OPT Applications Developer Jobs
Applications Developer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, software engineering, or information systems. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months of work authorization.
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INTRODUCTION
The Business Applications Developer plays a vital role in supporting our software development team by combining their functional and technical expertise to improve our business processes and procedures. They will be an essential departmental resource for enhancing business process management and service delivery for both internal and external customers.
A Business Applications Developer key responsibilities include collaborating with a team of developers to design, develop, and maintain business applications to enhance the customer experience and internal systems. You will also be responsible for creating custom solutions for our clients using the Microsoft 365 Power platform. You will work closely with clients to understand their business needs, design solutions that meet those needs, and develop custom business applications that integrate with Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Furthermore, you will collaborate closely with student affairs IT staff to ensure that IT resources such as databases, web, and systems are available, secured, and appropriately managed.
This role is suitable for someone with 3-5 years of experience. An ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of web development principles, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a team environment.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in technology, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in software development
- Have an excellent understanding (or, be able to perform with minimal to no oversight or guidance) of business application development and implementation
- Have a strong understanding (or, be able to perform with little oversight or guidance, if needed) of Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, SharePoint, Microsoft Dataverse, and Microsoft Teams
- Have demonstrable knowledge (or, able to navigate systems with moderate oversight or guidance) of Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Dataverse
- Experience in developing business applications using the Microsoft Power platform and C# or Java
- Have a familiarity with (or, able to navigate systems with moderate to heavy oversight or guidance) Microsoft Power FX, HTML, CSS, XML, and JSON formatting
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to apply principles related to business intelligence and mobile/web development to the Student Affairs areas
- Experience with Agile development methodologies
- Have demonstrable knowledge (or, able to navigate systems with moderate oversight or guidance) in working with information technology resources for complex business organizations and solving challenging problems related to system security, data loss prevention, identity loss prevention, and network security
- Have a familiarity with (or, able to navigate systems with moderate to heavy oversight or guidance) a range of technologies, including MySQL, PHP, JavaScript, Python, Snowflake, and Liquid
- Experience in designing and implementing data models, custom reports, and data dashboards using Power BI, DAX, and Power Query
PAY BAND
5
OVERTIME STATUS
Exempt: Not eligible for overtime
APPOINTMENT TYPE
Regular
SALARY INFORMATION
66,000-75,000
HOURS PER WEEK
40
REVIEW DATE
08/10/2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Stacey Duncan at staceyd@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Applications Developer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Applications Developer roles typically qualify for STEM OPT extension, but only if your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles that extend beyond your initial 12-month period.
Apply to employers already filing H-1B petitions
Companies with a history of H-1B visa sponsorship are far more likely to support your transition after OPT. Search Department of Labor LCA disclosure data to identify employers who regularly sponsor software and applications development roles.
Start your job search at least 90 days before OPT ends
You can apply for your OPT EAD up to 90 days before your program end date. Starting early gives you time to secure an offer, complete onboarding paperwork, and avoid any gap between your graduation date and authorized employment start.
Highlight full-stack or cloud skills that match specialty occupation criteria
H-1B specialty occupation requires a direct link between your degree and job duties. Applications Developer roles with cloud architecture, API development, or enterprise software responsibilities are easier to document as qualifying positions when your employer eventually petitions for sponsorship.
Negotiate your STEM OPT training plan early
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan signed by a supervisor with a relevant background. Raise this requirement during the offer stage, not after starting. Employers unfamiliar with the process will need time to identify the right supervisor and complete Form I-983.
Prioritize mid-size employers over very large or very small ones
Startups under 25 employees often lack immigration infrastructure. Very large employers may have rigid timelines that do not align with OPT deadlines. Mid-size technology and enterprise software companies tend to have more flexibility and established sponsorship processes for developer roles.
Applications Developer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Applications Developer on F-1 OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, your EAD authorizes you to work for any employer in a role related to your degree field. You do not need employer sponsorship for the OPT period itself. Sponsorship only becomes necessary if you want to continue working in the U.S. after your OPT and STEM OPT extension periods expire.
Does an Applications Developer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Applications Developer positions qualify, provided your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, software engineering, or information technology. The job duties must also be directly related to your degree. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your specific CIP code before filing the STEM OPT extension application.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Applications Developer job ends?
You have a 60-day grace period after your OPT employment ends to find a new qualifying position, transfer to a different visa status, or leave the United States. During those 60 days, you are not authorized to work. Finding a new role quickly is critical. Migrate Mate lists Applications Developer roles at employers open to OPT candidates, which can help you move fast.
Does my Applications Developer job need to be full-time to count toward OPT?
No, but the rules differ by stage. During pre-completion OPT, part-time work up to 20 hours per week is permitted while school is in session. During post-completion OPT, you must work at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying role to remain in valid status. Contract, freelance, and part-time positions all count as long as the work relates to your degree.
Can I work as a contractor or freelancer as an Applications Developer on OPT?
Yes. USCIS permits self-employment and contract work during OPT as long as the work is related to your field of study and you are working at least 20 hours per week in post-completion OPT. You must be able to document the work relationship and demonstrate the role qualifies under your degree. Keep detailed records of contracts, deliverables, and hours worked.