International Student Services

Because corporate H-1B visas begin on October 1 and most students graduate in May or December, there is often a gap of time between the OPT end date and the H-1B start date. To remedy this, USCIS provides a temporary extension of F-1 status and work authorization while the H-1B petition is being processed.

General Facts

• This benefit is offered only from April 1 to October 1 and only in conjunction with a corporate H-1B that is pending or approved with an October 1 start date.
• The extension begins the day after the OPT EAD end date and ends on October 1.
• You remain F-1 until the H-1B start date.
• You can obtain an I-20 that indicates this extension.
• If your H-1B petition is denied or withdrawn and your OPT has ended, your status ends 60 days from the date posted on your denial/withdrawal. Please notify the ISSO.
• There is always a risk you will be refused re-entry to the U.S. if you travel internationally while a petition is pending.

New I-20

The gap relief extension of status and work authorization is managed by USCIS and automatically tied to your H-1B petition.  If you would like an I-20 that documents the USCIS extension you can obtain one from the UT Dallas ISSO:

• Complete a I-20 Request Form.
• Submit the request with a copy of the H-1B receipt or approval to the ISSO by scan/email, fax or in person.
• An I-20 will be generated that resembles your previous OPT I-20 except there will be a paragraph on page three indicating the extension.
• You will receive an email when the I-20 is ready, within three business days.

For more information, contact an international student advisor.