Visa Categories

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 before you start any position. If you have questions about regulations regarding 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 a temporary work authorization for F-1 students that allows the student to participate in an off-campus curriculum-approved internship with a U.S.-based employer during their degree 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. It can be for zero credits or for credit, but a student 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.  

Eligibility

Not all programs have courses eligible for CPT. Contact ois@jefferson.edu to confirm whether your course requires CPT authorization.

The internship:

• Is required of all students in that program of study OR
• Is required for a particular course OR
• Requires access to research data only available by working off-campus (ex. thesis/dissertation requirement)

The student:  

• Is in good academic standing and valid F-1 status.
• Is enrolled full-time during required terms.
• Is registered for a CPT qualifying course, whether credit or non-credit, offered in the Jefferson course catalog and will appear on the official transcript.
• Must obtain supporting documentation, including:
  • a letter from the employer on letterhead that states
    • Job title
    • Start and end date of employment
    • Number of hours per week
    • Physical address of employment
    • Description of duties describing tasks, goals, etc.
  • (if thesis student) a letter from the program director confirming that research must take place off-campus to complete your dissertation or thesis.
• Must obtain approval from the academic advisor/director to confirm that the internship is an integral part of the curriculum.
• Must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year unless in a graduate program that requires immediate participation from all students.
• Must be physically present for on-campus courses during the last term.

Duration and Hours of Employment

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.

During required terms, students must enroll full-time and may work part-time (20 hours or less per week).

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.

Process

1. Meet with your advisor/program director regarding the requirements for an internship and if you are eligible for a CPT-eligible course.
2. Meet with OIS for advising regarding CPT requirements and/or attend a CPT information session.
3. Obtain an internship that meets the course requirements for at least one term.
4. Register for a CPT qualifying course.
5. Request CPT Authorization in the International Services Portal. You must indicate an approver (your advisor or program director) and upload a letter with the required information from the employer.
6. Once your advisor or program director approves, OIS will process your CPT within 2 weeks.
7. You may start your internship on the approved date of your CPT-authorized I-20.
8. If you have a paid internship and do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you may request an SSN support letter from our office through the International Services Portal to get one at the Social Security Administration Office.

OPT Application Process

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student’s major 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 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 the Office of International Services 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 or, for JCLS thesis students, your degree conferral 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. The Office of International Services 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 OIS 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 OIS 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

1. 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
2. Your employer is an E-Verify employer
3. 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 Services Portal for OIS to process your STEM OPT Requested I-20. This I-20 will be part of your application to USCIS.

1. 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
2. Your employer is an E-Verify employer
3. You must be working in a paid position for at least 20 hours a week. Volunteer positions and self-employment are NOT permitted

Working While Application is Pending

• Keep your I-797C Receipt Notice documents for your records, and in case you want to use the case number to track the status of your application on the USCIS website.
• 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.
• Once you obtain your EAD card, submit “Request STEM OPT Approved I-20” in the International Services Portal.