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1. CAP GAP Extension:
   • Relates to H1-B lottery (April 1) and U.S. government Fiscal Year (beginning October 1)
   • ONLY AVAILABLE to students with OPTs expiring between April 1 and October 1
     • The H-1B "Cap-Gap" occurs when an F-1 student's status and OPT work authorization expires before the student can start approved H-1B employment, beginning on October 1
     • Extends F-1 status and post-completion OPT work authorization (OPT & STEM)
   • In order to request a Cap-Gap I-20, you must submit the following to the I-Center:
     • A copy of your OPT I-20
     • A copy of your most recent I-94 card
     • A copy of either: Form I-797C Notice of Action (receipt) of H1B petition OR form I-797A Approval of your H1B status
   • After we receive the above documents, the I-Center will issue the I-20 within 2 weeks

   NOTE: Although the Cap-Gap benefit occurs automatically under the rule after a qualifying H1B petition is filed, a student may wish to ask the I-Center for an I-20 that contains Cap-Gap notations to document his or her Cap-Gap benefits.
    

2. STEM Extension:
   S = Science T = Technology E = Engineering M = Mathematics

   Extends standard OPT for an additional 17 months, totaling 29 months

   Eligibility:

   • Must have successfully completed a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list
   • U.S. College or university must have been SEVIS-certified
   • Student must have a job offer at the time of application
   • Employer must be registered with the "E-Verify" federal employment verification system

   Filing Requirements:

   • Must file extension application in a timely manner
   • Generally 90 days before the current OPT expires

   Reporting Requirements:

   • The reporting validation is confirmation that the student's name and address, employer name and address, and /or loss of employment are current and accurate
   • Students on an approved STEM Extension must report the following (within ten days of starting):
     • Any change in name or residential/mailing address
     • The name and address of their employer
     • Any change to the name and address of the employer
     • Any interruption of such employment