Transitioning from student visa to work visa requires careful timing. Here's how to avoid employment gaps and maintain legal status throughout.
Transitioning from student visa to work visa requires careful timing. Here's how to avoid employment gaps and maintain legal status throughout.
F-1 students transition to H-1B through change of status filed before OPT expires. If H-1B selected in lottery, file petition for October 1 start. Cap-Gap extension automatically bridges gap between OPT expiration (typically May-September) and H-1B start (October 1). If not selected, use STEM OPT extension (24 months) for additional lottery chances or explore alternative visas.
H-1B lottery registration opens in March, results announced late March/April
Cap-Gap extension automatically bridges OPT to October 1 H-1B start
STEM OPT extension (24 months) provides 3 total lottery chances
If not selected, alternatives include O-1, EB-2 NIW, or additional F-1 degree
Premium processing costs $2,805, gets decision in 15 days
Start job search in final semester to secure offer before graduation
H-1B lottery registration opens in March, results announced late March/April
Cap-Gap extension automatically bridges OPT to October 1 H-1B start
STEM OPT extension (24 months) provides 3 total lottery chances
If not selected, alternatives include O-1, EB-2 NIW, or additional F-1 degree
Premium processing costs $2,805, gets decision in 15 days
Start job search in final semester to secure offer before graduation
F-1 students graduate and receive 12-month OPT (Optional Practical Training) authorization. STEM graduates get additional 24-month STEM extension. H-1B lottery happens in March with October 1 start date if selected.
Typical timeline:
Graduate: May 2025
OPT begins: May 2025
H-1B registration: March 2026 (while on OPT)
Lottery results: Late March/April 2026
H-1B petition filed: April-June 2026
H-1B starts: October 1, 2026
OPT expires: May 2026
Gap: May-September 2026 (covered by Cap-Gap)
Cap-Gap extension is automatic if H-1B petition selected and filed before OPT expires.
If OPT expires between April 1 and September 30, and you were selected in H-1B lottery, Cap-Gap automatically extends F-1 status and work authorization until October 1. No separate application needed.
Cap-Gap requirements:
Currently on valid F-1 OPT
OPT expires between April 1 and September 30
Employer files H-1B petition for you
Selected in lottery
Petition filed timely (by June/July typically)
Your school's international office updates I-20 showing Cap-Gap extension. You continue working legally from OPT end through September 30.
STEM degree holders should file 24-month STEM extension before 12-month OPT expires. This provides 36 months total OPT and three H-1B lottery chances.
STEM OPT timeline example:
Graduate: May 2024
Regular OPT: May 2024 - May 2025 (first lottery chance March 2025)
STEM extension: May 2025 - May 2027 (second/third chances March 2026/2027)
If selected 2026, H-1B starts October 2026 (well before STEM OPT expires)
File STEM extension 90 days before regular OPT expires. You get 180-day automatic extension while STEM application processes.
Options include reapply next year (with STEM OPT or new F-1 degree), file for O-1 extraordinary ability visa (no lottery, no cap), self-petition EB-2 NIW for green card, pursue additional degree to extend F-1, find employer with cap-exempt H-1B (universities, nonprofits), or explore L-1 by working abroad then transferring.
Option | Timeline | Lottery Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Try lottery again | 1 year wait | Yes | Those with STEM OPT remaining |
O-1 | 2-4 months | No | High achievers with strong evidence |
EB-2 NIW | 12-18 months | No | Advanced degree holders |
Additional F-1 degree | 2-5 years | Yes (future) | Career changers |
Cap-exempt H-1B | 2-4 months | No | Academic/research roles |
Start job search in final semester (January-March for May graduation). Employers know H-1B timeline and can accommodate. Many tech companies specifically recruit international students.
Interview talking points:
State clearly you'll need H-1B sponsorship
Explain H-1B process and employer obligations
Emphasize you have OPT work authorization immediately
Show understanding of timeline and Cap-Gap extension
Companies that regularly sponsor expect these conversations and have processes ready.
When H-1B is approved, you either change status in U.S. (no need to leave) or do consular processing abroad (get visa stamp at consulate). Change of status is common for F-1 to H-1B.
Change of status advantages:
No international travel required
Start working October 1 without leaving U.S.
Less risk than consular processing
Disadvantage:
Need visa stamp if you later travel internationally
Most F-1 to H-1B transitions use change of status. Get visa stamp during first international trip after H-1B starts.
Missing OPT application deadline (must apply before F-1 grace period ends), not filing STEM extension in time (90 days before OPT expires), traveling during Cap-Gap without proper documentation, assuming all employers sponsor H-1B (many don't, ask early), not having backup plan if lottery rejected.
