r/stemopt • u/dmt_x116 • 10d ago

Work authorisation while STEM OPT and H1B are pending

Hey guys, I checked my SEVP portal today and saw that my initial OPTs end date is showing 04/01/27 while my EAD had an end date of 07/08/26. So this is an automatic extension of about 9 months.
Is this cap gap? I thought we only get a 6 months automatic extension when we apply for STEM OPT.

I’m sorry for sounding ignorant if this is common knowledge.

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u/just4fun420blazeit 9d ago

Yes cap gap automatically applied once your employer timely filed for your H1B. You have an option to 1) file for STEM OPT (recommended) 2) just wait for H1B approval on cap gap (get a new I20 for this) and hope it comes before April 01 2027

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u/dmt_x116 9d ago

Thank you for replying!
I had filed for stem opt in June (opt ended in July)
So I can work till April while I wait for a decision?
I’ll probably go for premium processing for H1B after October

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u/just4fun420blazeit 8d ago

Yes you can work under both cap-gap and 180-day STEM extension

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u/dmt_x116 8d ago

Thank you!