F Visa

Remote Work Abroad on F-1 OPT

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Does remote work while traveling abroad on F-1 OPT count as unemployment?

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Standard PTO is not unemployment. For remote work abroad, consult your DSO. If you have no accumulated unemployment, short periods are generally low risk.

Working for Two Employers during H-1B "Cap-Gap"

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Can an individual working for two employers on STEM OPT continue working for both during the "cap-gap" period once an H-1B petition is filed?

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Cap-Gap acts as an extension of the current underlying status. If the F-1 STEM OPT status allowed for dual employment, that authorization continues under Cap-Gap until the H-1B takes effect.

Maintaining Status with an Approved I-140 after a Layoff

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What are the options to maintain status after a job loss when an individual is on their first H-1B but has an approved PERM and I-140 from a future employer?

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 Once an I-140 is approved and held for 180 days, the priority date is locked, and the applicant can extend an H-1B infinitely with any employer. To bridge a gap between roles, filing for a B-1 visa with an explicit intent of job hunting is a suggested strategy, rather than switching to an F-1 unless it represents a logical career progression.