A&P Mechanic Jobs for OPT Students

A&P Mechanic jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT if your degree is in aviation maintenance technology or a related engineering field, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.

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Overview

Open Jobs52+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Salary Range$17K – $21K
Top LocationMesa, AZ
Most JobsPHI Air Medical

Showing 5 of 52+ A&P Mechanic jobs

PHI Air Medical
Senior A&P Mechanic
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PHI Air Medical
Added 2d ago
Senior A&P Mechanic
PHI Air Medical
Phoenix, Arizona
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Aerospace Engineering
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
High School

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PHI Aviation, LLC
Senior A&P Mechanic
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PHI Aviation, LLC
Added 1w ago
Senior A&P Mechanic
PHI Aviation, LLC
Houma, Louisiana
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
On-Site
High School

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630 Aerospace, inc.
A/P Mechanic
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630 Aerospace, inc.
Added 1w ago
A/P Mechanic
630 Aerospace, inc.
Miami Lakes, Florida
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
$25/hr - $30/hr
On-Site
None

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SEGULA Technologies
A&P Mechanic
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SEGULA Technologies
Added 2w ago
A&P Mechanic
SEGULA Technologies
Tucson, Arizona
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
On-Site
4+ yrs exp.
None

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Air Wisconsin Airlines
A/P Mechanic
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Air Wisconsin Airlines
Added 1mo ago
A/P Mechanic
Air Wisconsin Airlines
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
Skilled Trades
On-Site
High School

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an A&P Mechanic

Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT

Not every aviation program is on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying. Degrees in aviation maintenance technology or aerospace engineering typically qualify, but confirm before counting on the 24-month extension.

Target MRO facilities and major airlines first

Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities and major carriers have established HR processes for work authorization. Smaller FBOs may be unfamiliar with OPT. Focusing on larger employers early saves time and avoids lengthy back-and-forth about what OPT authorization actually requires from them.

Lead with your FAA certificate, not your visa status

Hiring managers care most about your A&P certificate and hands-on experience. Address OPT authorization clearly but briefly in your cover letter. Letting your qualifications lead the conversation shifts the focus to your technical value rather than your immigration situation.

Apply before your OPT start date, not after

Many A&P roles require immediate availability for safety-critical positions. Start your job search at least 90 days before your program end date. Filing your OPT application early gives you the most runway and signals to employers that you're planning ahead professionally.

Highlight experience with specific aircraft types

Employers hiring A&P mechanics want specificity. List airframe types, engine models, and avionics systems you've worked on. Experience with Boeing 737s, Pratt and Whitney engines, or Part 145 repair station environments stands out and reduces the hesitation some employers feel about OPT hires.

Ask your DSO about the cap-gap rule if your OPT expires

If an employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection may extend your work authorization through September 30. Understand this timeline early so you and your employer can plan accordingly and avoid any gap in lawful employment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can F-1 OPT students legally work as A&P Mechanics in the United States?

Yes. F-1 students who have completed an aviation maintenance or related program can work as A&P Mechanics on OPT, provided the role is directly related to their field of study. Your EAD card is your work authorization document. If your degree is STEM-designated, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months.

Does A&P Mechanic work qualify for STEM OPT?

It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree program has a STEM-designated CIP code, such as aviation maintenance technology or aerospace engineering, and the A&P Mechanic role uses skills from that program, STEM OPT is likely available. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.

Do employers need to do anything special to hire an OPT student as an A&P Mechanic?

For standard OPT, employers do not need to file any petition or pay any government fees. You provide your EAD card and they verify it through I-9 completion. For STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan. Many MRO facilities and airlines already use E-Verify, making the process straightforward.

Where can I find A&P Mechanic jobs that are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate is specifically built for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you find A&P Mechanic roles at employers who are already open to hiring international students, so you're not wasting time applying to positions that will disqualify you at the offer stage.

Can I work for an FBO or small aviation repair shop on OPT, or do I need a large employer?

OPT itself has no employer size requirement, so working at a small FBO or Part 145 repair station is legally permissible. The practical challenge is that smaller shops may be unfamiliar with OPT requirements or may not be enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT. Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer if you plan to use the STEM extension.

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