Office of International Student Programs - East Falls

On-campus jobs are limited to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during breaks.   Locations approved for on-campus jobs are university positions on the Center City and East Falls campuses, and sites that are educationally affiliated with Thomas Jefferson University. For more information and a full listing of sites that are approved for on-campus employment, please review the On-Campus Employment Request in the International Services Portal.

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)
 

• In order to approve CPT, the training (and employment associated with the training) must be “an integral part of an established curriculum” and “directly related to the student’s major area of study.”
• Students must have been enrolled on a full-time basis at an SEVP-approved college/university for one full academic year before being eligible for CPT. 
  • Exception exists for graduate students whose programs require immediate curricular training for all students in the program.
• CPT is only available while a student is in F-1 status, before completion of the degree.
• Please contact the International Student Programs office to discuss possible training/employment options that may qualify within your academic program requirements.

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.

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.