SEVIS record automatically completes. Unfortunately, in cases where students lose their H-1B employment (due to layoffs, for example) after they have already changed to H-1B, there are typically no options to reclaim unused OPT/STEM OPT time or to have their previous SEVIS record reactivated . Students should carefully consider this when applying to change to H-1B status, and be prepared that they may need to consult with an immigration attorney for next options if their H-1B employment is terminated, and that simply reverting back to F-1 status is often not possible.

Students whose F-1 status has or will be changing to H-1B status, or whose H-1B employment has been withdrawn, revoked, or denied, should submit the H-1B Status Change Reporting e-form (or H-1B Denial Notification e-form ) as soon as possible so that OGS may review your case . If your H-1B was withdrawn/revoked/denied and you have questions related to your F-1 status, please also call OGS at +1 617-373-2310 to make an appointment with an OGS advisor.

If your H-1B Employer Withdraws/Revokes Your Petition :

Please review the information provided on the USCIS website .
If your employer can provide evidence that USCIS received the withdrawal notice BEFORE your approved H-1B effective start date, OGS may be able to assist you in submitting a data fix request to SEVP to return your SEVIS record to Active status if you’re otherwise eligible. Please submit the H-1B Status Change Reporting e-form so we can review your case.
If your employer did not withdraw your H-1B petition until AFTER the approved H-1B effective start date, you are not eligible to have your F-1 SEVIS record returned to Active status. You may have a 60-day grace period during which to find alternative H-1B sponsors or apply for a change of status.
Advising on your options for H-1B portability, change of status, or adjustment of status is outside of the purview of OGS advisors. We recommend you consult an experienced immigration attorney to discuss these options.
Please review this additional information provided on the USCIS website regarding options following termination of H-1B employment.

If Your Cap-Subject H-1B Petition is Denied by USCIS :

If an H-1B petition filed for an F-1 student with a cap-gap extension is denied, rejected, revoked, or withdrawn, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, revocation, or withdrawal of the petition) to depart the United States.
The 60-day grace period does not apply to an F-1 student whose accompanying change of status request is denied due to a status violation, misrepresentation, or fraud. In such cases, the F-1 student is ineligible for cap-gap extension of status and the 60-day grace period. Similarly, the 60-day grace period and cap-gap extension of status does not apply to an F-1 student whose petition was revoked based on a finding of a status violation, fraud or misrepresentation discovered following approval. In both of these instances, students are required to immediately leave the United States.

Key Resources

--> cap gap i-20 request ».

This form is to request an updated I-20 showing proof of the Cap-Gap Extension if you’ve been approved for H-1B.

International travel, stem opt extension, immigration attorneys and pro-bono legal services, frequently asked questions, can ogs provide me with updates on the status of my h-1b petition.

Please note: OGS is unable to provide updates to students on the status of their H-1B petitions (SEVIS updates). If questions exist regarding this matter, please refer to your immigration attorney who has completed the H-1B petition on your behalf.

If you see an update to your OPT authorized dates in the SEVP Portal, this may mean there has been an update to your H-1B petition. If you notice your OPT end date has been extended to 9/30, please check with your attorney to confirm if you are subject to cap gap extension. OGS cannot confirm the status of your H-1B or provide a receipt number for your case.

Can OGS provide me with a letter concerning employment eligibility or data fixes?

OGS is unable to write letters to employers regarding eligibility to work or data fixes. We will be happy to forward the SEVP Policy Guidance regarding these issues. Department of Homeland Security regulations allow you to work if you are eligible for a cap gap extension of OPT, regardless of whether you have a cap gap I-20 or not. Whether your employer will allow you to work is at their discretion.

What happens if my H-1B is rejected/denied/withdrawn after applying for the cap gap extension?

If the student’s H-1B is not selected by the USCIS (rejected), the student will have the standard 60-day grace period* from the date of the rejection notice to depart the U.S., transfer the I-20 to a new program, or apply for a change of status. However, if a denial is based on a discovered status violation, no such grace period exists and the student must leave the U.S. immediately.

If the student’s H-1B petition is selected for processing but then subsequently denied or withdrawn, the student’s OPT ends 10 days after the date of denial/withdrawal. After this, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period*, unless the denial is due to a status violation (please see above).

*Students cannot work during the 60-day grace period.

If my H-1B processing is delayed and I do not receive my approval by October 1, can I extend my cap gap?

There is no extension for the cap gap extension of OPT. It ends on September 30, whether your H-1B is approved by then or is still pending. You will have to stop working on September 30 and wait for the H-1B approval.

What are my options if my H-1B employment is terminated?

Please review the information provided on the USCIS website . Advising on your options for H-1B portability, change of status, or adjustment of status is outside of the purview of OGS advisors. We recommend you consult an experienced immigration attorney to discuss these options.

It is important to note that, in most cases, once your status has changed to H-1B, OGS is no longer able to reactivate your F-1 SEVIS record. However, if you have an official withdrawal approval notice from USCIS confirming your H-1B petition was withdrawn by your employer prior to the H-1B effective date , OGS may be able to request that your SEVIS record be reactivated. In this case, you may contact OGS for assistance.

OPT Cap-Gap Extension

Updated 09/27/2023, what is the cap-gap extension.

The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status and work authorization past the EAD End Date, for students transitioning to an H-1B work visa.

Most employers can file an H-1B cap-subject petition each year on April 1. If USCIS approves the H-1B petition, the H-1B status goes into effect on October 1. The cap-gap extension of F-1 status and work authorization bridges the “gap” between the EAD End Date and September 30, the day before the H-1B goes into effect.

The Designated School Official (DSO) at OIS processes the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 on behalf of the student. In order for the DSO to process a student’s Filed or Waitlisted Cap-Gap Extension, the student must be able to provide proof that the petition has been filed or waitlisted.

Who is eligible?

Current 12-month Post-Completion OPT or 24-month STEM OPT Extension students:

In an approved period of F-1 employment with a future EAD End Date, and
Who have a properly receipted or approved H-1B application

The H1-B petition must be must be receipted or approved before your EAD End Date has been reached. If your EAD Card expires before the H-1B petition was filed, you will have the standard 60-day grace period after the EAD End Date, but you are not eligible for an extension of work authorization.

How is the Cap-Gap I-20 endorsed to indicate employment authorization?

OIS processes an I-20 that takes into account the different stages of the H-1B selection and adjudication process. The Cap-Gap Extension I-20 contains an endorsement that F-1 status and employment authorization (i.e., OPT or STEM OPT Extension) is automatically extended to September 30 for individuals with an receipted or approved H-1B petition.

During this period, the student can remain in the United States and continue employment with an expired EAD (Employment Authorization Document), per 8 CFR214.2(f)(5)(iv) and 8 CFR274a.12(b)(6)(iv), as updated April 8, 2008 in a rule published in the Federal Register (73 FR 18944).

Additional information about the Cap-Gap Extension can be found on the USCIS website.

How do I request a Cap Gap Extension I-20 from OIS?

$100 Cap-Gap Extension Administration Fee supports OIS services related to maintenance of status throughout the period of application and Cap-Gap Extension employment. Extended services provided to Cap-Gap Extension students include I-20 travel endorsements, review and processing of mandated reports, and continued access to advisors for questions pertaining to your F-1 status and Cap-Gap Extension employment matters. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon submission.
Upload copies of the following documents (PDFs only):
Current Employment Authorization Document (EAD, front side only)
I-797 Receipt Notice for Pending or Approved H-1B petition with a 13-digit Receipt Number (note that an I-797 for Registration Selection does not suffice)
OIS will email the Cap Gap Extension I-20 to student

How long does OIS take to process the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request?

OIS processes completed Cap-Gap I-20 Requests within ten (10) business days from submission.

OIS will reject incomplete submissions. If your submission is rejected, you must resubmit the same previously rejected request with the appropriate corrections, and the 10 business day processing time will restart. You will not need to pay another $100 Cap-Gap Administration fee.

How will I receive the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 from OIS?

Processed Cap-Gap Extension I-20s will be signed and distributed electronically by OIS Designated School Officials (DSOs). Students will be notified by email to download and print their signed Cap-Gap Extension I-20 from the OPT I-20 Request System.

SEVP, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of State (DoS) have confirmed they accept I-20s electronically signed by DSOs. Please note only DSOs may electronically sign I-20s; students may not electronically sign any documents submitted to USCIS.

What do I do if my OPT expires and my Cap-Gap Extension request is still pending with OIS?

Please verify that you have received the extension of your work authorization to September 30 in your SEVP Portal account. You may continue working while your Cap-Gap Extension I-20 is pending with OIS.

What happens if I receive the H-1B pending or approval notice from USCIS after my current EAD has expired and I am in the 60-day grace period?

If your OPT authorization is expired and you are in your 60-day grace period when you receive the I-797 receipt for a pending or approved H-1B petition from USCIS, only your F-1 status is extended. Your work authorization is not extended, meaning you can remain in the U.S. to September 30 but you cannot work.

What happens if my H-1B petition is subsequently rejected, denied or revoked during the Cap-Gap Extension period?

Per USCIS , “if an H-1B petition filed for an F-1 student with a cap-gap extension is denied, rejected, revoked, or withdrawn, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, revocation, or withdrawal of the petition) to depart the United States.

The 60-day grace period does not apply to an F-1 student whose accompanying change of status request is denied due to a status violation, misrepresentation, or fraud. In such cases, the F-1 student is ineligible for cap-gap extension of status and the 60- day grace period. Similarly, the 60-day grace period and cap-gap extension of status does not apply to an F-1 student whose petition was revoked based on a finding of a status violation, fraud or misrepresentation discovered following approval. In both of these instances, students are required to immediately leave the United States.”

Do OPT/STEM OPT unemployment rules apply to students with a Cap-Gap Extension?

Yes. The 90-day (for post-completion OPT) and 150-day (for STEM OPT) limitation on unemployment continues during the Cap-Gap Extension.

Can I apply for STEM OPT Extension during the Cap-Gap Extension period?

Yes – if you meet all STEM OPT eligibility requirements . USCIS must receive the STEM OPT Extension application before the cap-gap extension period is terminated (by September 30 or by the notice of rejection, denial, or revocation of the H-1B petition). You will be required to pay the $200 STEM OPT Extension Administration Fee.

Does the Cap-Gap Extension also extend my dependent’s F-2 status?

May students travel outside the united states during a cap-gap extension period and return in f-1 status.

Per USCIS , “An F-1 student may generally travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States in F-1 status during a cap-gap period if:

The student’s H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved;
The student seeks readmission before his or her H-1B employment begins(normally at the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1); and
The student is otherwise admissible.

Please note that even if an F-1 student meets all of the requirements listed above, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer always makes the final determination on whether to admit an application for admission after inspecting you at a port-of-entry. Applicants may refer to the DHS Study in the States page for a list of the documents needed to confirm eligibility for F-1 status.”

Additionally, please consult with your legal counsel regarding international travel during the Cap-Gap Extension period.

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Serving Harvard's International Community

When traveling outside the U.S. while on OPT or AT please be sure that you have all the required documents listed below for reentry to the U.S. If you left the U.S. and realized that you do not have all the required documents, please click here for instructions.

F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) after Graduation

For comprehensive OPT travel information, including a brief recorded travel video, please see here .

Travel before your I-20 program end date

You can travel the way that you always have with:

a valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an HIO advisor (the signature must not be more than 12 months old at the time of reentry to the U.S.)
an unexpired passport
an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S.

The above also applies to your F-2 dependents.

Travel after your I-20 program end date while OPT application is pending

International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and is not generally recommended. If you have an OPT application pending and believe you must travel, please contact your HIO advisor .

Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 OPT will invalidate your OPT work authorization.

This also applies to your F-2 dependents.

Travel after I-20 program end date and OPT approval

You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S. while on an approved period of OPT. In many cases you may also need to apply for a new F-1 visa before you may return to the U.S.

a valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an HIO advisor (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the U.S.)
an OPT EAD issued by USCIS . Printed on the EAD is the statement "Not valid for reentry." This statement means that the EAD alone is not valid for reentry.
evidence of a job offer or evidence of resumption of employment

Students who have the documents listed above may travel outside the United States and reenter even before the date their work permission begins. For example, an F-1 student who graduates in May with an OPT EAD that begins in July may travel and return to the United States any time after graduation.

Travel on Cap Gap Extension

Generally speaking, you may travel abroad and seek readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status during a Cap-Gap period if:

your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved;
you seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year, i.e., October 1); and
you are otherwise admissible.

Please note, traveling outside the U.S. may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. HIO strongly advises that you consult with your employer and their legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the U.S. Click here to access the latest travel information from the USCIS.

F-2 Dependents of Students on OPT

Valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an advisor in the HIO (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the United States)
Valid F-2 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
Valid passport
Photocopy of spouse's EAD

F-1 Students on STEM OPT Extension

Travel while stem opt application is pending, but before the post-completion opt ead expires.

You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S.:

unexpired Post-Completion OPT EAD card
an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S.

Travel while STEM OPT application is pending, after the Post-Completion OPT EAD expires

You can travel abroad and reenter the U.S. with your expired Post-Completion OPT EAD card and the original receipt notice for your STEM OPT application issued by USCIS. You cannot travel with an email or text confirmation, or a printout of your online case status, in lieu of the physical receipt notice. This only applies during the 180 day period of authorized employment while your STEM OPT application is pending.

For reentry to the U.S. with a pending STEM OPT application, you should carry:

Expired Post-Completion OPT EAD card
USCIS-issued receipt notice for your STEM OPT application
an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)*. If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. with. For instructions, please see below.
Evidence of a job offer or evidence of resumption of employment

*You can apply for a new F-1 entry visa using the documents listed above, including the expired Post-Completion OPT EAD card and the original receipt notice for your STEM OPT application issued by USCIS. You cannot apply for a visa with an email or text confirmation, or a printout of your online case status, in lieu of the physical receipt notice. Follow the regular procedures to apply for an F-1 visa outside of the U.S.

If needed, the following guidance from the U.S. Department of State describes the ability to travel and apply for a renewed visa during the 180 day period following the expiration of your Post-Completion OPT EAD while your STEM OPT EAD is pending: Applicable Federal Guidance: U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Manual - 9 FAM 402.5-5(N)(6)(e)

“As the STEM OPT extension is automatic for the first 180 days following regular post-completion OPT (when the student has properly filed Form I-765), the student may not necessarily have a renewed EAD. Therefore, any students having automatically authorized employment through the OPT extension may not be able to present a valid EAD when they apply to renew their visa. However, F-1 students in this situation can request an updated I-20 from the DSO , annotated for the STEM OPT extension, as well as proof that the I-765 petition was filed in a timely manner. You must confirm that the student’s electronic SEVIS record contains the same information as the updated hard copy Form I-20 before issuing a visa.” The preamble to the 24-month STEM OPT rule [81 FR 13103 par. 774] states:

“Students on STEM OPT extensions (including those whose application for a STEM OPT extension is pending) may travel abroad and seek reentry to the United States in F-1 status during the STEM OPT extension period if they have a valid F-1 visa that permits multiple entries and a current Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months. The student’s status is determined by CBP upon admission to the United States or through a USCIS adjudication of a change-of-status petition.”

Travel after STEM OPT approval

You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S. while on an approved period of STEM OPT.

a STEM OPT EAD issued by USCIS. Printed on the EAD is the statement "Not valid for reentry." This statement means that the EAD alone is not valid for reentry.
an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S. with.

Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 STEM OPT will invalidate your STEM OPT work authorization.

