OPT Custodial Worker Jobs
Custodial Worker jobs are available to F-1 OPT students, but authorization depends on whether the role qualifies under your degree field for STEM or standard OPT. Most positions fall outside STEM extension eligibility, so your 12-month OPT clock applies. Employers in facilities management, healthcare, and education regularly hire with work authorization.
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Job Title: Custodial Worker
Department: Administration and Planning | FOD Operations Academic District Zone 1A and 1B Custodial
Detailed Job Description:
Performs housekeeping duties; sweeps, scrubs, mops, waxes, and polishes floors by hand or use of power equipment; removes debris; cleans classrooms, offices, and restrooms; cleans walks and entrances; cleans swimming pools and showers; climbs ladders and scaffolding; maintains equipment and supplies; restocks restrooms; moves furniture; shovels snow; works primarily second shift (Sunday-Thursday between 6:00pm-2:30am), but is subject to changes in shift, hours, days, and/or location as operations dictate; may work overtime; In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position. Will require successful completion of a criminal background check.
Qualifications
Ability to count, and to read warning signs. May work various shifts; may be exposed to high and low temperature; may be exposed to weather; may handle hazardous materials; constantly stands, walks, and grips; frequently kneels, stoops, crouches, squats, and reaches; frequently pushes, pulls, lifts and carries up to 50 pounds.
Additional Information:
The target hiring range for this job profile is $15.30-$19.13 per hour. The actual salary paid to an individual will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, internal equity, etc.
Location: Maintenance Building (0078)
Position Type: Regular
Scheduled Hours: 40
Shift: Second Shift
Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.
Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions.
The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Custodial Worker
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large facilities management companies, hospital networks, and university campuses regularly hire workers on OPT. These organizations have HR teams familiar with work authorization and are less likely to reject your application over EAD paperwork questions.
Apply before your OPT start date is imminent
Many custodial employers need workers quickly and may hesitate if your EAD hasn't arrived yet. Start applying at least six to eight weeks before your intended start date to give yourself a realistic hiring window without deadline pressure.
Be upfront about your EAD and authorization period
Custodial roles often involve direct HR screening. Bring your EAD to interviews and explain your authorization period clearly. Employers hiring on short timelines appreciate candidates who arrive prepared with documentation and straightforward answers about work eligibility.
Connect your degree field to facilities or environmental services
If your degree relates to environmental science, public health, or hospitality management, frame your application around that connection. Demonstrating academic relevance strengthens your OPT eligibility narrative and can make employers more confident in your authorization status.
Understand that most custodial roles don't qualify for STEM OPT extension
Standard custodial positions are not classified under STEM-designated fields, so plan around a 12-month OPT period. If you want more time in the U.S., research concurrent H-1B visa sponsorship pathways with larger employers before your OPT window closes.
Use Migrate Mate to find custodial employers open to OPT
Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility, saving you time screening employers manually. Browse custodial and facilities management roles listed specifically for students and graduates working on OPT authorization.
Custodial Worker OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as custodial workers?
Yes, F-1 students on post-completion OPT can work as custodial workers, provided the role is related to their field of study. USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly tied to your degree. If your degree is in environmental services, hospitality, or facility management, a custodial role can qualify. Students should document how the position connects to their academic program.
Do custodial worker jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Custodial and janitorial roles are not classified under STEM-designated fields by the Department of Homeland Security. This means you cannot use a custodial position to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your standard OPT authorization period of 12 months applies. If you hold a STEM degree and want the extension, you'll need a role in a qualifying STEM field.
What documents do I need when applying for custodial jobs on OPT?
You'll need your EAD card, a valid passport, your F-1 visa, and your most recent I-20 with your DSO's OPT authorization signature. Some employers may also request your SEVIS ID. Bring copies of all documents to interviews. Having everything organized in advance reassures employers and speeds up onboarding paperwork, which custodial operations teams often need to process quickly.
Will custodial employers understand OPT work authorization?
It varies by employer size. Large hospitals, universities, and national facilities management companies generally have HR departments experienced with OPT and EAD documentation. Smaller cleaning companies or independent contractors may be less familiar. On Migrate Mate, you can filter for employers who have hired OPT students before, which removes much of this uncertainty from your job search.
What happens to my OPT status if I lose a custodial job?
You have a 90-day cumulative unemployment allowance during your OPT period. If you lose your custodial position, report the change to your DSO within 10 days and begin searching for a new qualifying role immediately. Extended gaps beyond 90 total days can jeopardize your OPT status. Document your job search activity and stay in regular contact with your international student office throughout the transition.