F-1 to H-1B: The Complete Timeline

Phase 1: F-1 Student Status

Your journey begins when you enter the U.S. on an F-1 student visa to pursue a full-time degree program. During this phase, your work options are limited:

• On-campus employment: You can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): If your program requires or allows practical training, you may work off-campus through CPT. Note that 12 or more months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT.

Phase 2: Post-Completion OPT (12 Months)

After completing your degree, you can apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training. Key milestones:

• 90 days before graduation: Earliest you can apply for OPT by filing Form I-765 with USCIS.
• 60 days after graduation: Latest you can apply. Your OPT start date must fall within 60 days of your program end date.
• 90-day unemployment limit: You must not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT period.

Phase 3: STEM OPT Extension (24 Months)

If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, you can extend your OPT by 24 additional months. This phase runs from months 13 through 36 of your post-graduation work authorization:

• 90 days before OPT expires: Earliest you can file the STEM OPT extension application.
• OPT expiration date: Latest filing deadline. You can continue working for up to 180 days while pending.
• 150-day unemployment limit: During the 24-month STEM OPT extension, you have a 150-day cumulative unemployment limit.
• Employer must be E-Verify enrolled: Your employer must participate in E-Verify and complete the I-983 Training Plan.

Phase 4: H-1B Registration and Lottery

While on OPT or STEM OPT, your employer can register you for the H-1B lottery:

• January – February: Employer prepares H-1B registration materials including the Labor Condition Application (LCA).
• Early March: USCIS opens the electronic H-1B registration period (typically 2-3 weeks).
• Late March: USCIS conducts the lottery and notifies selected registrations. The selection rate varies by year — in recent years it has been around 25-30% for a single registration.
• April 1 – June 30: Employers file complete H-1B petitions for selected registrations.

Phase 5: Cap-Gap and H-1B Start

If your OPT or STEM OPT expires before October 1 and a timely H-1B petition has been filed, the cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30:

• April – September: USCIS processes your H-1B petition. You continue working under cap-gap authorization.
• October 1: Your H-1B status begins. You are now an H-1B worker with employer-sponsored status valid for up to 3 years, renewable for another 3 years (6 years total).

What If You're Not Selected?

If you are not selected in the H-1B lottery, you can remain in the U.S. as long as your OPT or STEM OPT is still valid. Your employer can register you again in the next lottery cycle. Other options include pursuing a higher degree, finding a cap-exempt employer, or exploring alternative visa categories such as O-1 or L-1.