Office of International Student Programs - East Falls

On-campus jobs are limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. Locations approved for on-campus jobs are: 

• University positions on Center City and East Falls campuses
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital 
• Methodist Hospital
• Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience 
• Abington Hospital
• Wills Eye (if employment is for Jefferson faculty) 
• Jefferson Einstein Hospital
• Jefferson Einstein Montgomery Hospital
• Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Hospital
• Willowcrest

Log in to the International Services Portal to report your on-campus job. If you have questions regarding regulations related to on-campus jobs, contact your International Student Advisor.

If you’re looking for a flexible schedule or to work for only a few hours, contact:

JeffTemps
1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-TEMP (8367)

You can also speak with your department or contact:

Human Resources
1101 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-503-HRSC (4772)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment that is an “integral part of an established curriculum, including alternate work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school.” Source: 8 CFR 214.29f(10)9i)

At Jefferson-East Falls, the CPT option available to students is an Internship for Credit – students MUST be registered for an internship for credit in order to work off-campus. The internship for credit program is managed by the Career Services Center in coordination with each academic program.

Types of CPT

There are two types of CPT:

1. Required as part of the degree program- The academic program mandates practical work to graduate. Students must be registered for the term to receive CPT authorization.
2. Non-required elective- Practical work experience is for credit and directly related to the field of study. The student must be registered for the term in which the internship will take place.  

Process to Apply for CPT

1. In order to be authorized for off-campus employment (Internship), students must be in full-time student status for one full academic year (defined as two semesters, either fall and spring or spring and fall) prior to working.
2. You must also make sure to meet any programmatic and academic requirements – please check with Career Services and your academic advisor.
3. CPT authorization is granted on a term-to-term basis only. If you must continue your employment beyond the term you’ve been authorized, complete the request process again, including registering for the appropriate course for the next term so you do not have gaps in employment, and get approval from the advisor/director.
4. During required terms, students must enroll full-time and may work part-time (20 hours or less per week). Graduate students may request permission to work beyond 20 hours a week as approved by program director, Career Services, and Office of International Student Programs.
5. During non-required terms, students may work full-time, 20+ hours per week.

Effect of CPT on Optional Practical Training

• Part-time CPT does not impact OPT eligibility.
• Full-time CPT that equals or exceeds one full year (365 days or more) will result in losing the ability to request OPT.

International Students can view standards for what constitutes an internship here.

International Students can view for-credit options available to Jefferson–East Falls students, full eligibility requirements, and step-by-step registration procedures and deadlines here.

Please stay alert to information from the International Student Programs office and Career Services Center regarding CPT/Internship for Credit Informational Sessions offered each semester for detailed instruction and best practices in searching for and securing internships.

OPT Application Process

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student’s Major or Area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. 

When to Apply

You do not need an employment offer to apply for OPT. 

The average time for USCIS to process EAD cards is posted and updated on the USCIS website. This should be taken into consideration in addition to the timeline below.

1. Pre-completion OPT: Students are limited to working 20 hours or less while school is in session and are permitted to work full-time during breaks. You may apply 90 days before the end of your first academic year. Speak to your DSO to see if this option suits you.  
2. Post-completion OPT: Most Jefferson students choose this option. You may submit your OPT application to USCIS as early as 90 days before and as late as 60 days after your program end date. This should not be confused with your graduation date. USCIS clearly distinguishes the end of your degree requirements and your graduation day.

Choosing Employment Dates

Choose your start date carefully. OIS cannot make any changes to your chosen start date after you have submitted your application to USCIS.

1. Pre-completion OPT: Your start date must begin after you complete one full academic year. You must also choose an end date before your program ends.
2. Post-completion OPT: Your start date for employment can begin any time within 60 days after your program completion/degree conferral date. For example, if you complete your program on May 20, you may choose to begin employment any time between May 21 and July 20.  

Remember: You can begin working once you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and are starting on or after the start date on your card.

Process to Apply for OPT

1. Submit the required documents for I-20 processing through the International Services Portal. Once your DSO processes your I-20 with the OPT requested, you can then complete your OPT application to USCIS.  
2. Attend an OPT Information Session or book an appointment with your DSO should you have any questions regarding the OPT application process.
3. Submit your application to USCIS: Apply online. Do not submit your application to USCIS until you upload your OPT Requested I-20 and all other required documents. 

Traveling Abroad During OPT

International travel can be risky and is not generally recommended for individuals on F-1 status who have completed their program of study and are pending OPT. Instead, international travel is recommended after OPT is approved and a valid EAD card is received. Refer to our International Travel Guidance page for more information.

OPT Extensions for STEM Majors (STEM OPT)

STEM extension is for 24 months, for a total OPT/STEM period of 36 months.  Applications can be submitted to USCIS starting 90 days before the end date of your current OPT period.

General Eligibility Requirements

1. You are currently engaged in an active period of Post-Completion OPT. 
2. You have a qualifying degree.

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code indicates whether a major is STEM-designated, and it is found next to the major's name on an I-20.

In order for your degree to be eligible for STEM OPT:

The CIP code on your Jefferson I-20 must be listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Note: The program decides the CIP code for your major, and it is on record with the Registrar's Office. 

OR

• You have a prior qualifying STEM degree with the following criteria: 
  • The degree was obtained within 10 years of applying for the STEM OPT extension.
  • It is from an accredited U.S. educational institution. 
  • It is at a Bachelor's degree or higher.
  • It is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. 
• Your employer is an E-Verify employer.
• You must be working in a paid position for at least 20 hours a week. Volunteer positions and self-employment are NOT possible. 

Process to Apply for STEM OPT Extension

1. Submit the required documents through the International Service Portal for OIA to process your STEM OPT Requested I-20. This I-20 will be part of your application to USCIS. 
2. Attend an information session on STEM OPT or book an appointment with an International Student Advisor to answer any questions.
3. Once you receive your STEM OPT Requested I-20, apply online on the USCIS website (insert links). Do not submit your application to USCIS until you have uploaded your STEM OPT Requested I-20 and all of the other required documents for the application.   

Working While Application is Pending

1. If USCIS received your STEM OPT Extension application before the end date on your Post-completion OPT EAD card, your work authorization and F-1 status are automatically extended for up to 180 days. The 180 days count from the end date of your initial 12-month OPT. 
2. Your I-797C Receipt Notice documents.
3. Your pending STEM OPT Extension application.