USCIS announced on May 3, 2017 that it has completed data entry of all fiscal year 2018 H-1B cap-subject petitions selected in the computer-generated random process. USCIS will now begin returning all H-1B cap-subject petitions that were not selected. Due to the high volume of filings, USCIS is unable to provide a definite time frame for returning these petitions. USCIS asks petitioners not to inquire about the status of submitted cap-subject petitions until they receive a receipt notice or an unselected petition is returned. In the interim, students with neither a receipt nor a rejection notice may continue to benefit from an automatic cap-gap extension until a rejection notice is received
In the event of rejection – and receipt of notice, a student has a “60-days grace period” starting from the date of the rejection notice or program end date, whichever is later to prepare for departure from the U.S.
For additional information, please see:
1.Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status
2. Questions and Answers: Extension of Optional Practical Training Program for Qualified Students