USCIS Extends Grace Period for F-1 and J-1 Students

On July 23, 2004, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Federal Register its solution to the so-called "Cap Gap" that resulted from the fiscal year (FY) 2004 depletion of the 65,000 annual H-1B visa availability.  The Federal Register announcement makes it possible for certain foreign nationals to change status from that of F-1 or J-1 student to that of H-1B employee while remaining in the U.S. in lawful status, without the need to leave the United States.