H-1B & OPT Deadline Timeline

Universal program dates — not your personal filing deadlines, which depend on your own case. Every date links to its source; unconfirmed dates are marked as such, never guessed.

Download calendar (.ics)

Upcoming

Cap-Gap Extension Window (Annual)OPT/STEM

Apr 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026

F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT with a timely-filed, still-pending or approved H-1B cap petition get an automatic extension of status and work authorization through this window each year.

Source

$100,000 H-1B Fee Proclamation (10973) Set to ExpireH-1B

Sep 20, 2026

The proclamation behind the disputed $100,000 H-1B fee is a 12-month measure due to expire on this date unless extended. The fee itself is currently not in effect pending appeal — see the H-1B hub for the live litigation status.

Source

Not Yet Announced

FY2028 H-1B Cap Registration PeriodNot yet announced

Not yet announced. USCIS has opened the initial registration period in early-to-mid March in recent years, but treat any specific date as a guess until USCIS publishes it.

Ongoing Obligations

OPT/STEM

Report address/employer changes within 10 days

F-1/OPT students must report changes to address, employer, or contact info to their DSO within 10 days via SEVP Portal.

OPT/STEM

Track OPT/STEM unemployment days

90 days on regular OPT, up to 150 total on STEM OPT (90 + 60). Use the unemployment tracker on the OPT hub.

H-1B

60-day H-1B grace period after job loss

Typically 60 days (or until the end of authorized validity, if sooner) to find a new employer, change status, or leave the US.

Past (for reference)

Mar 31, 2026FY2027 H-1B Selection Notifications

Mar 4, 2026FY2027 H-1B Cap Initial Registration Period

Mar 1, 2026Premium Processing Fee Increased to $2,965

Oct 30, 2025H4 EAD 540-Day Auto-Extension Terminated

Disclaimer: These are general program dates, not personal deadlines — your own filing windows depend on your case. Rules and dates change; always verify at USCIS.gov and consult a qualified immigration attorney.