OPT Bus Driver Jobs

Bus Driver jobs on OPT are available through public transit agencies, school districts, and private operators. Most roles require a Commercial Driver's License, which takes time to obtain, so starting that process early is critical for OPT students managing authorization timelines.

Find OPT Bus Driver Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs17+
Work Type94% On-site
Top LocationManhattan, NY
Most JobsF. M. Kuzmeskus

Showing 5 of 17+ Bus Driver jobs

University of Kentucky
Philanthropy Reporting & Bus Analyst
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University of Kentucky
Added 1d ago
Philanthropy Reporting & Bus Analyst
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Business Analysis
Business Analyst
$45k - $71k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Vulcan Materials Company
Bus Perf Advisor/Analyst
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Vulcan Materials Company
Added 3d ago
Bus Perf Advisor/Analyst
Vulcan Materials Company
Jacksonville, Florida
Business Analysis
Project & Program Management
Consulting & Professional Services
Business Analyst
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Ameriprise Financial
Bus Systems Analyst-Tech
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Ameriprise Financial
Added 3d ago
Bus Systems Analyst-Tech
Ameriprise Financial
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Business Analysis
Project & Program Management
Business Analyst
Project Management
$75k - $98k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Supv Bus Maintenance
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Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Added 1w ago
Supv Bus Maintenance
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Atlanta, Georgia
Maintenance & Repair
Quality Control
Business Operations
$52k - $77k/yr
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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UC Health
DHS Bus Relationship Manager
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UC Health
Added 1w ago
DHS Bus Relationship Manager
UC Health
Kentucky
Business Operations
Project & Program Management
Human Resources
Compliance & Legal
Project Management
Compliance & Risk
Account Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Bus Driver

Start your CDL before your OPT begins

A Commercial Driver's License is required for nearly all bus driver positions. Begin CDL training and testing while still in school so you're job-ready on day one of your OPT period, not weeks into it.

Target public transit agencies first

Municipal and regional transit authorities like city bus systems frequently hire on OPT because they're familiar with federal work authorization. They often have structured onboarding that accommodates documentation requirements more smoothly than private operators.

Confirm your OPT EAD covers your start date

Bus driver hiring often moves quickly once you pass background and road tests. Verify your Employment Authorization Document is valid before your first day, since driving routes without active authorization creates serious immigration compliance risks.

Disclose your work authorization early in the process

Background checks and CDL verification already make bus driver hiring thorough. Raising your OPT status early avoids late-stage delays and shows professionalism. Most transit employers appreciate transparency over last-minute documentation surprises during onboarding.

Check whether your degree field supports this role for STEM OPT

STEM OPT extension requires a direct connection between your degree and your job. Transportation management, logistics, or engineering degrees may support a STEM extension argument for certain bus operations or fleet management roles.

Track your OPT end date against probationary periods

Many transit agencies have 90-day probationary periods before confirming permanent placement. Make sure your OPT authorization extends well past that window, or begin H-1B visa or other visa discussions with your employer before probation ends.

Bus Driver OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a bus driver on F-1 OPT?

Yes, F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in positions related to your field of study. Bus driver roles can qualify depending on your degree, particularly for students with backgrounds in transportation, logistics, or related fields. Your Employment Authorization Document must be valid before you begin driving any route.

Do bus driver employers typically sponsor OPT students?

Public transit agencies are generally more accommodating of OPT work authorization than private employers because they operate under structured HR processes familiar with federal documentation requirements. School districts and regional transit authorities are good targets. Browse open positions on Migrate Mate to find employers actively open to OPT candidates in transportation roles.

Does a bus driver role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree. A standard bus driver position alone is unlikely to qualify, but roles with a logistics, transportation engineering, or fleet operations component may support a STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field. Your DSO and employer must both agree the job is directly related to your program of study.

Can I get a CDL while on F-1 status before OPT starts?

Yes, obtaining a Commercial Driver's License while on F-1 status is legal because holding a license is not the same as working. You can complete CDL training and pass the licensing exam before your OPT period begins, so you're fully qualified to start driving the moment your Employment Authorization Document becomes valid.

What happens to my bus driver job if my OPT expires before I get an H-1B?

You must stop working the day your OPT authorization expires. If your H-1B wasn't selected in the lottery or your petition is still pending, you'll lose work authorization. Some transit employers will hold positions for cap-gap periods if an H-1B petition was filed on time. Discuss this scenario with your employer well before your OPT end date.