What is the Cap-Gap and its benefits? The Cap-Gap extends an eligible F-1 student’s status to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT or STEM) and the start of H-1B cap status (typically Oct. 1). This allows the F-1 student to remain in...
See below for key points on the current state of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), COVID-related travel information, and more prepared by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
How do I verify the work authorization of a student in F-1 status and STEM OPT? DHS issues F-1 students documents showing employment authorization based on the type of student they are and the type of employment they have. A foreign student in F-1 STEM OPT is issued...
Due to COVID-19, SEVP instituted a temporary exemption earlier this year. It allowed international students to take more online classes for the spring and summer semesters than normally permitted for the purposes of maintaining a full course of study, which enables...
Some F-1 students may apply for work experience for up to 36 months, something that benefits both them and employers. To enjoy this benefit, F-1 students have to correctly apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and go through the I-9 Verification...
Some F-1 students whose H-1B petitions were timely filed with an October 1 start date and requested change of status are eligible for a cap-gap extension of status and employment authorization. The cap-gap is the period between when the F-1 student status would end...
A Cap-Gap extension allows an eligible F-1 student to bridge the gap between the end of F-1 status and start of H-1B status, so the student can remain in the US and work during the ‘gap’. This PDF answers FAQs about this unique extension. Download the PDF.
Giselle Carson shares guidance for F-1 students considering applying for a 24-month STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) Extension. Watch the video.