05/20/12
Under "Cap Gap" rules, once a timely H-1B Petition has been filed requesting a change of status to H-1B on October 1, the automatic cap-gap extension will begin and will continue until the H-1B petition adjudication process has been completed. If the student’s H-1B petition is selected and approved, the student’s extension will continue through September 30 unless the petition is denied, withdrawn, or revoked.
Under STEM rules, students in F-1 status who earn a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, are employed by employers enrolled in E-Verify, and who have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization related to such a degree, may apply for a 17-month extension of such authorization.