The H-1B start date for non-exempt employers is October 1 of each year. Employers will apply for H-1B work authorization 6 months prior on April 1. Graduates who are selected for H-1B processing and whose OPT end date is between April 1 and October 1 will receive an automatic extension of work authorization between the OPT end date and September 30. This is known as the OPT Cap Gap. For information, please visit the .
If you receive the Cap Gap extension and need a new I-20 indicating this approval, submit the OPT Update Form.