Premium processing ($2,805) guarantees 15-day decision. Worth it if need certainty for job start, want to avoid uncertainty during summer, or employer willing to pay.
Standard processing takes 2-6 months. Most F-1 to H-1B petitions use premium processing for peace of mind.
F-1 students graduate and receive 12-month OPT (Optional Practical Training) authorization. STEM graduates get additional 24-month STEM extension. H-1B lottery happens in March with October 1 start date if selected.
Typical timeline:
Graduate: May 2025
OPT begins: May 2025
H-1B registration: March 2026 (while on OPT)
Lottery results: Late March/April 2026
H-1B petition filed: April-June 2026
H-1B starts: October 1, 2026
OPT expires: May 2026
Gap: May-September 2026 (covered by Cap-Gap)
Cap-Gap extension is automatic if H-1B petition selected and filed before OPT expires.
If OPT expires between April 1 and September 30, and you were selected in H-1B lottery, Cap-Gap automatically extends F-1 status and work authorization until October 1. No separate application needed.
Cap-Gap requirements:
Currently on valid F-1 OPT
OPT expires between April 1 and September 30
Employer files H-1B petition for you
Selected in lottery
Petition filed timely (by June/July typically)
Your school's international office updates I-20 showing Cap-Gap extension. You continue working legally from OPT end through September 30.
STEM degree holders should file 24-month STEM extension before 12-month OPT expires. This provides 36 months total OPT and three H-1B lottery chances.
STEM OPT timeline example:
Graduate: May 2024
Regular OPT: May 2024 - May 2025 (first lottery chance March 2025)
STEM extension: May 2025 - May 2027 (second/third chances March 2026/2027)
If selected 2026, H-1B starts October 2026 (well before STEM OPT expires)
File STEM extension 90 days before regular OPT expires. You get 180-day automatic extension while STEM application processes.
Options include reapply next year (with STEM OPT or new F-1 degree), file for O-1 extraordinary ability visa (no lottery, no cap), self-petition EB-2 NIW for green card, pursue additional degree to extend F-1, find employer with cap-exempt H-1B (universities, nonprofits), or explore L-1 by working abroad then transferring.
Option | Timeline | Lottery Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Try lottery again | 1 year wait | Yes | Those with STEM OPT remaining |
O-1 | 2-4 months | No | High achievers with strong evidence |
EB-2 NIW | 12-18 months | No | Advanced degree holders |
Additional F-1 degree | 2-5 years | Yes (future) | Career changers |
Cap-exempt H-1B | 2-4 months | No | Academic/research roles |
Start job search in final semester (January-March for May graduation). Employers know H-1B timeline and can accommodate. Many tech companies specifically recruit international students.
Interview talking points:
State clearly you'll need H-1B sponsorship
Explain H-1B process and employer obligations
Emphasize you have OPT work authorization immediately
Show understanding of timeline and Cap-Gap extension
Companies that regularly sponsor expect these conversations and have processes ready.
When H-1B is approved, you either change status in U.S. (no need to leave) or do consular processing abroad (get visa stamp at consulate). Change of status is common for F-1 to H-1B.
Change of status advantages:
No international travel required
Start working October 1 without leaving U.S.
Less risk than consular processing
Disadvantage:
Need visa stamp if you later travel internationally
Most F-1 to H-1B transitions use change of status. Get visa stamp during first international trip after H-1B starts.
Missing OPT application deadline (must apply before F-1 grace period ends), not filing STEM extension in time (90 days before OPT expires), traveling during Cap-Gap without proper documentation, assuming all employers sponsor H-1B (many don't, ask early), not having backup plan if lottery rejected.
Premium processing ($2,805) guarantees 15-day decision. Worth it if need certainty for job start, want to avoid uncertainty during summer, or employer willing to pay.
Standard processing takes 2-6 months. Most F-1 to H-1B petitions use premium processing for peace of mind.
When should I start looking for H-1B sponsor?
Final semester (January-March for May graduation). Gives time to find sponsor before OPT starts and before March H-1B registration.
What if OPT expires before October 1?
Cap-Gap extension automatically bridges gap if you were selected in lottery and petition was filed timely.
Can I work while H-1B is pending?
Yes, if you filed before OPT expired and are on Cap-Gap extension or have EAD from other source.
What if not selected in lottery?
Reapply next year if you have STEM OPT. Otherwise explore O-1, additional degree, or cap-exempt positions.
Should I do premium processing?
Recommended for peace of mind. $2,805 gets decision in 15 days vs 2-6 months standard. Many employers pay for it.
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