OPT Chief Executive Officer Jobs

Chief Executive Officer roles on OPT are rare but not impossible. Most F-1 students pursuing CEO positions work at early-stage startups where the role is clearly defined, the employer is a registered U.S. entity, and the position qualifies as a legitimate specialty occupation tied to a relevant degree field.

See All OPT Chief Executive Officer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs10+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Median Salary$93K
Top LocationCharlottesville, VA
Most JobsQuorum Services

Showing 5 of 10+ Chief Executive Officer jobs

Quorum Services
CEO In Training
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Quorum Services
New 17h ago
CEO In Training
Quorum Services
Boise, Idaho
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Human Resources
Business Operations
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Tuskegee University
Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer
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Tuskegee University
Added 1w ago
Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, Alabama
Administrative & Office Support
Human Resources
Office Management
Executive Assistant & Personal Assistant
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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University of Virginia
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (EVP-COO) Fellow
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University of Virginia
Added 3w ago
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (EVP-COO) Fellow
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Project & Program Management
Administrative & Office Support
Human Resources
$22/hr - $27/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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MultiCare Health System
Chief Medical Officer
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MultiCare Health System
Added 1mo ago
Chief Medical Officer
MultiCare Health System
Olympia, Washington
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Healthcare Administration
Medical Specialists
$373,772/yr - $456,179/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
10,000+

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M&s
Chief of Staff Team Support – Finance Business Management - Associate
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M&s
Added 1mo ago
Chief of Staff Team Support – Finance Business Management - Associate
M&s
New York, New York
Project & Program Management
Business Operations
Administrative & Office Support
Executive Assistant & Personal Assistant
Not listed
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Chief Executive Officer

Confirm the employer is a valid U.S. legal entity

OPT requires an employer-employee relationship with a legitimate U.S. organization. For CEO roles, especially at startups, verify the company is incorporated and can legally authorize your work before accepting any offer.

Ensure the role ties directly to your degree field

USCIS requires OPT work to be directly related to your major. A CEO role must connect clearly to your degree, such as technology management for computer science graduates or business strategy for MBA holders.

Get the role documented with a formal offer letter

CEO roles at early-stage companies sometimes lack paperwork. Insist on a formal offer letter stating your title, duties, hours, and start date. Your DSO needs this to report your employment in SEVP.

Report your employment to your DSO immediately

You must report any new job, including a CEO position, to your Designated School Official within 10 days of starting. Failing to update your SEVP record can jeopardize your OPT status and future H-1B visa eligibility.

Understand how self-employment intersects with OPT

If you are a co-founder and CEO, you may qualify under OPT self-employment rules if your company is a real, established U.S. entity. Work closely with your DSO to confirm your situation meets USCIS guidelines.

Begin your H-1B or O-1 visa strategy early

OPT lasts 12 months, or 36 for STEM extensions. CEO roles at VC-backed startups often support O-1A petitions based on leadership and recognition. Start planning your visa transition well before your OPT expires.

Chief Executive Officer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can an F-1 OPT student legally work as a Chief Executive Officer in the U.S.?

Yes, as long as the employer is a legitimate U.S. legal entity and the CEO role relates directly to your degree field. OPT authorizes full-time employment in positions consistent with your major, so a technology or business degree can support a CEO title at a qualifying company. Your DSO must report the employment in SEVP.

Can I work as a CEO at my own startup on OPT?

You can, but the company must be a real, legally incorporated U.S. entity and the work must relate to your degree. Self-employment on OPT is permitted under USCIS guidelines when these conditions are met. Consult your DSO before proceeding, as documentation requirements are stricter than for traditional employment arrangements.

What visa options are available after OPT expires for a Chief Executive Officer?

The O-1A visa is the most realistic path for CEO-level candidates, as it recognizes extraordinary ability through leadership roles, press coverage, high compensation, or significant organizational contributions. The H-1B lottery remains an option if your company qualifies as a cap-subject employer. Begin evaluating both pathways at least 12 months before your OPT end date.

How do I find Chief Executive Officer roles that are open to OPT candidates?

Most CEO roles open to OPT students are at early-stage startups where founders are building their leadership team. Migrate Mate lists OPT-friendly opportunities filtered specifically for F-1 students, making it easier to identify roles where employers understand work authorization requirements and are willing to support visa transitions.

Does a STEM OPT extension apply to CEO roles?

Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field and the CEO role is directly related to that field, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which most incorporated U.S. companies can complete before your extension filing deadline.