F-2 Dependents of Students on STEM OPT

Valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an advisor in the HIO (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the United States)

J-1 Students on Academic Training (AT) after Graduation

Valid Academic Training DS-2019 signed once a year in the "travel validation" section by an HIO advisor or by your J-1 program sponsor*
Valid J-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)**
A letter from your employer as evidence of employment

* If the HIO issued your DS-2019 it must be signed in the 'travel validation' section by an advisor in the HIO. If your form was issued by another Exchange Visitor Program (Fulbright, AMIDEAST, etc.) you should contact that organization directly to obtain travel signatures.

**If you are on post-completion AT and have a pending or approved H-1B petition, you are required to prove ties to your home country. Please consult your HIO advisor before applying for an J-1 visa while on post-completion AT.

You must not use a tourist visa unless you are truly tourists, and plan on abandoning your J-1 Academic Training.

If your J-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new J-1 visa to cover your AT time. Please click here for information on renewing your J-1 visa.

J-2 Dependents

Valid Form DS-2019 signed once a year in the "travel validation" section by a Responsible Officer of your spouse's Exchange Visitor Program
Valid J-2 visa stamp in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
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Cap Gap Extension

Globull perspectives: advice for international students seeking employment in the us.

Learn from UB international alumni about their experiences seeking employment post-graduation. Guests will share stories, offer insight into their experiences, as well as offer advice for international students.

The OPT Cap Gap Extension automatically extends F-1 students’ immigration status and work authorization in order to bridge the gap between the end of their F-1 status/employment authorization and the start of their cap-subject H-1B.

Eligibility Requirements

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires an H-1B registration process for H-1B cap-subject petitions.

Details on this change can be found on the US government's Federal Register website .

The Cap Gap Extension is available to students who:

Have maintained F-1 status while on OPT
Have a pending or approved cap-subject H-1B petition requesting a change of status and an October 1 start date
Are currently approved for OPT or STEM OPT (or are in their 60-day grace period following OPT).

It is important to understand that the USCIS H-1B registration process happens before the H-1B application is actually filed. To qualify for the OPT Cap Gap Extension your H-1B must have been chosen in the registration process AND the employer must have submitted the Form I-129 to USCIS. The I-129 and supporting documents must be RECIEVED by USCIS before the expiration of the OPT/STEM EAD (to qualify for an extension of work authorization) or before the end of the 60-day grace period (to qualify for an extension of stay).

Additional F-1 Cap Gap Extension information can be found on the USCIS website .

If your H-1B petition requests consular processing rather than a change of status, you are not eligible for the Cap Gap Extension.

Cap Gap Extension Length

If your H-1B petition was filed and you have the I-797 Receipt Notice or Approval Notice:

If your EAD was valid when the H-1B petition was filed (received by USCIS), your OPT work authorization and F-1 status will both be automatically extended until September 30.
If your EAD was expired and you were in your 60-day grace period when your H-1B petition was received by USCIS, then your F-1 status will be extended until September 30. Since your work authorization expired, this is an extension of stay only; there is no corresponding extension of OPT work authorization.

Cap Gap work authorization is valid only through September 30, even if your H-1B petition remains pending on Oct. 1. If your H-1B is not approved by October 1, we recommend consulting your attorney to discuss your situation. ISS cannot provide you with an additional Cap Gap Extension to continue employment beyond September 30.

Cap Gap I-20 Application Process

To request an I-20 showing the Cap Gap Extension:

Login to UB Global . If any of your employment details have changed since you last updated your OPT details, please update your residential address and employment information as described on Maintaining Status for OPT or Maintaining Status on STEM OPT .
Click on “Optional Practical Training” and then “Request for Cap Gap Extension I-20”.
H-1B Approval Notice OR
H-1B I-797 Receipt Notice
The I-797 Registration Selection notice is not sufficient to qualify for a Cap Gap Extension. We must see that your H-1B application was submitted and received by USCIS; proof of selection in the registration process does not alone prove that your application was submitted.
If proper documentation is submitted, ISS will issue a new I-20 reflecting the Cap Gap Extension. In most cases, the new I-20 will be issued as listed on our e-form processing page . Occasionally, it is necessary for us to make a request to SEVIS for your “cap gap” information to be manually added to your SEVIS record. If this is necessary, your I-20 may take a few weeks.

What happens if my H-1B petition is withdrawn, denied or rejected?

If your H-1B petition is withdrawn, denied or rejected, your OPT work authorization will automatically end and you will have a 60-day grace period from that date to depart the U.S., as long as you have not otherwise violated your status.

If the H-1B was denied due to discovery of an immigration status violation or revoked because of fraud or misrepresentation, there is no grace period.

Travel during the Cap Gap Extension

We recommend that you consult with your attorney prior to planning any international travel during the Cap Gap period.

Important Reminders:

Limits on unemployment time still apply during the Cap Gap period. Please continue to follow all OPT reporting requirements during the Cap Gap period. Please review maintaining your F-1 status while on OPT .

If your H-1B or other change of status application is approved, you must notify ISS via the UB Global portal. Complete the "Request to End F-1 Status" e-form.

Office of International Education

International student and scholar services, h-1b cap-gap extension.

The H-1B cap-gap extension allows F-1 students currently on post-completion OPT/STEM OPT to continue working if they have a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting change of status and an employment start date of October 1 (the first day of the following fiscal year). An automatic cap-gap extension of an F-1 student's duration of status also applies to the duration of status of the student's dependents in F-2 status.

"Cap-gap" has become the common term used to refer to the "gap" in nonimmigrant status that occurs in a change of status to H-1B, when a student's current nonimmigrant status expires before the requested H-1B start date. For example, an F-1 student with a post-completion OPT or STEM OPT end date of June 30 will have duration of status for 60 days beyond that, until August 30. The gap between August 30 and October 1 is a "cap-gap."

Who qualifies for an H-1B cap-gap extension?

Students must have a timely-filed H-1B petition while the student's authorized F-1 duration of status (D/S) admission was still in effect. This includes:

Students working on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT with an end date on or later than April 1 and have a timely-filed H-1B petition. Students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may continue to work until September 30 until the H1B begins on October 1.
Students who are currently in their grace period with a timely-filed H-1B petition. These students may stay in the U.S. until the H-1B begins on 10/1, but are not eligible to work during this time.

The student must not have violated the terms or conditions of his or her F-1 status.

Is there an application or fee for the cap-gap extension?

No. The extension is automatically recorded on your SEVIS record.

How do I get an updated I-20 showing the cap-gap extension?

You may request a cap-gap extension I-20 from OIE to present to your employer. To request a cap-gap I-20, log into iStart and complete the Cap-Gap I-20 Request e-form. You will be required to upload a copy of a receipt notice from USCIS showing that your application was filed in a timely manner and is being adjudicated. Please review processing times on our website here .

Do I have to have a new I-20 showing the cap-gap extension?

No. The cap-gap extension is automatic as long as you have timely-filed H-1B petition. However, some employers request evidence of work authorization or you may be applying for benefits (i.e. renewing a drivers license) that may require a reprint.

Travel with an I-20 issued for a Cap-Gap Extension

U.S. federal regulations allow F-1 student visa holders participating in the 12-month Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the 24-month OPT STEM Extension to exit the U.S. and re-enter with a valid F-1 student visa, valid Employment Authorization Document, job offer letter, and a valid I-20 showing Optional Practical Training authorization signed within the last six months. However, F-1 student visa holders who receive a cap-gap extension for the period of time between their original OPT end date and the start date of the H-1B should be cautious and consult with the sponsor of their H-1B before planning any international travel. Although not common, there are reports of students on OPT experiencing delays at the U.S. ports of entry and with F-1 renewal visa denials.   OIE cannot guarantee that international travel is without risk because the authority to admit an F-1 student visa holder to the U.S. or grant a visa lies solely with the U.S. government. The decision to travel abroad must be made by the F-1 student visa holder with an understanding of the inherent risks and preparations to mitigate risk.

The federal guidance available on international travel during the cap-gap period states the following:

Specifically, you may travel abroad and seek readmission into the United States if you are an F-1 student on the cap gap extension and meet the following criteria:

Your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved by USCIS.

You seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally such employment begins at the start of the fiscal year, i.e., Oct. 1).

You are otherwise admissible (e.g., you have all proper documentation including a valid, signed Form I-20 and an F-1 visa).

This guidance is available at H-1B Status and the Cap Gap Extension | Study in the States (dhs.gov)

This notice applies to all information and resource materials provided by the OIE for the domain oie.gatech.edu and for all other information provided by OIE in any media format. It is provided for informational purposes only, and is not represented to be error free, complete, accurate or current. The information contained herein is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for the legal advice or legal opinions of a licensed professional. Users should contact their own personal attorney or licensed professional to obtain appropriate legal advice or other professional counseling with respect to any particular issue or problem.

OIE is a unit of the Vice Provost of International Initiatives in the Office of the Provost .

Buffalo: (716) 970-4007 | Toronto: (866) 697-1832

The H-1B Cap-Gap Extension for F-1 Students

The journey from F-1 student status to H-1B work visa can turn complex, especially when bridging the gap between the expiry of one’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) and the commencement of H-1B status. This transition period, known as the “cap-gap,” can often leave students uncertain regarding their status in the U.S. This article explains the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension, providing clarity on eligibility, timing, rules, and more.

Understanding the cap-gap extension.

The cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision designed to extend eligible students’ F-1 status and any current employment authorization to start their approved H-1B employment. This extension fills the “gap” between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status that might otherwise occur due to the timing of H-1B petitions.

Who Qualifies?

F-1 students who are beneficiaries of a timely filed cap-subject H-1B petition requesting a status change to H-1B on October 1 are eligible. A petition is considered timely filed if submitted during the H-1B filing period (beginning April 1) while the student’s F-1 status remains active.

Cap-Gap Extension Period

The cap-gap extension automatically begins upon the expiration of the F-1 student’s status and extends until October 1, the start date for the new fiscal year’s H-1B visas. However, if the H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, or not selected, the extension terminates, triggering a 60-day grace period for the student to depart the U.S.

Employment During the Cap-Gap Period

Eligible students can continue their employment without interruption during the cap-gap extension period, provided their OPT was valid at the time of the H-1B petition filing. However, those who have entered the 60-day grace period are not authorized to work.

Travel During Cap-Gap – Students with an approved H-1B petition and status change can travel abroad. However, reentry to the U.S. is contingent on returning before the commencement of H-1B employment and is ultimately at the discretion of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Proof of Continuing Status – The cap-gap extension does not require an application, and no new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be issued. The evidence of continuing employment authorization is an updated Form I-20 indicating the extension provided by the student’s Designated School Official (DSO).

Denied H-1B Petitions

Should the H-1B petition be denied, revoked, or withdrawn, the student enters a standard 60-day grace period to depart the U.S., barring any violations that would negate this grace period.

Changes in Employment

Students approved for H-1B status who are laid off or terminated before their H-1B start date can retrieve any unused OPT time if they possess an unexpired EAD and ensure their status remains compliant by promptly reporting changes to their DSO.

The H-1B Cap-Gap Extension is a crucial provision for F-1 students transitioning to work visas in the U.S. Understanding its nuances, eligibility criteria, and obligations during the extension period is essential for a smooth transition. For more detailed guidance and updates on immigration policies, students are advised to stay in close contact with their DSO and immigration lawyer.

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations

We Can Help!

You may have questions regarding the F-1 Cap Gap Extension. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews ! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.

H-1B Visa: LCA Posting Requirements Explained

This blog post covers the notification requirements that H-1B employers must follow for notifying U.S. workers and H-1B workers, ensuring compliance with the Department of Labor’s regulations.

The H1B Registration Process: A Guide for Employers

The H1B visa remains a top choice for U.S. employers seeking skilled international talent. With the registration window for 2024 approaching, it’s time for employers to gear up and grasp the intricacies of the H1B registration process. From the $10 registration fee to the collection of essential employer information, we’ve outlined the key steps you need to follow. Understand the importance of accuracy, legitimacy, and adherence to USCIS guidelines.

DHS Proposes New H-1B Rules for Beneficiary-Owned Businesses

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is introducing a proposal to codify eligibility for H–1B visas for entrepreneurs and startup founders, marking a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy to support the growth of beneficiary-owned businesses. This move could pave the way for increased innovation and job creation across the country.

USCIS Update: FY 2024 H-1B Visa Lottery Concludes: Next Steps and Analysis

Following the completion of the FY 2024 H-1B visa lottery, find out what actions are required for selected candidates and gain insights into the selection odds and trends.

Cap-Exempt H-1B Visas: Eligibility and Application Process

The H-1B visa is a highly sought-after U.S. work visa, offering skilled foreign professionals a pathway to pursue their careers in the United States. While valuable, the H-1B has an annual numerical cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 under the Master’s Cap for those with advanced degrees from U.S. institutions. However, certain employers and positions are exempt from this cap, offering alternative opportunities.

H-1B Wage Obligations: For Employers

When employing foreign workers in the U.S., it’s important to understand the obligations and guidelines, especially regarding wages. One such category of workers is those on H-1B visas, and employers often find themselves asking: What exactly are our wage obligations for full-time H-1B workers?

Office of International Students & Scholars

H-1b cap gap extension of opt.

The H-1B work visa is an employer sponsored petition submitted by the employer on your behalf. To begin the process of applying for H-1B and becoming eligible for a possible extension of OPT, you must speak to your employer.

The H-1B Cap is the congressionally-mandated limit on the number of individuals who may be granted initial H-1B status during each fiscal year. The cap is currently set at 65,000 for all who have a Bachelor's or higher degree, and an additional 20,000 for those with a Master's degree or higher. Employees who will work at institutions of higher education or a related or affiliated nonprofit entities, or at nonprofit research organizations or governmental research organizations, are cap exempt and can continue to hire new employees on H-1B year-round.

The H-1B Fiscal Year for Cap-Subject employers runs from October 1 st to September 30 th each year. If you are graduating in the Spring semester with a standard 12 months of post-completion OPT, you will find that your work authorization will expire in June or July one year after graduation, leaving a gap in your work authorization until October 1 st when your H-1B status will begin.

Example: Standard 12-months of Post-Completion OPT

There can be a gap between OPT authorization and H-1B authorization even when one files on time

The Cap Gap Extension of OPT through September 30 th of the current year is granted if an H-1B petition has been filed by a Cap-Subject employer before the current period of OPT expires. The first day to file for H-1B is April 1 st .

The Cap Gap extension is granted if an H-1B petition has been filed by a cap-subject employer before the current period of OPT expires

Example: 9 months of Post-Completion OPT after 3-month Summer Internship

I f you have less than 12 months of post-completion OPT remaining after using pre-completion OPT, you will need to be sure that your post-completion OPT is still valid on April 1 st or beyond to be eligible for the Cap Gap Extension. We recommend counting backwards from April 1 st to determine your OPT start date.

If your OPT expires, but you are in a valid 60-day grace period on April 1 st , your employer can still file an H-1B petition on your behalf and you can legally stay in the U.S. (extension of duration of status) until you receive official notification about the status of your case from USCIS, but you are not eligible to work during this period.

While On Cap Gap Extension

Work authorization on Cap Gap is valid until September 30 th unless the H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, or revoked.

Evidence of work authorization for the extended period is reflected on a new I-20. There will be no new EAD card issued for Cap Gap Extension. OISS will be able to provide you with an updated I-20 if you notify us and provide evidence of a timely filed H-1B petition (receipt or approval notice from USCIS or courier service delivery confirmation with your name on it) by emailing your OISS adviser with the subject “Cap Gap I-20.”

