Cap-gap explained: what happens if OPT expires before October 1

If you have a timely-filed, cap-subject H-1B petition requesting a change of status, and your OPT is still valid when it is filed, cap-gap can automatically extend your F-1 status and, in many cases, work authorization through September 30, bridging you to the October 1 H-1B start. If your OPT already expired when the petition was filed, you may get a status extension but not work authorization. Timing is everything. Did cap-gap cover you this year?