OPT Care Assistant Jobs

Care Assistant jobs are actively hiring OPT students with backgrounds in nursing, public health, social work, and related fields. Most roles qualify under the STEM-adjacent health sciences category, and some employers have experience filing H-1B visa petitions for strong candidates after OPT ends.

Find OPT Care Assistant Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs157+
Work Type99% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsCarbon Health

Showing 5 of 157+ Care Assistant jobs

Assistant Patient Care Manager
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New 5h ago
Assistant Patient Care Manager
Moffitt Cancer Center
Land O' Lakes, Florida
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Acute Care Physical Therapist Assistant
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Added 1d ago
Acute Care Physical Therapist Assistant
BayCare Health System
Plant City, Florida
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Nurse Practitioner - Physician Assistant - Urgent Care
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Added 2d ago
Nurse Practitioner - Physician Assistant - Urgent Care
Ochsner Health
Kenner, Louisiana
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
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Added 2d ago
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Indiana University Health
Avon, Indiana
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Caregiving & Elderly Support
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Faculty - Assistant Professor
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Added 2d ago
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Faculty - Assistant Professor
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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See all 157+ OPT Care Assistant Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Care Assistant

Target healthcare networks over solo practices

Large hospital systems, assisted living chains, and nonprofit care organizations are far more likely to have HR infrastructure for OPT work authorization. Smaller private practices often lack experience navigating employment eligibility requirements for international students.

Clarify your OPT timeline upfront

Let hiring managers know exactly how long your OPT authorization runs and whether you qualify for a STEM extension. A clear timeline helps employers plan staffing and assess whether sponsoring you after OPT makes practical sense for their organization.

Emphasize credentials that transfer directly

CPR certification, patient care technician training, and any clinical hours from your degree program are concrete qualifications that make you immediately useful. Hiring managers in care settings prioritize hands-on readiness, so lead with certifications before discussing visa status.

Ask about H-1B sponsorship history before accepting offers

Before signing anything, ask whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visa or green card petitions for previous employees. Employers who have done it before understand the process and are significantly more likely to support you when your OPT authorization period ends.

Look for roles tied to a specific degree field

OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. A care assistant role at a memory care facility connects clearly to a gerontology or nursing degree. Document that connection in writing in case your DSO or USCIS asks for clarification.

Build references from clinical or practicum placements

Supervisors from internships, clinical rotations, or practicum placements carry significant weight in care hiring. A strong reference from a licensed practitioner signals both professional competence and that you've already cleared basic background and credentialing checkpoints employers care about.

Care Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Care Assistant on OPT?

Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A care assistant position connects clearly to degrees in nursing, public health, gerontology, social work, or health sciences. You'll need to document that connection for your DSO and keep it on file in case USCIS requests evidence of OPT compliance.

Do Care Assistant employers typically sponsor work visas after OPT?

Some do, particularly large healthcare networks, senior living companies, and nonprofit care organizations that hire internationally trained staff regularly. Smaller private employers are less consistent. The best approach is to filter for employers with a documented H-1B filing history before applying. Migrate Mate makes it easy to find Care Assistant roles at employers with active sponsorship records.

Does a Care Assistant job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Biomedical Science, or a qualifying Nursing program, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.

What documents do I need to start a Care Assistant job on OPT?

You'll need your EAD card, a valid passport, your I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your Social Security Number. Some care employers also require background checks, CPR certification verification, and state-specific health screenings before your first day. Confirm the full onboarding requirements with HR before your start date so there are no delays.

How do I find Care Assistant jobs that are open to OPT candidates?

Search on Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness. Care assistant roles listed there are sourced with international candidates in mind, which means fewer awkward conversations about work authorization at the interview stage.