Travel is NOT advised during the Cap Gap period.

Cap-Gap Extension

Request Procedure

Eligibility for the Cap-Gap Extension

The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status and any current valid OPT work authorization for students who are the beneficiaries of a timely filed, cap-subject, H-1B pet ition that requests a change of status.

The C ap- G ap E xtension bridges the gap between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status on October 1st, allowing the student to remain in F-1 status until September 30th. If the student is in a period of authorized P ost- Co mpletion or STEM OPT on the date the student becomes eligible for the cap-gap extension, the student’s P ost- C ompletion or STEM OPT employment authorization is also automatically extended until September 30th .

Eligibility Requirements

The student must be the beneficiary of an H-1B petition that:

is subject to the annual cap
was timely filed with USCIS
requests an employment start date of October 1st of the following fiscal year
requests a change of status within the U.S.

During the Cap-Gap Extension period, students must continue to maintain their F-1 status and continue to meet all reporting requirements.

Loss of Eligibility

Students lose the benefit of the cap-gap extension if:

The H-1B petition for the student is rejected, denied, or withdrawn.
The H-1B petition for the student was approved but the change of status portion was denied.

Students should contact their International Student Advisor whenever there are changes to the H-1B petition filed on behalf of the student to determine if there is an impact on the student’s eligibility for the Cap-Gap Extension.

Request Procedure for the Cap-Gap Extension

The Cap-Gap Extension is generally updated automatically in SEVIS but the ISSS office does not print the new Form I-20 for students unless it is specifically requested. To request a new Form I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension, please complete and submit the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request Form.

If the cap-gap extension is not automatically updated in SEVIS, the ISSS office will have to request a correction to the student’s SEVIS Record. This process can take 2-3 weeks to be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After the correction is approved in SEVIS, ISSS will issue a new Form I-20 to the student.

The Form I-20 will be delivered to the student based on the delivery option indicated on the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request Form submitted with the student’s request documents.

Travel During the Cap-Gap Extension

ISSS strongly recommends that students not depart the U.S. during the period of the cap-gap extension until they qualify for travel and re-entry in H-1B status. Students should contact their employer and/or the immigration attorney who filed the H-1B petition if they have plans to travel outside the U.S. during this time.

Future Students
Parents and Families

URI in the World

International Students
Globalize Your Degree
Research and Teaching

The period of time when an F-1 student’s status and work authorization expire through the start date of their approved H-1B employment period is known as the “Cap-Gap”.

Cap-Gap occurs because an employer may not file, and USCIS may not accept, an H-1B petition submitted more than six months in advance of the date of actual need for the beneficiary’s services or training. As a result, the earliest date that an employer can file an H-1B cap-subject petition is April 1, for the following fiscal year, starting October 1. If USCIS approves the H-1B petition and the accompanying change of status request, the earliest date that the student may start the approved H-1B employment is October 1.

Cap-Gap Extensions

Current regulations allow certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in F-1 status during the cap-gap period. This is referred to as filling the “cap-gap,” meaning the regulations provide a way of filling the “gap” between the end of F-1 status and the beginning of H-1B status that might otherwise occur if F-1 status is not extended for qualifying students.

Eligibility for an Extension

H-1B petitions that are timely filed, on behalf of an eligible F-1 student, that request a change of status to H-1B on October 1 qualify for a cap-gap extension. Once a timely filing has been made, requesting a change of status to H-1B on October 1, the automatic cap-gap extension will begin and will continue until the H-1B petition adjudication process has been completed. If the student’s H-1B petition is selected and approved, the student’s extension will continue through September 30. If the student’s H-1B petition is denied, withdrawn, revoked, or is not selected, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period from the date of the rejection notice or their program end date, whichever is later, to prepare for and depart the United States.

Students are strongly encouraged to stay in close communication with their petitioning employer during the cap-gap extension period for status updates on the H-1B petition processing.

Please note:

F-1 students who have entered the 60-day grace period are not employment-authorized. If an H-1B cap-subject petition is filed on the behalf of a student who has entered the 60-day grace period, the student will receive the automatic cap-gap extension of his or her F-1 status, but will not become employment-authorized (since the student was not employment-authorized at the time H-1 petition was filed, there is no employment authorization to be extended).

Those Not Qualified for an Extension

F-1 students who do not qualify for a cap-gap extension, and whose periods of authorized stay expire before October 1, are required to leave the United States, apply for an H-1B visa at a consular post abroad, and then seek readmission to the United States in H-1B status, for the dates reflected on the approved H-1B petition.

Proof of Continuing Status

To obtain proof of continuing status, a student should go to their Designated School Official (DSO) with evidence of a timely filed H-1B petition (indicating a request for change of status rather than for consular processing), such as a copy of the petition and a FedEx, UPS, or USPS Express/certified mail receipt. The student’s DSO will issue a preliminary cap-gap I-20 showing an extension until June 1.

If the H-1B petition is selected for adjudication, the student should return to his or her DSO with a copy of the petitioning employer’s Form I-797, Notice of Action, with a valid receipt number, indicating that the petition was filed and accepted. The student’s DSO will issue a new cap-gap I-20 indicating the continued extension of F-1 status.

Denied H-1B Petitions

If USCIS denies, rejects, or revokes an H-1B petition filed on behalf of an F-1 student covered by the automatic cap-gap extension of status, the student will have the standard 60-day grace period (from the date of the notification of the denial, rejection, or revocation of the petition) before he or she is required to depart the United States.

For denied cases the 60-day grace period does not apply to an F-1 student whose accompanying change of status request is denied due to the discovery of a status violation, misrepresentation, or fraud. The student in this situation is not eligible for the automatic cap-gap extension of status or the 60-day grace period. Similarly, the 60-day grace period and automatic cap-gap extension of status would not apply to the case of a student whose petition was revoked based on a finding of a status violation, fraud or misrepresentation discovered following approval. In both of these instances, the student would be required to leave the United States immediately.

Travel during Cap-Gap Extension Period

A student granted a cap-gap extension who elects to travel outside the United States during the cap-gap extension period, will not be able to return in F-1 status. The student will need to apply for an H-1B visa at a consular post abroad prior to returning. As the H-1B petition is for an October 1 start date, the student should be prepared to adjust his or her travel plans, accordingly.

Unemployment Limits

The 90-day, or 120-day for STEM OPT, limitation on unemployment during the post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension.

STEM OPT Extensions

F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, are employed by employers enrolled in E-Verify, and who have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization related to such a degree, may apply for a 17-month extension of such authorization. F-1 students may obtain additional information about STEM OPT extensions on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program website at www.ice.gov/sevis.

Students who are eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment and F1-status may apply for a STEM OPT extension during the cap-gap extension period. However, such application may not be made once the cap-gap extension period is terminated (if the H-1B petition is rejected, denied, or revoked), and the student has entered the 60-day departure preparation period.

Start Date Issues

If the students’ OPT end dates are shortened to September 30, even though their H-1B employment would not begin until a later date, the student should contact their DSO. The DSO may request a data fix in SEVIS by contacting the SEVIS helpdesk.

Changes in Employment

Laid Off/Termination from H-1B employer: If the student has an approved H-1B petition and change of status, but is laid off/terminated by the H-1B employer before the effective date, and the student has an unexpired EAD issued for post-completion OPT, the student can retrieve any unused OPT. The student will remain in student status and can continue working OPT using the unexpired EAD until the H-1B change of status goes into effect. The student also needs to make sure that USCIS receives a withdrawal request from the petitioner before the H-1B change of status effective date. This will prevent the student from changing to H-1B status.

Once the petition has been revoked, the student must provide their DSO with a copy of the USCIS acknowledgement of withdrawal (i.e., the notice of revocation). The DSO may then request a data fix in SEVIS, to prevent the student from being terminated in SEVIS on the H-1B effective date, by contacting the SEVIS helpdesk.

If USCIS does not receive the withdrawal request prior to the H-1B petition change of status effective date, then the student will need to stop working, file a Form I-539 to request reinstatement, and wait until the reinstatement request is approved, before resuming employment.

Student finds a new H-1B job:

The student can continue working with his or her approved EAD while the data fix in SEVIS is pending if the (former) H-1B employer timely withdrew the H-1B petition and the following conditions are true:

The student finds employment appropriate to his or her OPT;
The period of OPT is unexpired; and
The DSO has requested a data fix in SEVIS.

Note: If the student had to file Form I-539 to request reinstatement to F-1 student status, the student may not work or attend classes until the reinstatement is approved.

Pending Request to Change OPT End Date

Working during request: If the H-1B revocation occurs before October 1, the student may continue working past October 1 while the data fix remains pending, because the student will still be in valid F-1 status. If the H-1B revocation occurs on or after October 1, the student will need to stop working before October 1, apply for reinstatement, and wait until the reinstatement request is approved before resuming employment.

Maintaining Valid F-1 Status: If the H-1B revocation occurs before the H-1B change of status effective date, the student is still in F-1 status while the data fix is pending.

If the H-1B revocation occurs after the H-1B change of status effective date, the student will not be in valid F-1 status and will therefore either need to apply for reinstatement or depart the United States.

H-1B Cap Gap Extension

The H-1B Cap Gap Extension allows certain students with pending or approved H-1B petitions to remain in the U.S. in F-1 status until the H-1B start date, even if the OPT authorization and/or F-1 grace period would have otherwise expired before October 1.

H-1B is a work visa that is sponsored by an employer. Students commonly transition from Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization, part of F-1 status, to H-1B status. There are a limited number of H-1Bs available each fiscal year, for most employers, and this limit is often called the “H-1B cap.”

New H-1Bs become effective each October 1, but the application period for most employers begins six months earlier, April 1 . The “cap gap” occurs when a student’s F-1 status and/or OPT expire before their approved H-1B begins October 1. The H-1B Cap pre-registration window opens on March 1.

Check these U.S. government resources for more information.

Study in the States F-1 Cap Gap Extension
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) H-1B Cap Gap Regulations

You can learn more about an H-1B Visa through our Beyond OPT to H-1B Visa page.

Eligibility

You are eligible for the cap gap extension to September 30 if both of the following statements are true:

Your employer files an H-1B petition for you, on or after April 1 , and requests a change of status to H-1B to begin October 1.
You are still in F-1 status when your employer submits the H-1B petition on your behalf (on or after April 1).

F-1 status means you are:

enrolled, or
in your 60-day grace period, or
within your OPT authorization period
Note: A petition asking for consular processing is not eligible for a cap gap extension. Petitions submitted by cap-exempt employers are not eligible for the cap gap extension .

Extension of F-1 Status and/or Work Authorization:

If your OPT authorization is still valid when your employer submits your H-1B petition to USCIS, your OPT authorization is extended. You can continue working in F-1 status through the extension date.

If you are in your 60-day grace period (following either OPT completion or graduation without OPT) when your employer submits your H-1B petition to USCIS, your F-1 status is extended. You cannot work but you can remain in the U.S. through the extension date.

If you are enrolled in your final quarter (but not planning to apply for OPT) when your employer submits your H-1B petition to USCIS, your F-1 status is extended. You cannot work but you can remain in the U.S. through the extension date.

How to Apply

The cap gap extension of F-1 status is automatic. It begins when your employer submits the H-1B petition to USCIS.

To obtain an optional new I-20 as documentation of your Cap Gap extension, follow these steps:

Check your SEVP Portal to ensure your employment information is accurate. If needed, submit an employment report through MyISSS
Gather the required document to upload to the ISS Cap Gap I-20 Request webform.

If your H-1B petition is:

Pending: scan/photo of the USCIS I-797 Notice of Action (Receipt Notice)
Approved: scan/copy of the I-797 Notice of Action (Approval Notice)

Submit a Cap Gap I-20 Request through MyISSS.

Log into MyISSS

The extension benefit is automatic, so you can continue working (if eligible) and remain in the U.S. while waiting for the new I-20 from ISS.

After H-1B Approval

If your H-1B and change of status are approved, follow these steps:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my iss adviser check my sevis record for h1-b application updates.

Only your employer can provide accurate, official updates regarding your H1-B application. ISS can provide a Cap-Gap I-20 after you have a receipt notice or approval notice from USCIS.

If my OPT has been automatically extended through the cap gap extension program, do I need to get a new permission document to keep working?

No. A student does not file a separate application for the extension or receive a new EAD to cover the additional time. The extension is automatically in effect when USCIS receives the H-1B petition. Students can request a new I-20 showing the cap-gap extension, but the updated Form I-20 is not required for a student to continue working.

Can the cap gap extension of OPT be extended beyond September 30 if my H-1B petition is still pending?

No, the cap gap extension is only until September 30. If the H-1B petition is pending beyond October 1, you can remain in the U.S. based on the pending change of status petition. However, you must stop working until the H-1B petition is approved.

Will I receive automatic notification of my cap gap extension from ISS?

No, you will not receive automatic notification. You must be in close communication with your employer’s immigration specialist so you know the status of your H-1B petition. When you are eligible for the cap gap extension, submit a request through MyISSS for a Cap Gap I-20 if you want documentation of the extension (though it is not required).

What happens if my H-1B petition is rejected, denied, or revoked?

Please consult with your attorney about all questions related to your H-1B petition.

Can I travel outside the U.S. during a cap gap extension period and return in F-1 status?

Consult your employer’s immigration specialist before traveling internationally during the cap gap extension period. ISS cannot advise about travel during the cap-gap period.

Does the 90-day unemployment limit apply during the cap gap extension period?

Yes , the 90-day unemployment limit continues during the cap gap extension period. For students on STEM OPT, the 150-day unemployment limit continues during the cap gap extension period.

Can I apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension while I'm within a period of cap gap extension?

Yes , you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension during the cap gap extension of OPT. Many students apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in case the H-1B is not approved. Note that on October 1, if approved, the H-1B status begins. If you change your mind and do not want to change to H-1B status, you must ensure your employer requests the withdrawal of the approved or pending H-1B petition in time for USCIS to officially accept the withdrawal prior to October 1–otherwise, your H-1B will begin October 1, which cancels your eligibility for the 24-month OPT extension.

I am approved for an H-1B through consular notification, but my SEVIS record completed for change of status approved . What do I do?

It is a common mistake for USCIS to “complete” a student’s F-1 SEVIS record on October 1 even if the student will gain H-1B status through consular processing (not a change of status in the U.S.). ISS can contact the SEVIS tech team to request they fix your record.

You will need to upload a copy of your EAD and the I-797 Approval Notice that references consular notification to MyISSS. Please email an advisor at [email protected] so they can help you with the process.

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May 2, 2018

TRAVEL DURING OPT, CAP GAP & BEFORE A CHANGE OF STATUS TO H-1B HAS BEEN GRANTED

DO NOT TRAVEL IF YOU CAN AVOID IT

It should be noted that OPT and CAP GAP are products of regulations issued by the executive rather than statutes from Congress, and therefore can be changed by the administration without a new act being passed by Congress. Additionally, current practices related to travel while on OPT and CAP GAP are based on memos and guidance provided by USCIS/ICE websites which can be changed instantaneously. Therefore, as a general rule, it may be advisable that travel is avoided or minimized due to the current rapidly changing nature of U.S. immigration policy, often without notice. Note that in all cases, if a student’s F-1 visa has expired and the student wishes to travel, a new F-1 visa must be obtained before re-entering. Please also note that even if an F-1 student meets all of the requirements listed below, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer always makes the final determination on whether to admit an application for admission after inspection at a port-of-entry.

