What happens if you are in Optional Practical Training Status (OPT) and it ends before October 1st when new H-1B status would begin?
OPT status is granted to university students after they have completed a program level-i.e., associates, bachelors or masters. Existing legislation provides “cap gap” relief so that one can have OPT status extend to October 1 if a H-1B petition is filed and the OPT status lasts beyond April 1st.