F-1 to H-1B: What International Students Must Do Before October 1

Getting selected in the H-1B cap lottery is only the first step. F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status face a critical window where one misstep — traveling abroad, missing an OPT unemployment deadline, or failing to update your DSO — can derail your entire case. Our F-1 to H-1B transition checklist walks you through cap-gap protection, STEM OPT evaluations, Form I-20 updates, and what to watch before your October 1 start date.