TRAVEL DURING OPT

A student can travel on a brief trip abroad during a period of post-completion OPT but a valid F-1 multiple entry visa, the unexpired EAD, the endorsed Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and an accurate electronic SEVIS record will be required for re-entry to complete the training. A letter of employment may also be required. See 9 FAM 402.5-5 (N)(5) (U) ). If a student leaves for more than a temporary absence student status could be lost. If limits on unemployment are exceeded while outside the United States, the student will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.

TRAVEL WHILE AN APPLICATION FOR OPT IS PENDING

Traveling while a request for OPT is pending should be undertaken with caution. USCIS may send a request for evidence while the student is traveling, so the student should provide a correct U.S. address both to the DSO and on the application and should be able to send in requested documents. Also, if USCIS approves the OPT application, the student will be expected to have the EAD in hand to re-enter the United States. USCIS can only send the EAD to a U.S. address. A valid F-1 visa, the Form I-20, EAD (if issued), and an accurate electronic SEVIS record are required to reenter the United States for practical training purposes. A letter of employment may also be required. For individuals attempting to travel abroad and be readmitted while an application for the STEM OPT extension is pending, the Form I-20 should be endorsed for reentry by the DSO within the last six months.

If an F-1 student has a timely filed CAP subject H-1B Petition filed on their behalf while they remain in F-1 status, their F-1 status is extended until September 30th or until there is a decision on their H-1B petition or the Petition is rejected, whichever happens first. If the student has a valid OPT based EAD at the time of filing the H-1B petition their EAD is also extended until September 30th. This is known as CAP-GAP. The CAP-GAP OPT Extension is automatic, and USCIS will not provide the student with a renewed EAD. However, F-1 students in this situation can request an updated Form I-20 from the DSO, annotated for the CAP-GAP OPT Extension, as well as proof that the I-129 petition was filed in a timely manner.

TRAVEL BEFORE THE H-1B CHANGE OF STATUS HAS BEEN GRANTED

If an F-1 student travels before their H-1B petition is adjudicated their application for change of status will be considered abandoned, and while the H-1B classification can be approved the change of status to H-1B will be denied. If the student’s OPT EAD remains valid on their date of return they may return with an F-1 visa in accordance with conditions stated above under the heading travel during OPT. Upon return, because the change of status to H-1B will be denied for abandonment, a new Petition to amend (the H-1b Petition approved without a change of status) requesting a change of status would be required or the student would be required to travel abroad to obtain an H-1B Visa through consular process. Additionally, if their F-1/OPT status expires after reentry there is no guidance clearly indicating that they remain eligible for CAP-GAP despite the request for change of status to H-1B being abandoned due to travel before approval. If the student is in CAP-GAP (OPT EAD card has expired) when they travel, they may not be able to return until they obtain an H-1B visa through a consular interview abroad.

TRAVEL DURING CAP GAP AFTER APPROVAL OF THE H-1B CHANGE OF STATUS

Per USCIS website:

An F-1 student may generally travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States in F-1 status during a cap-gap period if:

The student’s H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved; The student seeks readmission before his or her H-1B employment begins(normally at the beginning of the fiscal year on October 1); and The student is otherwise admissible.

Note the 90/150 day limitation on unemployment continues during CAPGAP.

OPT to Cap-Gap to H1B– Can you travel internationally?

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Students Should Not Travel During Cap-Gap Period

Originally published May 5, 2013, this NewsBrief has been updated for MurthyDotCom readers.

The term “cap gap” refers to the period of time between April 1st and October 1st each year when many F-1 students experience a gap from the end of their optional practical training (OPT) employment authorization to the start date of their H1B employment. This gap is created because of the annual limit, or cap, on H1B petitions. In 2008, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) created the cap-gap rule, which makes it easier for many students in F-1 status to bridge this gap. More information on cap-gap relief is available in the MurthyDotCom article, OPT Cap-Gap Extensions (04.Apr.2016). The Murthy Law Firm receives many questions during late spring and summer from F-1 students with cap-gap OPT extensions who wish to travel abroad. While it is often possible for those with unexpired employment authorization documents (EAD) to take short trips abroad, there are some travel limitations that apply to students during the cap-gap extension period.

No OPT Card Issued for Cap Gap

Individuals who benefit from the cap-gap provisions are eligible to receive new I-20s form from their respective designated school officials. They do not, however, receive new EADs indicating extension of their OPT authorizations, even if they are authorized to work during the cap-gap period.

Travel While H1B is Pending Results in Termination of Cap-Gap Benefits

Students with cap-gap benefits based on pending H1B petitions should not travel. The reasoning behind this is that, if a foreign national travels while a petition to change status is pending, the change-of-status request is considered abandoned. Without the pending change-of-status request, the student is no longer eligible for cap-gap relief.

If travel is absolutely necessary before the H1B petition requesting a change of status is approved, the student should be prepared to remain outside the United States until the petition is approved, so that s/he can apply for and obtain an H1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad. The student will then be able to reenter the U.S. in H1B status no earlier than ten days prior to the October 1st employment start date.

Travel Permitted After H1B is Approved

Once an H1B petition is approved with a change-of-status request, a student benefiting from cap-gap relief generally may travel abroad and reenter the United States in F-1 status prior to October 1st. The student must have a valid F-1 visa at the time of reentry, along with an I-20 form that reflects the cap-gap benefit and the DSO’s proper endorsement for travel. If the student reenters the U.S. prior to October 1st, the status will change to H1B on that day pursuant to the approved H1B petition. In order to request admission on or after October 1st, the student must to first obtain an H1B visa.

While it is possible in some situations to take short trips abroad during cap-gap, students should understand the travel limitations and plan accordingly.

Traveling While in the H-1B Cap-Gap Period

May 16th, 2013

Categories: Uncategorized

Tags: H-1B Visas student visas

As the H-1B season is fully underway and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently adjudicating petitions that were accepted in the lottery, many F-1 students are in the period known as “H-1B cap-gap.” The cap-gap provisions allow an F-1 student who filed an H-1B petition and that was accepted in the lottery process to automatically extend their student status and employment authorization until October 1, 2013. However, during this cap-gap period travel is not advised. While the USCIS guidelines are not completely clear, it is regular practice that an F-1 student will lose the cap-gap benefits if they travel outside the U.S. during this period. This means that if an F-1 student travels outside the U.S. (including Canada and Mexico), the student would not be able to return to the U.S. in valid F-1 status and must wait until they can be admitted in their new H-1B status . If an individual in F-1 status leaves the U.S. during this cap-gap period and their H-1B petition is approved, that person will be allowed to enter only 10 days prior to the October 1st start date in valid H-1B status. However, they will not be allowed to begin working until October 1st. Therefore, if you are an F-1 student (with an approved H-1B petition) who wishes to travel over the summer, you should plan to travel in September so that you can apply for the H-1B visa at a U.S. consular post abroad and return to the United States on or after September 20th. If you have questions about the cap-gap provisions or scheduling a visa appointment at your home Consulate, please contact our attorneys today.

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H-1B Cap Season

ALERT: USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. The initial registration period, which opened at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and was originally scheduled to run through noon Eastern on March 22, will now run through noon Eastern on March 25, 2024. USCIS is aware of a temporary system outage experienced by some registrants, and is extending the registration period to provide additional time due to this issue. Read more here: USCIS Extends Initial Registration Period for FY 2025 H-1B Cap.

ALERT: On April 1, 2024, USCIS service centers will no longer accept Form I-129 petitions requesting H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) classification.

We will reject H-1B or H-1B1 (HSC) petitions received at a USCIS service center on or after April 1, 2024. There will be no grace period provided.

Beginning on April 1, 2024, all paper-filed Form I-129 petitions requesting H-1B1 (HSC), or H-1B classification, including those with a concurrent Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, and those with concurrently filed Form I-539 and/or Form I-765, must be filed at a USCIS lockbox facility. If you are filing Form I-129 alone or with Form I-907, you may also file online. On March 25, USCIS launched online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected. You can find the lockbox filing addresses for paper filed forms on our Form I-129 Direct Filing Addresses page.

ALERT: On March 25, USCIS launched online filing of Form I-129 and associated Form I-907 for non-cap H-1B petitions. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.

On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new USCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within a company and their legal representatives to collaborate and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and associated requests for premium processing. 

ALERT: On Feb. 28, 2024, we launched new USCIS organizational accounts that will allow multiple people within a company and their legal representatives to collaborate and prepare H-1B registrations, H-1B petitions, and associated requests for premium processing. A new organizational account is required to participate in the H-1B Electronic Registration Process starting in March 2024.

The H-1B Program

The H-1B program allows companies and other employers in the United States to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent. H-1B specialty occupations may include fields such as architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts. For more information about the H-1B program, visit our H-1B Specialty Occupations webpage.

Email Address e.g. [email protected]

We use the information provided during the electronic registration process to help us determine if a petition is subject to the congressionally mandated cap of 65,000 H-1B visas (commonly known as the “regular cap”) or the advanced degree exemption. The advanced degree exemption is an exemption from the H-1B cap for beneficiaries who have earned a U.S. master’s degree or higher and is available until the number of beneficiaries who are exempt on this basis exceeds 20,000.

Congress set the current annual regular cap for the H-1B category at 65,000. Not all H-1B nonimmigrant visas (or status grants) are subject to this annual cap. Please note that up to 6,800 visas are set aside from the 65,000 each fiscal year for the H-1B1 program under the terms of the legislation implementing the U.S.-Chile and U.S.-Singapore free trade agreements. Unused visas in this group become available for H-1B use for the next fiscal year’s regular H-1B cap.

H-1B workers performing labor or services in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam may also be exempt from the H-1B cap (see the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 (CNRA), Public Law 110-229). H-1B workers in Guam and the CNMI are exempt from the H-1B cap if their employers file the petition before Dec. 31, 2029.

H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may not be filed unless based on a valid and selected registration for the beneficiary named in the petition (unless the registration requirement is suspended).

You may file an H-1B petition no more than 6 months before the employment start date requested for the beneficiary. On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.

Petitioners will continue to have the option of filing a paper Form I-129 H-1B petition and any associated Form I-907 if they prefer. However, during the initial launch of organizational accounts, users will not be able to link paper-filed Forms I-129 and I-907 to their online accounts. For paper-filed forms, you must file the petition at the correct location. Please see our Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129 page.

Complete all required sections of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , including the H Classification Supplement and the H-1B Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement in accordance with the regulations and form instructions. Please be sure to access the most current versions of forms at uscis.gov/forms .
You must indicate a start date of Oct. 1 or later (of the applicable fiscal year, and 6 months or less from the receipt date of the petition) on your petition or your petition will be rejected or denied.
You must provide a copy of the H-1B Registration Selection Notice for the registration filed by your organization on behalf of the beneficiary with the petition. Ensure that you have also entered the corresponding “Beneficiary Confirmation Number” on the H Classification Supplement (Page 13, Question 5).
You must submit evidence of the beneficiary’s passport or travel document used at the time of registration to identify the beneficiary.
Ensure that any information provided during the electronic registration process matches the information provided on the petition. If any information does not match, you should provide an explanation with your petition and supporting documentation as to why there was a change or why the information does not match. If information on the registration and petition does not match, USCIS may reject or deny the petition. USCIS encourages the use of a brightly colored coversheet flagging the issue to ensure that this is reviewed upon receipt.
Make sure each form is properly signed. Ensure all signatures comply with the requirements described in the form instructions and as explained in the USCIS Policy Manual .
Required fees may be paid by check, money order, or credit card . If paying the required fees by check or money order, include signed checks or money orders with the correct fee amount. Please submit separate checks for each fee associated with the filing. Place all checks on the top of your petition packet.
Submit all required documentation and evidence with the petition at the time of filing to ensure timely processing.
Ensure that the Labor Condition Application (LCA) properly corresponds to the position in your petition.
For paper-filed forms, you must file the petition at the correct location. See the section below on Where to Mail Your H-1B Petition .
Ensure that the petitioner’s name on the Form I-129 petition is the same as the petitioner’s name on the G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative, if filing a Form G-28.

Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that Form I-129 is completed accurately and submitted properly.

Labor Condition Application (LCA)

When filing your H-1B petition with USCIS, you must include evidence that an LCA (ETA 9035) has been certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. This may include a copy of the signed, certified LCA. (Note: USCIS encourages petitioners to keep Department of Labor LCA processing times in mind when preparing the H-1B petition and to plan accordingly.) If the LCA was previously submitted in a petition that has been approved, you must submit a list including the name and USCIS case receipt number of any foreign worker who has previously used the LCA. You may not use an LCA for more workers than specified in Part B, Question 7 of the LCA.

Please see the Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification website for more information on the LCA process.

Evidence of Beneficiary’s Educational Background

You must submit evidence of the beneficiary’s education credentials (with English translations when applicable) at the time you file your petition. If the beneficiary has met all of the requirements for a degree, but the degree has not yet been awarded, you may submit the following alternate evidence:

A copy of the beneficiary’s final transcript; or
A letter from the registrar confirming that the beneficiary has met all of the degree requirements. If the educational institution does not have a registrar, then the letter must be signed by the person in charge of educational records where the degree will be awarded.

If you indicate that the beneficiary is qualified based on a combination of education and experience, please provide substantiating evidence at the time you file your petition.

Petitioners may not file multiple or duplicative H-1B petitions for the same beneficiary. To ensure fair and orderly distribution of available H-1B visas, we will deny or revoke multiple or duplicative petitions filed by an employer (including its related entities that filed without a legitimate business need) for the same H-1B worker and will not refund the filing fees. Multiple or duplicative petitions will be denied or revoked even if they are filed pursuant to a selected registration. For additional information, please see 8 CFR 214.2(h)(2)(i)(G); PM-602-0159, Matter of S- Inc., Adopted Decision 2018-02 (AAO Mar. 23, 2018) (PDF, 123.38 KB) .

On April 1, USCIS will begin accepting online filing for H-1B cap petitions and associated Forms I-907 for petitioners whose registrations have been selected.

Petitioners will continue to have the option of filing a paper Form I-129 H-1B petition and any associated Form I-907 if they prefer. However, during the initial launch of organizational accounts, users will not be able to link paper-filed Forms I-129 and I-907 to their online accounts. For paper-filed forms, you must file your petition at the correct location. We have specific mailing addresses for cases that are subject to the H-1B cap. To determine the correct mailing address see our Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker page .

Please read the filing instructions carefully. If you file your petition at the wrong location, we may reject it. Rejected petitions will not retain a filing date. If your petition is rejected because it was filed at the wrong location, you may refile your rejected petition at the correct location as long as the petition is refiled during the designated 90-day filing window on your Registration Selection Notice.

There are different fees depending on the type of H-1B petition you are submitting. Please refer to the Fee Schedule and H and L Filing Fees for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker page for detailed instructions on H-1B fees.

On Jan. 31, 2024, DHS published  the  Fee Schedule final rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees for the first time since 2016. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024. Applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fees or we will not accept them.

There will be no grace period for filing the new version of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , because it must be revised with a new fee calculation.

USCIS encourages stakeholders to visit the Fee Rule Frequently Asked Questions page to view a full list of the revised forms that will go into effect on April 1, 2024, along with the new fees.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has approved a temporary increase in the daily credit card transaction limit from $24,999.99 to $99,999.99 per day for H-1B registrations and petitions submitted online using one credit card for the FY 2025 H-1B cap season. This temporary increase is in response to stakeholder feedback and the volume of previous H-1B registrations that exceeded the daily credit card limit.

Check must be:

Payable to the Department of Homeland Security;
Include the proper amount and signature.

