Yes, you must stop working upon the expiration of the EAD or the OPT if an H1B cap case petition was not filed requesting a change of status prior to the expiration of the completion of the school program or end of OPT indicated on EAD card. If a petition for a change of status is timely filed for an October 1st start date (i.e. filed before the OPT period ends), then one may continue working between the expiration of the employment authorization and start of the H1B status (October 1st). If the petition is denied then one will no longer be eligible to remain and work in the U.S. pursuant to cap gap. Note: You will not receive a new I-20 or be able to renew your EAD card. You should, however, keep the DSO at the school updated as to the status of the cap case and provide with copies of receipts and approval notices so that the SEVIS records can be properly maintained. Also note, if your H1B petition requesting a change of status is filed within the 60 day grace period that follows the conclusion of OPT employment or the F-1 academic program, you may legally remain in the U.S. until the start of the H1B but will not have employment authorization. If the H1B is denied then you will have to depart the U.S. If you are unable to file the H1B cap case and request a change of status petition prior to the conclusion of your F-1 status or 60 day grace period, you should try to maintain status by enrolling in another program or changing to another non-immigrant category, such as H-4, in order to remain in the U.S. In these circumstances you should depart the U.S. prior to the expiration of your status and be prepared for consular processing. Upon approval, the U.S. consulate abroad will be notified where you may apply for an H1B visa. If your petition and change-of-status request are approved (from F-1 to H1B), then the approval notice will have an I-94 card attached at the bottom.