To transition from OPT (Optional Practical Training) to H-1B, your U.S. employer must file an H-1B petition (Form I-129) on your behalf during the H-1B cap season, which typically begins in March. If selected in the H-1B lottery and approved, your status will change from F-1 to H-1B on October 1. If your OPT ends before that date, you may qualify for the cap-gap extension, allowing you to remain and work in the U.S. until the H-1B starts.

The OPT to H-1B transition starts with your employer registering you for the H-1B lottery through USCIS. If selected, they must submit a complete petition including a Labor Condition Application (LCA). Once approved, your status can change automatically if you're in the U.S., or you can apply for an H-1B visa abroad. F-1 students with OPT may remain employed under the cap-gap rule until H-1B activation on October 1.

Transitioning from OPT to H-1B involves your employer filing an H-1B petition for you, typically during the annual lottery window. If your petition is selected and approved, your status will change on October 1. To bridge the gap between OPT expiration and H-1B start, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension, which extends your F-1 status and employment authorization.