We prefer that you submit a separate check for each fee. For example, if you are required to pay the base filing fee, the fraud fee, and the ACWIA fee, you should submit three separate checks. If you only submit one check as combined payment for all applicable fees and certain fees do not apply or are incorrect, we will reject your H-1B petition.

Money Orders

Money orders must be properly endorsed.

Incorrect Filing Fee

We will reject all petitions submitted with the incorrect filing fee.

Premium processing is currently available for all H-1B petitions. Additional information is available on our How Do I Request Premium Processing? page.

As a reminder, USCIS recently announced a final rule that will increase the filing fee for Form I-907, to adjust for inflation, effective Feb. 26, 2024. If USCIS receives a Form I-907 postmarked on or after Feb. 26, 2024, with the incorrect filing fee, we will reject the Form I-907 and return the filing fee. For filings sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt.

Preferred order of documents at time of submission:

Form G-28 (if represented by an attorney or accredited representative)
Copy of the Registration Selection Notice for the Beneficiary Named in the Petition
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Addendums/Attachments
H Classification Supplement to Form I-129 and/or Trade Agreement Supplement to Form I-129 (for H-1B1 Chile-Singapore petitions)

H-1B and H-1B1 Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement

All supporting documentation to establish eligibility. Provide a table of contents for supporting documentation and separate the items as listed in the table.
Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) if the beneficiary is in the United States
SEVIS Form I-20 if the beneficiary is a current or former F-1 student or F-2 dependent
SEVIS Form DS-2019 if the beneficiary is a current or former J-1 or J-2
Form I-566 if the beneficiary is a current A or G nonimmigrant
Department of Labor certified LCA, Form ETA 9035
Employer/attorney/representative letter(s)
Other supporting documentation

USCIS requests that petitioners no longer provide duplicate copies of their Form I-129 petition or supporting evidence, as this can result in misidentification of filings. Due to enhanced electronic scanning capabilities and data-sharing with the U.S. Department of State, duplicate copies are no longer needed to avoid delays in consular processing.

How to mail multiple petitions together

If you will include multiple petitions in the same package, please place the individual petitions into separate envelopes within the package.

Form G-28 , Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative

If you will be represented by an attorney or other accredited representative, submit a properly completed Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative. For further information on Form G-28, please see our Filing Your Form G-28 page.

Form I-129 , Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Complete all required sections of the form accurately and in accordance with the regulations and form instructions.
H-1B cap petitions and advanced degree exemption petitions for the FY 2025 cap must include an employment start date of no earlier than Oct. 1, 2024. You must indicate a start date of Oct. 1, 2024 or later (and 6 months or less from the receipt date of the petition) on your petition or your petition will be rejected or denied. Do not file petitions earlier than 6 months before the requested employment start date. We will reject H-1B petitions requesting a start date of “As Soon As Possible” or “ASAP.”
Ensure that you have entered the “Beneficiary Confirmation Number” on the H Classification Supplement.
Ensure that the petition is properly signed.
Petitioners should enter their own address in Part 1, question 3 of the Form I-129. This will ensure that the I-797 receipt and approval notices are sent to the petitioner.
You must include the beneficiary’s passport or travel document number, country of issuance, and expiration date on the Form I-129. The passport or travel document information helps USCIS to confirm that the beneficiary named in the registration notice is the same individual as the beneficiary named in the petition and avoid processing delays.
Ensure that the beneficiary’s name is spelled properly and that their date of birth is displayed in the proper format (mm/dd/yyyy). Also, review the country of birth and citizenship and the I-94 number (if applicable) for accuracy.
Ensure that any information provided during the electronic registration process matches the information provided on the petition. If information between the registration and petition does not match, the petition may be rejected or denied. If any information does not match, you should provide a written explanation and supporting documentation as to why there was a change or why the information does not match.
If the beneficiary is seeking an extension of stay or change of status, the petition should include evidence (such as a Form I-94 or Form I-797 approval notice) to establish that the beneficiary will have maintained a valid nonimmigrant status through the employment start date being requested.
Include a copy of the beneficiary’s valid passport or travel document.

H Classification Supplement to Form I-129

You can find the H Classification Supplement beginning on page 13 of Form I-129.
Please be sure to complete all required sections of the form accurately and in accordance with the regulations and the form instructions.
In listing previous periods of stay in H or L nonimmigrant classification, please also include the actual nonimmigrant classification held (such as H-1B or L-1).
The petitioner must sign the form, preferably in black ink.
You can find the H-1B and H-1B1 Data Collection and Filing Fee Exemption Supplement beginning on page 19 of Form I-129.
Please be sure to complete all sections of the form accurately.
Make sure you are filing a valid edition of Form I-129, as specified in the Edition Date section on the Form I-129 page.

If you filed an H-1B cap petition in a timely manner, but received notification from the delivery service that suggests that there may be a delay or damage to the package or that the package was misrouted, you may file a second H-1B petition with a new fee payment during the designated 90-day filing window on your Registration Selection Notice and the following:

An explanation as to why a second petition is being filed, with supporting evidence, such as the notice from the delivery service; and
A request to withdraw the first petition filed for the H-1B cap.

If you do not include these items, you will be considered to have submitted duplicate petitions. USCIS may deny or revoke multiple or duplicative petitions filed by the same petitioner, for the same H-1B worker in the same fiscal year, and will not refund the filing fees.

If you properly file a second H-1B petition and withdraw the first, USCIS will withdraw the first petition and proceed with adjudication of the second petition.

When we receive a timely and properly filed H-1B cap subject petition, the petitioner (and, if applicable, the petitioner’s legal representative) will be provided a Form I-797, Notice of Action, communicating receipt of the petition. Due to increased filing volumes typically seen during H-1B cap filing periods, there are instances where a petition is timely and properly filed, but issuance of the Form I-797 is delayed. If a petitioner has confirmation from the delivery service that the petition was delivered, but they have not yet received a Form I-797 confirming receipt of the petition, the petitioner should not submit a second petition. If a petitioner has confirmation from the delivery service that the petition was delivered, and they submit a second petition, the petitioner will be considered to have submitted duplicate petitions. This will result in the denial or revocation of both petitions.

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What Is Gap Insurance and How Does it Work?

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A new car is a big purchase, and many drivers end up making auto loan or lease payments for years. But a new car’s value can drop significantly, especially within the first year. If your new car is totaled in an accident, a full coverage car insurance policy will only cover up to the vehicle’s current market value. So how do you pay off your auto loan if you still owe more than what your car insurance will cover?

Unfortunately, you’re still on the hook for the difference between a car’s value and the amount you owe on it — unless you have gap insurance.

What is gap insurance?

Gap insurance, or guaranteed asset protection, is an optional coverage that pays the difference between what your vehicle is worth and how much you owe on your car at the time it’s stolen or totaled. This coverage supplements a comprehensive or collision car insurance payout, which can only be as high as your car’s value.

You’re responsible for paying off your car loan if your car is totaled or stolen, even if your insurance won’t cover the full amount you still owe. This is where gap insurance can come in handy.

But to be clear: If you don’t have a car loan or a lease, you don’t need gap insurance.

What does gap insurance cover?

Gap insurance covers what’s owed on a car after a total loss, whether that’s the result of an accident or vehicle theft. Gap insurance pays out after comprehensive and collision coverage, two coverage types that are typically required when you buy or lease a new vehicle. (They pay for damage to your car after things like accidents, fire or vehicle theft.)

However, comprehensive and collision insurance pay only what a car is worth at the time of a theft or accident. So when you owe more on your car loan or lease than that, gap insurance covers that amount.

In most cases, gap insurance doesn't cover your comprehensive or collision deductible. Your deductible is the amount your insurance subtracts from a claim payout.

» MORE: Why rising car prices make gap insurance worth a look

How does gap insurance work?

Let’s say someone stole your new car, and at the time it was worth $25,000. Unfortunately, you still owe $30,000 on the car. You have comprehensive insurance, which will pay for the value of your car at the time of theft. You’re responsible for your $500 insurance deductible , and then the insurance company pays $24,500 to your lender — but there’s still $5,500 due on your loan.

Gap insurance is designed to pay that final $5,500 so you don’t owe money on a totaled car. But without gap insurance, you’ll have to cover the balance on your loan as well as your insurance deductible.

Here is a visual of that example:

» MORE: What does car insurance cover?

Is gap insurance worth it?

You don’t need gap insurance unless you lease a vehicle or have a loan. You also don’t need it if your loan is paid down below the value of your car.

But if you do have a lease or loan, you may want to think about whether you can afford to pay the difference between the amount you still owe and the value of your car. If you couldn’t make that payment, or don’t want to deal with that financial stress in an emergency, then you’d probably benefit from having gap coverage.

Drop gap coverage when your car loan is less than the current value of your car. Online pricing guides like Edmunds or Kelley Blue Book can give you an idea of how much your car is worth. Insurers might not drop it automatically, so you may need to remove it.

How to get gap insurance

You can generally only add gap insurance to your policy if you still owe money on the vehicle or lease. Although insurers’ guidelines vary, a company may require one or both of the following:

Your car is no more than two to three years old.

You are the original owner of the vehicle.

There are two main ways to buy gap insurance:

From your auto insurer, as part of your regular insurance policy.

Through the dealership or lender, rolled into your loan payments. With this arrangement, you’re paying interest on the cost of your gap insurance over the life of the loan, making the coverage far more expensive.

If you buy through your dealership or lender:

Check your auto loan contract to see if you’re required to have gap insurance — not all lenders require it. However, your lender will generally require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage.

A dealer may automatically include gap insurance if you lease your car, so make sure to check your lease agreement.

If you already bought gap insurance from your dealer and want to buy it from your insurer, you may be able to remove it from your car loan contract. Make sure you have coverage during the transition if you switch providers.

NerdWallet recommends buying gap coverage through your auto insurer rather than from a dealership to avoid paying interest on it. Not all car insurance companies provide gap coverage (or an equivalent) or offer it in all states, so if you decide you want this type of insurance, you may need to switch companies .

Which insurance companies sell gap coverage?

Some of the largest insurance companies that offer stand-alone gap insurance (or an equivalent) as add-ons to car insurance policies are:

American Family.

Auto-Owners.

Liberty Mutual.

Nationwide.

» MORE: Get the cheapest car insurance

See what you could save on car insurance

How much does gap insurance cost.

Auto insurers typically charge a few dollars a month for gap insurance or around $20 a year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Your cost depends on individual factors, like your car’s value. You’ll also need to buy comprehensive and collision coverage. To find the best company for you, compare car insurance rates with at least three insurers.

Lenders charge a flat fee of around $500 to $700 for gap insurance, according to United Policyholders, a nonprofit consumer group. But if you add the coverage to your loan, you’ll also pay interest on it. That means you could pay more than that $500 to $700 for three years of gap coverage from a dealer, compared with around $60 from your auto insurer for that same timeframe.

Prices and interest rates will vary, so always check with your dealer and car insurance company to accurately compare costs.

» MORE: Car insurance quotes: What you need to know

Alternatives to gap insurance

Gap insurance isn’t the only way to protect yourself if your car is stolen or totaled. Depending on your needs, you may want to add one of these coverage options instead of gap insurance:

New-car replacement insurance : If you’re more worried about buying a new vehicle than paying off your old one, new-car replacement coverage might be a better choice for you. While it is more expensive than gap insurance, this coverage helps pay for a new car of the same make and model, minus your deductible, to replace your vehicle with a new one.

Better-car replacement coverage: If your vehicle is declared a total loss, this type of coverage will give you money for a model that is newer and has less mileage.

On a similar note...

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Paying For A Gap Year Travel Program: A Guide To Financing Your Adventures

Last updated May 15, 2024
Difficulty Intemediate

Category Travel

how do you pay for a gap year travel program

Are you dreaming of taking a gap year to travel the world, experience different cultures, and broaden your horizons? While the prospect of embarking on a gap year adventure may be exciting, one crucial aspect that often holds people back is the cost. Paying for a gap year travel program can seem daunting, but with some careful planning and consideration, it's entirely possible to finance your adventures. In this guide, we will explore various strategies, resources, and tips to help you fund your gap year and make your dreams come true. So, buckle up, get ready to explore, and let's dive into the fascinating world of financing your gap year travel program!

What You'll Learn

Exploring financial aid options for gap year travel programs, saving and budgeting strategies for gap year travel programs, fundraising and crowdfunding for gap year travel programs, scholarships and grants for gap year travel programs.

Embarking on a gap year travel program can be an enriching and transformative experience. However, many individuals may be concerned about the financial aspect of such a journey. Fortunately, there are various financial aid options available to help make your gap year dreams a reality. In this article, we will explore some of the ways you can pay for a gap year travel program.

Scholarships and Grants:

Before considering other financial aid options, it's essential to research scholarships and grants specifically designed for gap year programs. Numerous organizations, foundations, and even universities offer financial assistance to students who are planning to take a gap year. These scholarships and grants typically have specific eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and requirements. Carefully review and gather all necessary information to increase your chances of securing this type of financial support.

Fundraising:

Organizing a fundraising campaign enables you to reach out to your friends, family, and community to contribute towards your gap year travel program. Consider hosting events, selling merchandise, or creating an online fundraising platform to raise funds. Be sure to explain your purpose clearly, share your goals, and emphasize how this experience will benefit you in your personal and academic growth. Social media platforms can also be utilized to expand your reach and garner more support.

Sponsorships:

Approaching local businesses, community organizations, and even national companies for sponsorships can significantly help fund your gap year. Research and identify businesses that align with the goals of your travel program or have an interest in supporting educational experiences for young adults. Craft a compelling sponsorship proposal that highlights the benefits of sponsoring your gap year, such as increased brand exposure or positive community impact. Be prepared to articulate your specific objectives and show enthusiasm for mutual benefits.

Crowdfunding:

Crowdfunding platforms have become an increasingly popular way to raise money for various endeavors, including gap year travel. Create a campaign on a reputable crowdfunding platform and share your story, goals, and reasons for embarking on a gap year. Utilize social media, emails, and other channels to spread the word and encourage people to contribute. Ensure you express gratitude and keep your supporters updated throughout your journey.

Savings and Part-time Work:

Saving money before embarking on your gap year is a prudent strategy to alleviate financial burdens. Set a budget and save a portion of your income from part-time jobs or other sources. Consider taking on additional employment opportunities or seeking side gigs to increase your savings. The discipline and financial responsibility demonstrated through saving for your gap year may also positively impact your future financial habits.

Student Loans:

While using student loans should be a carefully considered decision, they can be a viable option for financing a gap year travel program. Explore different loan options and carefully review the terms and interest rates. Be cautious and borrow only what is absolutely necessary, taking into account your future repayment obligations.

Financing a gap year travel program can be challenging, but with proper planning and research, it is possible to find financial aid options that can help make your dream a reality. Start by exploring scholarships, grants, and potential sponsorships, and consider supplementing funds through part-time work and personal savings. Remember to budget wisely and explore loan options if necessary. By utilizing these strategies, you can embark on an incredible gap year adventure that will provide invaluable experiences and personal growth.

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Embarking on a gap year travel program is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be quite expensive. From flights and accommodations to meals and activities, there are numerous costs to consider when planning for your trip. To help make your gap year travel dreams a reality, here are some saving and budgeting strategies to consider.

