Chief Executive Officer Jobs for OPT Students
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.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout HappyRobot
HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across voice, email, and enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z and Base10 with over $60M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide.
Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments - where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy. Learn more about our vision in our manifesto.
About the Role
We’re looking for a highly organized, proactive, and resourceful Executive Assistant to support our founders and keep our operations running smoothly. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with leadership in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
What You’ll Do
- Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel for the founders.
- Prioritize and handle incoming requests, ensuring the best use of their time.
- Prepare meeting agendas, take notes, and follow up on action items.
- Act as a key point of contact between the founders and internal/external stakeholders.
- Assist with special projects, research, and confidential tasks as needed.
Must have
- 5+ years of experience supporting C-Suite Executives
- Proven experience managing complex, high-volume calendars across multiple time zones
- Exceptionally organized & detail-oriented – you can juggle multiple priorities seamlessly.
- Strong communication skills – you anticipate needs and keep things running smoothly.
- Discretion & professionalism – you handle confidential matters with care.
- Proactive & resourceful – you find solutions before problems arise.
Why join us?
- Opportunity to work at a high-growth AI startup, backed by top investors.
- Rapidly growing and backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, and Base10.
- Ownership & Autonomy - Take full ownership of projects and ship fast.
- Top-Tier Compensation - Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup.
- Work With the Best - Join a world-class team of engineers and builders.
The personal data provided in your application and during the selection process will be processed by Happyrobot, Inc., acting as Data Controller.
By sending us your CV, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of evaluating and selecting you as a candidate for the position. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the recruitment process of the selected job offer.
In relation to the period of conservation of your personal data, these will be eliminated after three months of inactivity in compliance with the GDPR and legislation on the protection of personal data.
If you wish to exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability or opposition in relation to your personal data, you can do so through security@happyrobot.ai subject to the GDPR.
For more information, visit https://www.happyrobot.ai/privacy-policy
By submitting your request, you confirm that you have read and understood this clause and that you agree to the processing of your personal data as described.
About HappyRobot
HappyRobot is the infrastructure for enterprises to build and orchestrate AI workforces. Our AI workers don't just communicate - they make decisions, take action, and run operations autonomously across voice, email, and enterprise systems. Born in Y Combinator (S23) and backed by a16z and Base10 with over $60M raised, we power critical operations for global enterprises worldwide.
Our platform is battle-tested in the most demanding environments - where AI has real consequences. We started in logistics, built our own voice stack, models, and orchestration layer from the ground up, and are now bringing that infrastructure to every enterprise that runs the real economy. Learn more about our vision in our manifesto.
About the Role
We’re looking for a highly organized, proactive, and resourceful Executive Assistant to support our founders and keep our operations running smoothly. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with leadership in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
What You’ll Do
- Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel for the founders.
- Prioritize and handle incoming requests, ensuring the best use of their time.
- Prepare meeting agendas, take notes, and follow up on action items.
- Act as a key point of contact between the founders and internal/external stakeholders.
- Assist with special projects, research, and confidential tasks as needed.
Must have
- 5+ years of experience supporting C-Suite Executives
- Proven experience managing complex, high-volume calendars across multiple time zones
- Exceptionally organized & detail-oriented – you can juggle multiple priorities seamlessly.
- Strong communication skills – you anticipate needs and keep things running smoothly.
- Discretion & professionalism – you handle confidential matters with care.
- Proactive & resourceful – you find solutions before problems arise.
Why join us?
- Opportunity to work at a high-growth AI startup, backed by top investors.
- Rapidly growing and backed by top investors including a16z, Y Combinator, and Base10.
- Ownership & Autonomy - Take full ownership of projects and ship fast.
- Top-Tier Compensation - Competitive salary + equity in a high-growth startup.
- Work With the Best - Join a world-class team of engineers and builders.
The personal data provided in your application and during the selection process will be processed by Happyrobot, Inc., acting as Data Controller.
By sending us your CV, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of evaluating and selecting you as a candidate for the position. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and will only be used for the recruitment process of the selected job offer.
In relation to the period of conservation of your personal data, these will be eliminated after three months of inactivity in compliance with the GDPR and legislation on the protection of personal data.
If you wish to exercise your rights of access, rectification, deletion, portability or opposition in relation to your personal data, you can do so through security@happyrobot.ai subject to the GDPR.
For more information, visit https://www.happyrobot.ai/privacy-policy
By submitting your request, you confirm that you have read and understood this clause and that you agree to the processing of your personal data as described.
How to Get Visa 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.
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.
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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