Overview
This article outlines the steps for a P/DSO to request a Cap Gap Extension via the SEVIS batch for a student currently in Optional Practical Training (OPT), either 12 months or STEM.
There is no associated questionnaire, question item, or required process element for this request.
You may wish to create an internal questionnaire or material submission to capture proof of receipt and to verify that the OPT end date requires the Cap Gap extension.
Step 1: Record Creation
Student-Initiated
You may allow students to initiate a Cap Gap Extension Request request online.
You can create a button or link that can be placed on a Terra Dotta page, an external webpage, or an email with a link that a student can click to be redirected to Terra Dotta to create a Cap Gap Extension Request record.
Staff Initiated
Admins may initiate a record on the behalf of a student by going to Records > New Record, locating the student and clicking Add/Yes, selecting Cap Gap Extension Request in the dropdown menu, and clicking Create.
Step 2: Create New SEVIS Update Record
See the KB SEVIS Admin: Creating a SEVIS Update Record for detailed instructions about this step.
Under the Actions drop-down menu, select Cap Gap Extension Request.
- Canceled
- Filed
- Withdrawn
After the Cap Gap Extension Request action has been added and verified, you can select whether or not you would like to request an I-20 be returned with this SEVIS batch. To request a form I-20, locate the Return Form dropdown menu and select the Cap Gap Extension Request from the list (this action should be the only action to choose from on this list).
The SEVIS Admin allows Admins to add internal comments about a SEVIS record update that is saved and only viewable by other staff with DSO privileges. Adding internal comments is not a required step. After you have entered any optional internal comments, click Update to add this action to the Pending Updates display in the SEVIS Admin.
For next steps, see SEVIS Admin: Assigning a SEVIS Update to a Batch.