Set a clear goal and timeline: Determine the duration of your gap year and the countries you plan to visit. Having a clear goal and timeline will help you calculate how much money you need to save and give you a sense of direction for your budgeting efforts.
Create a budget: Start by listing all your anticipated expenses, such as flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, visa fees, and insurance. Research the cost of living in the countries you'll be visiting to estimate daily expenses like transportation, meals, and entertainment. Allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected or emergency expenses as well.
Cut back on unnecessary expenses: Identify areas where you can cut back on expenses in your daily life to save more money for your gap year. This could include dining out less frequently, reducing shopping habits, canceling unnecessary subscriptions, or downgrading your phone plan.
Save aggressively: Set up a separate savings account specifically for your gap year travel. Automate regular transfers from your income to this account to ensure consistent savings. Consider picking up a part-time job or freelancing gigs to boost your income and dedicate the extra earnings to your travel fund.
Research scholarships and grants: Investigate whether there are any scholarships or grants available for gap year travelers. Some organizations offer financial aid specifically for gap year programs, and applying for these opportunities can help alleviate some of the financial burden.
Consider crowdfunding: If you have a particularly compelling reason for going on a gap year, such as volunteering or learning a new language, you may consider creating a crowdfunding campaign. Share your story and goals to inspire others to support your journey financially.
Get a part-time job abroad: If you plan on spending an extended period in a particular country, look for part-time job opportunities while you're there. Teaching English, working at a hostel, or participating in a work exchange program are popular options for gap year travelers to earn extra money while immersing themselves in the local culture.
Opt for budget-friendly accommodations: Consider staying in budget-friendly accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or even couchsurfing to save money on accommodation expenses. Be sure to research and read reviews to ensure safety and comfort during your stay.
Cook your meals: Eating out can quickly become a significant expense during your gap year. Consider staying in accommodations where you have access to a kitchen so you can cook your meals. This can save you a significant amount of money in the long run.
Be mindful of your spending habits: While it's essential to enjoy your gap year and experience new things, it's equally important to be mindful of your spending habits. Set a daily or weekly spending limit and stick to it. Prioritize experiences that align with your goals and budget to ensure a more fulfilling and financially sustainable gap year.

By implementing these saving and budgeting strategies, you'll be on your way to financing your gap year travel program. Remember to plan ahead, be disciplined with your spending, and stay focused on your goal. With proper budgeting, your gap year will be an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.

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A gap year travel program can offer you the experience of a lifetime, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. If you are worried about funding your gap year adventure, there are several options available to help you raise the necessary funds. Fundraising and crowdfunding are two effective methods that can enable you to cover your expenses and make your dreams of traveling come true. In this blog post, we will explore the various steps you can take to successfully fundraise and crowdfund for your gap year travel program.

Research funding sources: Before you begin any fundraising or crowdfunding efforts, it is crucial to research potential funding sources. Start by exploring organizations and foundations that offer grants or scholarships specifically for gap year programs. Some well-known organizations include the Gap Year Association and the Fund for Education Abroad. Additionally, look for local scholarships or grants provided by community organizations, schools, or businesses.
Create a budget: It is essential to have a clear understanding of your expenses before starting your fundraising campaign. Create a budget that includes all the costs associated with your gap year travel program, such as program fees, flights, accommodation, insurance, and daily living expenses. This will enable you to set a realistic fundraising target and help you effectively communicate your needs to potential donors.
Personal fundraising efforts: Kickstart your fundraising by reaching out to your family and friends. Start by explaining your gap year travel program and why it is important to you. Share your excitement and passion for the experience, and emphasize how it aligns with your personal and educational goals. Consider organizing a fundraising event such as a bake sale, car wash, or garage sale, where you can involve your community and ask for their support. Be creative and think outside the box to raise funds.
Utilize crowdfunding platforms: Crowdfunding is a popular and effective way to raise money for a gap year. Numerous crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, and Indiegogo allow you to create a campaign and share it with your social network. When creating your campaign, be sure to tell a compelling story highlighting the purpose and impact of your gap year travel program. Include photos, videos, and testimonials to engage potential donors and showcase the value of your experience. Regularly update your campaign with progress and express your gratitude towards your supporters.
Seek sponsorships and partnerships: Approach local businesses, community organizations, and even your school to seek sponsorships or partnerships. Many organizations are willing to support young individuals seeking transformative experiences and may be interested in funding part or all of your gap year program. Explain the benefits of sponsoring you, such as marketing exposure or the positive impact on their community. Craft a personalized proposal highlighting their potential role in your journey and what you can offer in return.
Apply for grants and scholarships: There are various grants and scholarships available specifically for gap year travel programs. Conduct thorough research to identify these opportunities and carefully review their eligibility criteria and application deadlines. Take the time to prepare a strong application, emphasizing your qualifications, goals, and intentions for your gap year program. Keep in mind that competition for grants and scholarships can be high, so make sure to apply early and submit a compelling application.
Work and save: Consider working part-time or during the summers leading up to your gap year to save money for your program. Explore job opportunities that align with your interests or future career goals. Saving a portion of your income can significantly reduce your financial burden and allow for additional spending during your gap year. Additionally, some gap year travel programs may offer work-study opportunities, giving you the chance to earn money while gaining valuable experience abroad.

Remember, fundraising and crowdfunding efforts require dedication, organization, and effective communication. Utilize the power of storytelling to engage potential donors and sponsors, and always express your gratitude for any support you receive. With careful planning and persistence, you can successfully fundraise and crowdfund for your gap year travel program and embark on your dream adventure.

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Are you considering taking a gap year to travel and explore the world? Gap year travel programs offer incredible opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and gaining valuable experiences. However, funding your gap year journey might be a concern for many individuals. Fortunately, there are scholarships and grants available specifically for gap year travel programs that can help alleviate the financial burden. In this blog post, we will explore some of the funding options and provide tips on how to secure scholarships and grants for your gap year adventure.

Research and Apply Early: Start your search for gap year scholarships and grants well in advance. Many organizations and foundations have specific deadlines, so make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and submit your applications on time. Additionally, applying early increases your chances of receiving financial assistance as funds may be limited or awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Research Gap Year-Specific Organizations: There are organizations dedicated to supporting gap year experiences through scholarships and grants. Research and identify these organizations that align with your interests, values, and travel destinations. Some notable organizations offering gap year funding include the GAP Year Association, Fund for Education Abroad, and National Outdoor Leadership School.
Check with Educational Institutions: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically for gap year programs. Reach out to the admission or financial aid office of your educational institution to inquire about any available funding opportunities. Some institutions may have partnerships with organizations that provide financial assistance for gap year experiences.
Tap into Community Resources: Local community organizations, churches, or non-profits may have funds or grants earmarked for supporting youth travel and education. Research and reach out to these organizations to explore potential funding options. Additionally, consider organizing fundraising events or crowdfunding campaigns within your community to raise money for your gap year.
Explore Corporate Sponsorships: Some companies and corporations offer sponsorships or grants for individuals pursuing gap year experiences. Check with local businesses, companies in your field of interest, or national corporations that have philanthropic programs. Craft a proposal highlighting your goals, the benefits of sponsoring your gap year, and how you plan to give back to your community upon your return.
Leverage Volunteer and Service Programs: Many volunteer programs offer scholarships or financial aid for individuals who are committed to giving back to local communities during their gap year. Research volunteer organizations that align with your interests and values, and inquire about any available funding options.
Apply for Financial Aid: If you plan on enrolling in college after your gap year, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for any need-based financial aid. This can help cover tuition expenses when you eventually return to school.
Be Resourceful and Creative: Don't limit yourself to traditional funding sources. Consider reaching out to family and friends for support, organizing fundraising events, or even creating a blog or vlog to document your gap year journey and attract potential sponsors.

Remember, each scholarship or grant opportunity may have specific requirements and criteria. Take the time to carefully read through application guidelines, write compelling essays, and provide any necessary supporting documents. Be proactive, persistent, and passionate in your pursuit of funding for your gap year travel program. With determination and careful planning, you can make your dream of a gap year adventure a reality.

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Frequently asked questions.

There are several ways to pay for a gap year travel program. One option is to save money beforehand by working or cutting back on expenses. Another option is to seek out scholarships or grants specifically for gap year programs. There are also fundraising platforms available where you can ask friends, family, and even strangers for financial support. Lastly, some gap year travel programs offer payment plans or financing options to help spread out the cost over time.

It depends on the specific gap year program and the regulations of your financial aid provider. In some cases, a gap year program may be eligible for federal financial aid if it is considered an approved educational institution. However, it's important to check with your financial aid provider and the gap year program itself to determine if this is an option for you.

Yes, there are scholarships available specifically for gap year travel programs. These scholarships can be offered by organizations, foundations, or even the gap year program itself. It's important to research and apply for these scholarships early, as there may be limited funding available. Some websites and resources, such as GoOverseas and Gap Year Association, provide lists of scholarships specifically for gap year programs.

Yes, many gap year travel programs offer opportunities to work or volunteer in exchange for reduced program fees or accommodations. This can be a great way to gain valuable experiences, contribute to the local community, and offset some of the costs associated with your gap year. It's important to research and inquire about these opportunities with the specific gap year program you're interested in.

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Top 18 Thrilling Gap Year Getaways

Posted: May 15, 2024 | Last updated: May 15, 2024

<p><strong>Embarking on a gap year is about diving into new experiences and embracing personal growth. Each of these 18 destinations offers its unique flavor of adventure, learning, and exploration. Here’s a more concise encouragement to take the leap into these enriching gap year choices.</strong></p>

Embarking on a gap year is about diving into new experiences and embracing personal growth. Each of these 18 destinations offers its unique flavor of adventure, learning, and exploration. Here’s a more concise encouragement to take the leap into these enriching gap year choices.

<p><span>The Maldives, with its over 1,000 coral islands, is a yachting paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and secluded beaches. Yachting in the Maldives allows for exploration of this tropical archipelago, offering a blend of relaxation, adventure, and privacy. The islands’ luxury resorts and tranquil waters provide an ideal setting for a yachting escape.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Charter a yacht to explore the less-visited atolls for a truly private and serene experience.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>Visit from November to April for the best weather and calm seas.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Fly into Malé International Airport and charter a yacht from one of the many marinas.</span></p>

1. Thailand

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Aerial-motion

Thailand is a treasure trove of experiences, offering the chance to teach English, explore ancient temples, or dive in crystal-clear waters. It’s a paradise where your budget stretches further, inviting endless adventures amidst friendly locals.

<p><span>Tasmania, an island state off Australia’s south coast, offers rugged and diverse landscapes ideal for ATV adventures. Its trails take you through ancient rainforests, wild coastlines, and mountainous terrain. Tasmania’s natural beauty, unique wildlife, and pristine environments make ATV riding here a truly immersive nature experience.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the ATV trails in the Freycinet National Park area for breathtaking views and challenging rides.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>Visit during the Australian summer (December to February) for the best weather.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Fly into Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, and then drive to your chosen ATV adventure location.</span></p>

2. Australia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Visual Collective

In Australia, work-holiday visas open doors to work and wander, from bustling cities to the vast Outback. Though living costs can be high, jobs in hospitality or farming help balance the budget, making every day an adventure.

3. New Zealand

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Faris AlAli Photography

New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes beckon adventurers. It’s a playground for those seeking thrills, with opportunities to work in tourism or conservation. Here, adventure intertwines with work, creating unforgettable experiences.

4. United Kingdom

Image Credit: Shutterstock / olavs

The UK’s rich history and vibrant culture make it ideal for study or internships. While cities like London can be pricey, the experience of walking through history is priceless. Prepare for unpredictable weather and endless exploration.

Image credit: Shutterstock / Travel mania

Japan offers a blend of tradition and futurism. The JET Program is a popular pathway for teaching English, offering a unique cultural immersion. Mind the etiquette and embrace the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

<p><span>Barcelona is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, architectural marvels, and Mediterranean charm. Families can explore the whimsical Park Güell and the historic Gothic Quarter, showcasing the city’s artistic and historical significance.</span></p> <p><span>The sandy beaches provide a relaxing escape, while the local cuisine, famous for its tapas, is a culinary adventure for all ages. The city’s relaxed pace makes it easy for families to explore leisurely. Attractions like the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc offer spectacular evening water and light displays.</span></p> <p><span>Barcelona’s mix of art, history, and beachside relaxation makes it a versatile destination for families looking for a culturally rich yet laid-back experience.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Try a family-friendly cooking class to learn how to make traditional Spanish dishes. </span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>Late spring to early fall for beach weather and lively festivals. </span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport.</span></p>

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Georgios Tsichlis

Spain’s warm culture and historic landscapes are perfect for language learners. While cities can be costly, the vibrant life, from flamenco to fiestas, is incredibly enriching. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and dive into the Spanish way of life.

<p><span>Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano is a picture-perfect stratovolcano, offering an awe-inspiring backdrop for various outdoor adventures. Its symmetrical cone, often shrouded in mist, rises above the surrounding lush rainforest, creating a stunning contrast. Visitors can explore the numerous trails that traverse the national park, offering glimpses of the volcano’s past eruptions and the area’s rich biodiversity.</span></p> <p><span>The region is also famous for its hot springs – natural thermal baths heated by the geothermal activity of Arenal, providing a relaxing experience amidst the natural beauty. With activities ranging from hiking and zip-lining to bird-watching and waterfall visits, Arenal is a destination that combines adventure with the tranquility of nature.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Enjoy the natural hot springs in the area, heated by the geothermal activity of Arenal.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>May to November for lush landscapes, though it’s rainier; December to April for drier weather.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport and drive to La Fortuna, the nearest town to Arenal.</span></p>

7. Costa Rica

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Esdelval

Known for its rich biodiversity, Costa Rica is a haven for environmental volunteers. The cost of living is manageable, making it ideal for those looking to contribute to conservation efforts while basking in natural beauty.

<p><span>Stellenbosch, in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, is a region where preserving biodiversity is as important as producing wine. Many vineyards here are part of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative, which aims to protect the unique flora and fauna of the Western Cape while producing world-class wines.</span></p> <p><span>A visit to Stellenbosch is a chance to taste some of South Africa’s finest wines and an opportunity to see firsthand how sustainable practices can enhance both the wine and the environment.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Try wines from vineyards that use indigenous yeasts for a true taste of South African terroir.</span></p> <p><b>When to Travel: </b><span>Visit during the harvest season, from February to April, for the liveliest vineyard experience.</span></p> <p><b>How to Get There: </b><span>Stellenbosch is about a 30-minute drive from Cape Town.</span></p>

8. South Africa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / ModernNomad

Offering a mix of wild landscapes and urban vibrancy, South Africa is a hub for volunteers, especially in wildlife conservation. Affordable living costs meet a rich cultural tapestry, though staying cautious in certain areas is advised.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / gillmar

Italy’s art, history, and cuisine offer a feast for the senses. While living costs can be high, especially in tourist centers, the chance to delve into its rich cultural heritage is unmatched. Beware of crowded tourist spots and enjoy the Italian pace of life.

10. United States

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sopotnicki

The U.S. provides diverse gap year opportunities, from community service with AmeriCorps to exploring its vast natural parks. Costs vary widely across states, but programs often include stipends, making it an adventure of discovery and contribution.

<p><span>Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Karnataka, India, was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Today, it’s renowned for its extensive ruins that feature many temples, palaces, and market streets. Hampi’s unique landscape, dotted with giant boulders and banana plantations, adds to the site’s mystical charm.</span></p> <p><span>The Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple, with their intricate carvings and architecture, are highlights of this ancient city. Hampi showcases Hindu temple architecture where history feels alive in the ruins and the stories they hold.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Explore the ruins on a coracle boat ride on the Tungabhadra River for a unique perspective.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>The cooler months from October to March are the best time to visit.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>The nearest major city is Hospet, which is accessible by train or bus and is followed by a short drive to Hampi.</span></p>

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pikoso.kz

India’s vibrant culture and opportunities for volunteer work make it a profound gap year choice. Affordable living and the chance to engage deeply with local communities come with the need to navigate cultural differences and practice caution with food and water.

