H1B-COS and STEM OPT Extension requested concurrently - Issues related to cap-gap added

sagarprabhu

New Member
It would be really helpful if I can get guidance on this matter and if anyone is in this same situation, which I hope many could be. I have applied for stem opt request extension and H1B CAP- COS petition concurrently?
  1. I had filed my STEM OPT extension and had added the receipt notice in the H1B - COS petition, which my employer filed later. But, I got to know from sevis help desk that, a cap-gap has been added to extend my F-1 post completion OPT until April 1st, 2026 due to timely filed H1B - COS petiton. But, I had already applied for my STEM OPT extension too as a safety net. So, even though applying STEM OPT extension request to cover authorization until my H1B gets approved, why a cap-gap is added, is it automatic?
  2. What will happen to my STEM extension app? As the requested start date is July 4, 2025. But from July 4,2025, in my SEVIS, it shows a cap-gap to extend F1 status until April 1,2026, so will my STEM be still processed? And if yes, what will be the STEM extension start date then?
  3. So, as part of authorization from my current OPT authorization expiry date, what will be my active status show like, as neither of them are approved?
 
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