OPT Expiring

[Raahul]

I am currently on OPT and this will expire in February 2013 and H1 Quota will be opened in April and validity would be starting somewhere after Sept or August 2013.. What do i need to do from Feb 2013 once my OPT expires in order to be in status?? Please let me know.. Thank you.

[rahul412]

I am currently on OPT and this will expire in February 2013 and H1 Quota will be opened in April and validity would be starting somewhere after Sept or August 2013.. What do i need to do from Feb 2013 once my OPT expires in order to be in status?? Please let me know.. Thank you.

Probably, you will be under cap-gap,and won't be able to work till Oct1st .

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[pontevecchio]

Once your OPT expires you have 60 days grace period. When does your OPT expire? What specific date?

[Raahul]

My OPT expires on Feb 09 2013.

[JoeF]

When the H1 quota is open, an H1 can be filed during the 60-day grace period of the F1. This allows a person to stay until the H1 starts, under the cap-gap rules.

If the OPT is expired when the H1 is filed, the person can not work until the H1 starts, though.

[pontevecchio]

Your H1 sponsor would have to make sure that the petition is filed after April,1 and before April,9. You can stay till the decision is made though you cannot work till October,1. Have a chat with your DSO about the matter to find out what paperwork is involved from the point of view of the potential cap gap.