12. Vietnam

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Romas_Photo

Vietnam charms with its history, cuisine, and landscapes. Teaching English or engaging in community projects are popular here, amidst living costs that make it easy to enjoy the country’s richness fully. Traffic can be chaotic, so tread carefully.

<p><span>In Kakum National Park, Ghana, the canopy walkway offers a rare view of West Africa’s tropical rainforest. This 350-meter-long and 30-meter-high walkway is an exciting way to observe the forest’s diverse ecosystem. The park is home to forest elephants, several primate species, and an abundance of birdlife. The canopy walk is a tourist attraction and an educational platform, providing insight into the importance of rainforest conservation.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Visit the park early in the morning for the best wildlife viewing opportunities. </span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>The dry season from November to March is the best time to visit. </span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Kakum is about a 3-hour drive from Accra, Ghana’s capital.</span></p>

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Linda Hughes Photography

In Ghana, welcoming locals and meaningful volunteer opportunities in education and health abound. The cost of living is low, offering a warm introduction to African cultures. Stay health-conscious, particularly with vaccinations.

14. Ireland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / jamegaw

Ireland’s lush landscapes and friendly cities are perfect for students and young workers. Though the cost of living can be high, particularly in Dublin, the cultural and educational experiences are deeply rewarding.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / SL-Photography

Peru invites adventurers with its ancient ruins and vibrant traditions. Volunteering here is often affordable, offering a chance to explore its rich history. Be mindful of altitude in regions like Cusco and embrace the diverse experiences.

<p><span>Lourdes, a small town in the Pyrenees of France, is one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, attracts millions seeking hope and healing. The Grotto of Massabielle, the site of the apparitions, and the baths, where pilgrims immerse themselves in the spring water, are focal points of a visit.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>Attend the evening candlelight procession for a moving experience.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>Peak pilgrimage season is from April to October.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Lourdes is accessible by train from major French cities or by flights to Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport.</span></p>

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergey Dzyuba

France is a dream for lovers of art, cuisine, and culture. While cities like Paris can be expensive, smaller towns offer a charming and more affordable experience. Stay alert in crowded areas and savor the French lifestyle.

17. Guatemala

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Arturo Rivera

Guatemala offers a rich tapestry of Mayan culture and natural beauty. Volunteer projects provide immersive experiences at a low cost, though living conditions can be basic in rural areas. Embrace the simplicity and richness of Guatemalan life.

<p><span>You are at the door of Iceland’s breathtaking natural wonders, a dream for any photographer visiting Reykjavik. With its unique Nordic charm, the city offers diverse scenes, from the colorful houses to the modernist architecture of the Harpa Concert Hall. Venturing just outside the city, you’re greeted by Iceland’s raw beauty: the awe-inspiring Northern Lights dancing in the sky, best captured in winter’s cold, clear nights.</span></p> <p><span>Like the Blue Lagoon, the geothermal pools provide a surreal landscape with their steaming, milky blue waters set against a backdrop of black lava fields. The rugged, volcanic terrain surrounding Reykjavik, with its dramatic cliffs and waterfalls like Gullfoss and Skógafoss, offers endless opportunities to capture the untamed beauty of Iceland. Whether you’re an enthusiast of nature photography or drawn to urban landscapes, Reykjavik is a perfect base to explore and photograph a land of stark contrasts and natural wonders.</span></p> <p><b>Insider’s Tip: </b><span>For Northern Lights, find a spot away from city lights on a clear, dark night.</span></p> <p><b>When To Travel: </b><span>Winter for Northern Lights, summer for midnight sun.</span></p> <p><b>How To Get There: </b><span>Fly directly to Keflavik International Airport.</span></p>

18. Iceland

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Boyloso

Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes offer a backdrop for environmental volunteering. The high cost of living is balanced by the safety and beauty of the country. Prepare for unpredictable weather and the adventure of a lifetime.

Travel journaling is an art form that allows wanderers to capture the essence of their adventures in a deeply personal a

Dare to Explore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / dodotone

A gap year is a gateway to new understandings, friendships, and personal growth. These destinations promise to fill your year with learning, adventure, and stories to last a lifetime. Where will your journey begin?

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A third of travellers are making the same mistake when going on holiday, figures show. Read about this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Thursday 16 May 2024 10:30, UK

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Tesco has recalled its sandwich pickle over fears it may contain glass.

The supermarket has pulled its 295g jars of Tesco Sandwich Pickle with the batch code 3254 and best before date of 11 September 2025 due to the concerns of glass traces.

The Food Standards Agency has said on its website: "This product may contain pieces of glass which makes it unsafe to eat."

Last year, the supermarket chain had to recall pastry products, including sausage rolls and steak and ale pies, over fears they contained pieces of metal and plastic.

A Tesco spokesperson told Sky News: "We've been made aware that a specific date/batch code of Tesco Sandwich Pickle may contain small pieces of glass. Therefore, this product could pose a safety risk if consumed.

"Please do not consume this product and instead return any affected product to store where a full refund will be given. No receipt is required.

"Tesco apologises to our customers for any inconvenience caused."

By Ed Clowes, news reporter

The FTSE 100 has remained stable out of the gate this morning after hitting a record high on Wednesday as better-than-expected inflation data in the US raised hopes of an interest rate cut in September.

It's been a busy start to the day with financial updates from BT Group, Premier Foods, Sage Group, and easyJet.

We'll start with easyJet, after the airline announced that its chief executive officer, Johan Lundgren, would step down in January 2025.

Mr Lundgren, who has served as CEO since 2017, will be replaced by the carrier's finance boss Kenton Jarvis.

In a financial update on its performance throughout the first half of the year, easyJet reported slightly higher revenues than anticipated, while cutting its losses compared to the same period last year.

The airline's share price fell by 6% in early trading this morning.

Elsewhere, telecoms giant BT said it had completed a £3bn cost-cutting programme ahead of schedule, and announced a further £3bn in planned savings by 2029.

The company told Sky News that the planned reductions in spending would not lead to more job losses, after BT announced last year that it would eliminate 55,000 roles.

Incoming boss Allison Kirkby said she wanted the business to prioritise the UK, with some analysts expecting BT to look at the futures of its Italian, Irish, and American divisions.

And last but not least, one of Europe's largest sellers of Rolex watches has said that sales in the UK are still down because some tourists don't want to buy here "due to the lack of VAT free shopping".

Nice for some.

The price of a healthy packed lunch has soared by around 45%, according to new research.

A lunch of wholemeal bread and fruit is more expensive for parents to put together than less nutritious versions with chocolate spread and crisps, The Food Foundation charity has found.

Unhealthy lunches for the research were made up of white bread with chocolate spread instead of wholemeal with cheese, flavoured yoghurt rather than a plain, unsweetened version and snacks such as crisps as opposed to the four portions of fruit and vegetables incorporated into the healthy lunch.

And when it came to the cheapest supermarket to buy a healthy packed lunch, Tesco topped the list with a weekly cost of £8.56 as of this month.

Morrisons was the most expensive retailer, with the price of a healthy packed lunch per week coming in at £11.72, although this was down slightly from £11.80 in October.

The equivalent cost at Sainsbury's was £10.47, Aldi was £10.08 and Asda was £9.18.

Research also showed the largest price rise in recent months was at Sainsbury's, where customers have to spend 9% more than they did at the start of the academic year in September (£9.61) for the same packed lunch.

Shona Goudie, policy and advocacy manager at The Food Foundation, said, the government's stringent eligibility criteria to qualify for free school meals was "leaving hundreds of thousands of children" who are living in poverty "at risk of malnutrition".

"No one should be priced out of being able to provide healthy food for their children and retailers need to do more to support families to afford the food they need," she said.

By Bhvishya Patel , Money team

We spoke to three buskers to find out what it's like performing on the street in the UK.

Amir, 29, came to UK from Pakistan with passion for music

Amir Hashmi moved to the UK in 2022 to study, said he began busking in central London 10 months ago because "music was his passion".

"In Pakistan there are many problems so I decided to leave and move to London. I feel I can do better in London than my country," he said.

He said busking was now his primary income but at times he did jobs at warehouses to get by.

"I never started this for money, I started because it is my passion but now this is my main job as well," he said.

Amir, who often performs in the capital's Piccadilly Circus or along Oxford Street, said often he returned home with just £10-15 in his pocket after a day's busking.

He said: "Many times I sleep without food and sometimes I sleep on the floor of the road when I have no shelter.

"I don't have my own place to live but I have friends who often let me stay with them. They don't charge me any rent - they look after me.

"Sometimes I do private shows for income but it's very hard because the cost of living is increasing. If I go somewhere then most of the time I prefer to walk. I walk with my speakers and carry my gear."

Despite his financial struggles, Amir said he wanted to continue performing on the street as his "goal was to make people happy".

He said: "With busking, there is no stage and you can just start performing. Whenever I am performing, I connect with the people who have come to listen. If I feel people are not enjoying it, I change the song and try and make them happy."

Earlier this year, Amir recorded a song with Neha Nazneen Shakil, a Malayalam actress from India, who approached the singer three months ago in Oxford Street.

"I wrote that song 12 years ago and after all these years my song has been recorded now in London," he added.

Jade, 24, quit retail to busk

Jade Thornton, from Amersham, started busking in 2017 with a friend after leaving college at the age of 17 and quickly realised it was something she enjoyed doing and could make a living from.

She began doing it full-time at the end of 2018 but when the pandemic hit she described becoming "unemployed overnight" and having to take up retail jobs to support herself.

"I chose not to go to university - I just thought it wasn't for me so I went straight into some part-time retail jobs," she said.

"I take my cap off to anyone who does retail - it is one of the most gruelling jobs. People who do retail don't get nearly as much respect as they deserve.

"Some of the customers I was facing were not that kind and I thought this is making me miserable, so I just thought 'if I don't leave now then when?'"

As the global economy slowly began to recover, she decided to leave retail and pursue music full-time in 2022.

"It is hard to switch off - I do busking but I am constantly messaging clients, writing set lists and learning songs," she said.

When it came to finances, Jade said there was no average to how much she could earn but it could fluctuate from £15-100 day-to-day depending on a number of factors.

"It relies on the time of month, whether the sun is out, if people have been paid, if Christmas is on the way or if Christmas has just passed," she explained.

The musician said she did struggle initially when she began busking but her parents were always supportive.

She said: "You obviously get a few questions from people asking 'are you sure you want to quit your job and sing on the street?'

"I lived at home for a long time and I'm grateful my parents could support me in that way because I know not everyone has that opportunity."

While performing outdoors is now Jade's full-time job, she said some months were more difficult to make money than others.

"If I'm being brutally honest in months like January and February it would be super difficult. This year I had enough gigs in December to cover me for January," she said.

"Last year from June-July and December I did not have to go busking because I got so many gigs through busking. I'm part of a lot of online agencies and I also do lots of pub gigs, weddings, birthdays and other events."

Jade noted though that the cost of living crisis had made things harder.

She said: "A few pub gigs I've had have been cancelled because they've had to rethink their strategies but if somebody cancels then I can just go out busking. There has been a slight dent when it comes to finances but that's from COVID as well - with COVID I was unemployed overnight."

The young musician went on to say she was "very grateful" when somebody did tip her and even small gestures like sitting, listening or just a smile were "currencies in themselves".

"It's escapism for me as a singer and then it's escapism for the audience as well," she added.

"Children also have such a great time listening to buskers and some may not have an opportunity for many reasons to go and see live music so if they can come across it in the street and that can spark something that's a wonderful thing to think I'm a little part of that."

Charlotte, 34, long-time busker

Charlotte Campbell, 34, who usually busks along the Southbank or in the London Underground, said she started busking during the 2012 London Olympics and while "busking used to be enough", more recently she has had to take on more gigs in the evening.

"A typical day is usually busking until around 6pm and then a gig in the evening - 8pm onwards," she said.

"I could still probably make a living from busking but I've taken on more paid gigs since the pandemic because everything became so uncertain. I think that uncertainty has just carried through now - that seems to be the way of life now."

The musician said tips for her CDs, which she puts on display during her performances, ranged between £5-10 and in the current cashless climate a card reader was "essential".

She said she pre-sets her card reader to £3 when playing on the Southbank and £2 when busking inside the London Underground "because people are rushing".

While she described her earnings as a "trade secret", she said the busker income had "definitely gone down" but this was due to a few factors - the pandemic, people carrying less cash and the cost of living crisis.

"Also, a lots of pitches have closed which means there are a lot more buskers trying to compete for one spot so all of those things have impacted my living as a busker," she said.

"I would say even though my income is primarily from busking I have had to subsidise it with more paid gigs than before. I just haven't felt as secure in my living from busking in the last couple of years.

"Most of the gigs I have are booked by people who have seen me busking so indirectly busking is my entire career- if I don't busk I wouldn't get the gigs I play in the evening. So directly and indirectly busking is my entire income."

In spite of uncertainty, she said it was freeing to be able to go out and perform for people in an intimate way.

"You are not up on a stage and there is no separation between you and them. It's a really great connection you can make - I want to be able to hold onto that," she added.

Every Thursday Savings Champion founder Anna Bowes gives us an insight into the savings market and how to make the most of your money. Today she's focusing on children's accounts...

While the rates on adult savings accounts have risen and fallen over the course of 2024, the top rates on accounts for children have remained stable - but are pretty competitive once again, as other account rates have started to fall.

And there are plenty of different types of savings accounts to choose from, from the tax free Junior ISA, to children's regular savings accounts, fixed term bonds and easy access accounts.

Those who are able to start saving for their children early, could significantly improve their financial health in the future – especially when taking compounding interest into consideration.

If you were to save £50 a month from birth, you could give them a gift of more than £17,250 at age 18, assuming a tax-free interest rate of 4.95% - which is currently the top Junior ISA rate available.

If you, your friends and family were able to gift a total of £9,000 a year to a child (the current Junior ISA allowance), at the same rate, you could give them almost £265,000 when they reach 18.

Now that's a gift worth having!

Children have their own personal allowance, so for the majority there will be no tax to pay on their savings interest.

However, parents should be aware that there may be a tax liability to themselves on the interest earned on any money they gift to their children, until they reach the age of 18.

If the gross interest earned is less than £100 for each parent's gift, it will be treated as the child’s under a 'de minimis' rule.

This means that provided the interest earned does not make the child a taxpayer, they will be able to offset this against their personal tax allowance, so it will often be free of tax.

But if the interest is more than £100 for each parent's gift, then it will be treated as that parent’s interest for tax purposes and therefore they may need to pay tax at their marginal rate - if it takes them above their Personal Allowance and/or Personal Savings Allowance.

Gifts from any other family members or friends will not be viewed in the same way. Instead, any interest earned will be treated as belonging to the child themselves and therefore can be earned tax free if they are non-taxpayers.

The exception to this rule is on funds deposited into a JISA, Child Trust Fund or NS&I Premium Bonds. The returns from these are tax free for all.

Almost a third of people are making the mistake of buying their travel insurance on the day of their trip, data from Go Compare has shown.

The figures found that just 17% of people took out their policy within six months of their holiday.

While you can buy travel insurance right up until the moment you leave the UK, doing so risks some key areas being missed off your cover.

Go Compare's Rhys Jones says it can result in cancellation cover not being included, and this is one of the main reasons people claim on their insurance policy.

Pre-existing conditions might be missed off as well.

"If you have a pre-existing condition that could flare up and cause complications, a last-minute travel insurance policy may not cover it," he said.

"So while you can buy insurance right up until the moment you travel, it's often best to get it earlier so that you have more options and more cover available."

If you are looking to buy travel insurance while you're already abroad, you may have to purchase a specialist post-departure travel insurance policy instead.

This type of cover is only available from a few companies, so there are fewer options available, and they are generally more expensive.

It's also worth noting that if you do buy this policy, you may have to wait 24, 48 or 72 hours before it begins.

Rhys recommends organising your insurance as soon as you have booked your trip, saying it "could save you considerable money and stress".

A record 3.1 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in just a year, according to a charity.

The Trussell Trust says 3,121,404 were distributed by its network of 1,300 food banks in the year to the end of March.

Some 1,144,096 were for children and nearly two million for adults. The total is nearly double that of five years ago.

The number of parcels given out during the 12 months to March 2023 was just under three million.

You can read more here...

Nearly 40% of money laundering around the world is flowing through London, overseas territories and crown dependencies, the deputy foreign minister has said.

In a speech at the Bright Blue thinktank, Andrew Mitchell said the dirty money was passing through the capital and that "crown dependencies and the overseas territories have not yet done as much as they must do", The Guardian reports.

"If these overseas territories and crown dependencies want to have our king and our flag, then they must also accept our values, which is why we are so intent on ensuring dirty money cannot flow in and from there," he said.

The comments come a month after Mr Mitchell promised to work with the international community to tackle illicit flows of money "through increased transparency of company ownership".  

Feel like you've been on hold to the taxman for hours? You're not alone.

Customers spent around seven million hours collectively waiting to speak to HMRC in 2022/23, the spending watchdog has revealed.

That's more than double the time spent waiting in 2019/20, which was around 3.2 million hours.

It's the equivalent of 798 years.

Once answered, calls more than doubled to over 23 minutes in 20022/23, up from just over 11 minutes.

Advisers also answered 22% fewer calls.

HMRC's strategy is to encourage customers to turn to its digital services first - but it is not clear how far and fast digital services will reduce demand for telephone and correspondence services, the National Audit Office said.

And the move to digital services has not eased pressure on traditional services as much as HMRC expected.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: "HMRC's telephone and correspondence services have been below its target service levels for too long.

"While many of its digital services work well, they have not made enough of a difference to customers, some of whom have been caught in a declining spiral of service pressures and cuts. HMRC has also not achieved planned efficiencies.

"HMRC must allow more time for these services to bed in and understand the difference they make before adjusting staffing levels."

New York has topped the list when it comes to the world's wealthiest cities, with 349,500 millionaires and 60 billionaires.

In its latest report, Henley & Partners found the Big Apple's millionaire population has surged by 48% in the past decade.

And San Francisco came in second place, with 305,700 millionaires and 68 billionaires.

Meanwhile, Tokyo has seen its millionaire population declining by 5% to 298,300 people.

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Traveling During Your Cap-Gap Extension
H-1B Status & The Cap Gap Extension
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What is “Cap Gap” and Are You Eligible?
Cap gap OPT that bridges OPT and H1B

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Angle Gap & Travel #welding #stickwelding #welder

COMMENTS

Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT ...
ALERT: Although F-1 nonimmigrant students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization, our policies regarding the cap-gap extension remain the same. An F-1 student who is the beneficiary of a cap-subject H-1B petition and request for change of status that is filed on time may ...
H-1B Status and the Cap Gap Extension
Under certain circumstances, an F-1 student on the cap gap extension may travel abroad and seek readmission to the United States. However, if an F-1 student travels abroad before USCIS approves their H-1B change of status (COS) petition, USCIS will deem the petition abandoned. The student's F-1 status will expire per the program end date ...
H-1B and OPT Cap-Gap Extensions
The H-1B cap is the limit on the number of H-1Bs allowed each fiscal year.* Currently, the cap is 65,000. The fiscal year begins on October 1 when a new batch of the 65,000 H-1Bs becomes available. 20,000 beneficiaries of H-1B petitions filed for new employment or for a change of employer are exempt from being counted against the H-1B cap if the beneficiary has earned a master's degree or ...
"Cap Gap" Relief for OPT
The cap-gap extension of status and work authorization ends on October 1, when the H-1B status begins. The automatic extension of status also applies to your F-2 dependents. NOTE: If conditions 1-4 above are true but the H-1B petition was filed in the 60-day grace period following the end of your OPT, you are not eligible for the "cap gap ...
H-1B and the Cap-Gap Extension
The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status that may be granted to F-1 students who need to "bridge the gap" between the expiration of their OPT/STEM EAD and the start date of their approved H-1B sponsored by a cap-subject employer. Because new H-1Bs become effective on October 1 of each year, the Cap-Gap Extension ...
OPT Cap-Gap Extension
The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status and work authorization past the EAD End Date, for students transitioning to an H-1B work visa. Most employers can file an H-1B cap-subject petition each year on April 1. If USCIS approves the H-1B petition, the H-1B status goes into effect on October 1.
Travel on Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT, or AT
Travel on Cap Gap Extension. Generally speaking, you may travel abroad and seek readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status during a Cap-Gap period if: your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved; you seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year, i.e., October 1); and; you ...
Cap-Gap OPT Extension
The cap refers to the limit or quota on the number of individuals who can receive H-1B status at the beginning of the government's fiscal year — October 1st. The cap is currently set at 65,000 recipients plus an additional 20,000 for those with US Master's degree or higher. The gap is the period of time between the end of your F-1 OPT and the beginning of H-1B status.
Cap Gap Extension
Complete the "Request to End F-1 Status" e-form. The Cap Gap is the period after F-1 students' OPT has expired, but before their H-1B work authorization begins on October 1. The OPT Cap Gap Extension automatically extends F-1 students' immigration status and work authorization in order to bridge the gap between the end of their F-1 status ...
Understanding Cap Gap Extensions
Understanding Cap Gap Extensions. Cap Gap is the time between the official end-date listed on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) and the official start date of an H-1B non-immigrant visa. Cap gaps are most commonly needed when your Optional Program Training (OPT) ends in the spring or early summer, and your F-1 status expires 60 ...
H-1B Cap-Gap Extension
Travel with an I-20 issued for a Cap-Gap Extension . U.S. federal regulations allow F-1 student visa holders participating in the 12-month Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the 24-month OPT STEM Extension to exit the U.S. and re-enter with a valid F-1 student visa, valid Employment Authorization Document, job offer letter ...
The H-1B Cap-Gap Extension for F-1 Students
The cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision designed to extend eligible students' F-1 status and any current employment authorization to start their approved H-1B employment. This extension fills the "gap" between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status that might otherwise occur due to the timing of H-1B petitions.
H-1B Cap Gap Extension of OPT
The Cap Gap Extension of OPT through September 30 th of the current year is granted if an H-1B petition has been filed by a Cap-Subject employer before the current period of OPT expires. The first day to file for H-1B is April 1 st. H-1B must be filed between April 1st and before the expiration of your OPT.
Cap-Gap Extension
Eligibility for the Cap-Gap Extension. The Cap-Gap Extension is an automatic extension of F-1 status and any current valid OPT work authorization for students who are the beneficiaries of a timely filed, cap-subject, H-1B pet ition that requests a change of status.. The C ap-G ap E xtension bridges the gap between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status on October 1st, allowing the ...
Cap-Gap OPT Extension
A cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student's status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 status and start of H-1B status. ... you have an I-20 that reflects the cap-gap benefit and has a travel signature (no older than 6 months)
Cap Gap
Travel during Cap-Gap Extension Period. A student granted a cap-gap extension who elects to travel outside the United States during the cap-gap extension period, will not be able to return in F-1 status. The student will need to apply for an H-1B visa at a consular post abroad prior to returning. As the H-1B petition is for an October 1 start ...
H-1B Cap Gap Extension
The "cap gap" occurs when a student's F-1 status and/or OPT expire before their approved H-1B begins October 1. The H-1B Cap pre-registration window opens on March 1. Check these U.S. government resources for more information. Study in the States F-1 Cap Gap Extension; U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) H-1B Cap Gap Regulations
Travel During Opt, Cap Gap & Before a Change of Status to H-1b Has Been
The CAP-GAP OPT Extension is automatic, and USCIS will not provide the student with a renewed EAD. However, F-1 students in this situation can request an updated Form I-20 from the DSO, annotated for the CAP-GAP OPT Extension, as well as proof that the I-129 petition was filed in a timely manner. TRAVEL BEFORE THE H-1B CHANGE OF STATUS HAS BEEN ...
Travel Tips for Foreign Students on OPT or Planning a Change of Status
During the cap-gap, can I travel internationally after my change of status is approved and reenter before October 1? Though past policy forbade international travel during the cap gap if your OPT EAD had expired, USCIS has changed its policy and now permits cap-gap travel in certain circumstances, in connection with rules that were revised in ...
OPT to Cap-Gap to H1B- Can you travel internationally?
It is possible to travel internationally during this period, if you still have a valid F-1 visa tied to your OPT. When you are re-entering the U.S., you can be re-admitted under your F-1 visa and upon showing your recently-expired EAD card and your I-797 approval notice for the H1B status, which proves you are in valid "Cap Gap" status ...
Students Should Not Travel During Cap-Gap Period
Students with cap-gap benefits based on pending H1B petitions should not travel. The reasoning behind this is that, if a foreign national travels while a petition to change status is pending, the change-of-status request is considered abandoned. Without the pending change-of-status request, the student is no longer eligible for cap-gap relief.
Traveling While in the H-1B Cap-Gap Period
The cap-gap provisions allow an F-1 student who filed an H-1B petition and that was accepted in the lottery process to automatically extend their student status and employment authorization until October 1, 2013. However, during this cap-gap period travel is not advised. While the USCIS guidelines are not completely clear, it is regular ...
H-1B Cap Season
ALERT: USCIS has extended the initial registration period for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 H-1B cap. The initial registration period, which opened at noon Eastern on March 6, 2024, and was originally scheduled to run through noon Eastern on March 22, will now run through noon Eastern on March 25, 2024. USCIS is aware of a temporary system outage ...
What Is Gap Insurance and How Does It Work?
Gap insurance is designed to pay that final $5,500 so you don't owe money on a totaled car. But without gap insurance, you'll have to cover the balance on your loan as well as your insurance ...
Paying For A Gap Year Travel Program: A Guide To Financing Your
Saving and Budgeting Strategies for Gap Year Travel Programs. Embarking on a gap year travel program is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be quite expensive. From flights and accommodations to meals and activities, there are numerous costs to consider when planning for your trip. To help make your gap year travel dreams a ...
Top 18 Thrilling Gap Year Getaways
11. India. Image Credit: Shutterstock / Pikoso.kz. India's vibrant culture and opportunities for volunteer work make it a profound gap year choice. Affordable living and the chance to engage ...
Money blog: Major free childcare change kicks in today as parents of
From today, eligible parents of children from nine-months-old in England can register for 15 free hours of childcare per week. Read this and the rest of our Weekend Money features, and leave a ...

Resources for Students

H-1B and OPT Cap-Gap Extensions

Useful Employment and Career Links

Basics & Eligibility

What is the H-1B Cap?

What is the H-1B annual timeline for cap subject H-1Bs?

Eligibility for the OPT Cap-Gap Extension

Apply for an OPT Cap-Gap Extension I-20

How long will the OPT Cap-Gap Extension I-20 request take?

How do I know if I have a Cap Gap Extension on my I-20? What does it look like?

What if my OPT expires before my employer files for the H-1B Change of Status? Will the preliminary or automatic Cap-Gap Extension extend my OPT?

Can I travel during a Cap-Gap Extension period and still return with my OPT I-20 and EAD?

Can I file for an H-1B and a STEM OPT Extension at the same time?

Can I also apply for a STEM OPT Extension before my Cap Gap period starts? (BEFORE my OPT EAD expires)

Can I apply for a STEM OPT Extension during my Cap Gap period? (AFTER my OPT EAD expires, but BEFORE the Cap-Gap extension expires Sept 30)

I am already approved for a STEM OPT Extension, and my STEM OPT Extension is expiring. Can I qualify for Cap-Gap Extension to start after my STEM OPT expires?

My employer filed for my H-1B and the petition has been approved. Should I file for the STEM Extension if my H-1B is already Approved for Oct. 1?

Problems & Issues

What if my original OPT expires and my Cap-Gap Extension data fix is still pending with SEVIS Help Desk?

What happens if my H-1B is rejected, withdrawn, or denied after applying for the Cap-Gap Extension?

What if a Cap Gap appears in my record, but my employer is not subject to the Cap? Or my employer filed the H-1B for "consular processing"?

What if my regular Cap Gap Extension until Sept. 30 expires and my H-1B is not yet approved?

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What Are “Cap Gap” Extensions and Who is Eligible?

When and How Should I Request a “Cap Gap I-20 Reprint”?

How Long Will It Take to Get a “Cap Gap I-20 Reprint”?

Can I Travel Internationally During the “Cap Gap” Period?

Programs and Offices for Northeastern’s International Community.

Students Studying in The United States H-1B and the Cap-Gap Extension

What is H-1B Status?

What is the Cap-Gap Extension?

Cap-Gap Extension Eligibility

How can I Request Proof of my Cap-Gap Extension?

Can I Apply for the STEM Extension During the Cap-Gap Extension period?

H-1B Reporting

Impact of Changing to H-1B from F-1 Status

Key Resources

Related Articles:

Can OGS provide me with a letter concerning employment eligibility or data fixes?

What happens if my H-1B is rejected/denied/withdrawn after applying for the cap gap extension?

If my H-1B processing is delayed and I do not receive my approval by October 1, can I extend my cap gap?

What are my options if my H-1B employment is terminated?

OPT Cap-Gap Extension

Who is eligible?

How is the Cap-Gap I-20 endorsed to indicate employment authorization?

How do I request a Cap Gap Extension I-20 from OIS?

How long does OIS take to process the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request?

How will I receive the Cap-Gap Extension I-20 from OIS?

What do I do if my OPT expires and my Cap-Gap Extension request is still pending with OIS?

What happens if I receive the H-1B pending or approval notice from USCIS after my current EAD has expired and I am in the 60-day grace period?

What happens if my H-1B petition is subsequently rejected, denied or revoked during the Cap-Gap Extension period?

Do OPT/STEM OPT unemployment rules apply to students with a Cap-Gap Extension?

Can I apply for STEM OPT Extension during the Cap-Gap Extension period?

Does the Cap-Gap Extension also extend my dependent’s F-2 status?

Departments

Harvard International Office

Transportation

Travel on Post-Completion OPT, STEM OPT, or AT

Serving Harvard's International Community

F-1 Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) after Graduation

Travel before your I-20 program end date

Travel after your I-20 program end date while OPT application is pending

Travel after I-20 program end date and OPT approval

Travel on Cap Gap Extension

F-2 Dependents of Students on OPT

F-1 Students on STEM OPT Extension

Travel while STEM OPT application is pending, after the Post-Completion OPT EAD expires

Travel after STEM OPT approval

F-2 Dependents of Students on STEM OPT

J-1 Students on Academic Training (AT) after Graduation

J-2 Dependents

Cap Gap Extension

Eligibility Requirements

Cap Gap Extension Length

Cap Gap I-20 Application Process

What happens if my H-1B petition is withdrawn, denied or rejected?

Travel during the Cap Gap Extension

Important Reminders:

Office of International Education