OPT Data Specialist Jobs

Data Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in data science, statistics, information systems, or computer science. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, meaning you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months.

Find OPT Data Specialist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs484+
Work Type72% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsAmazon.com

Showing 5 of 484+ Data Specialist jobs

Genentech
Data Strategy & Analytics Specialist
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Genentech
New 7h ago
Data Strategy & Analytics Specialist
Genentech
Boston, Massachusetts
Data Science & Analytics
Healthcare Administration
Data Science
Data Analytics
$89k - $166k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Brigham Young University
Data Science Outreach Specialist
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Brigham Young University
Added 1d ago
Data Science Outreach Specialist
Brigham Young University
Provo, Utah
Customer Success
Content & Communications
Project & Program Management
Data Science & Analytics
Communications
Data Science
$28 - $37/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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California ISO
Energy Data Acquisition Specialist
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California ISO
Added 1d ago
Energy Data Acquisition Specialist
California ISO
Folsom, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Engineering (Non-Software)
$41 - $57/hr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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Amazon.com
Data Center Security Specialist
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Amazon.com
Added 1d ago
Data Center Security Specialist
Amazon.com
Boardman, Oregon
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Project & Program Management
Compliance & Legal
Security & Protective Services
Compliance & Risk
$28 - $50/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Stony Brook University Medical Center
Oncology Data Specialist
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Stony Brook University Medical Center
Added 1d ago
Oncology Data Specialist
Stony Brook University Medical Center
Stony Brook, New York
Healthcare Administration
Medical Coding & Billing
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$66k - $80k/yr
On-Site
Associate's
5,001-10,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Specialist

Confirm STEM OPT eligibility before you apply

Data Specialist roles typically fall under CIP codes for computer science, information systems, or statistics. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since STEM OPT eligibility depends on your specific program, not just your job title.

Lead with your technical stack in applications

Employers scanning OPT candidates want to see SQL, Python, Excel, and any BI tools like Tableau or Power BI listed prominently. Put your technical skills near the top of your resume so hiring managers can assess fit before any visa conversation starts.

Target employers already familiar with OPT authorization

Companies that have hired international students before move faster through onboarding paperwork. Look for organizations in finance, healthcare, or tech with established HR processes. Smaller employers may need guidance on I-20 endorsements and EAD card requirements.

Time your job search around your OPT start date

You can begin working only on or after your OPT start date. Apply 60 to 90 days before that date so offers can align with when you're authorized to start. Employers who need someone immediately may not wait.

Prepare a clear one-paragraph OPT explainer

Many hiring managers don't know what OPT is. Have a concise, confident explanation ready: your authorized work period, that no employer petition is required, and how STEM OPT extends your timeline if the role qualifies as a STEM position.

Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly Data Specialist roles

Generic job boards don't filter for visa sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you can browse Data Specialist openings where employers already understand and accept OPT work authorization from the start.

Data Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Data Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Most Data Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in fields like computer science, information systems, or applied statistics. Eligibility depends on your degree's specific CIP code, not just the job title. Confirm with your DSO before applying.

Do I need an employer to file anything with USCIS for me to work on OPT?

No employer petition or USCIS filing is required during your initial 12-month OPT period. Your EAD card is your work authorization, and your employer only needs to verify it through Form I-9. If you qualify for STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a training plan with your DSO.

How do I find Data Specialist employers who accept OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Data Specialist roles from employers who already understand OPT work authorization. Searching there saves you the time of filtering through postings where visa status is a dealbreaker. Employers listed on Migrate Mate have been vetted for sponsorship willingness.

Can I work as a Data Specialist for multiple employers during OPT?

Yes, OPT permits concurrent employment. You can work for more than one employer at the same time, as long as each job is directly related to your degree field and you maintain full-time employment status overall. Your DSO needs to be informed of each employer through SEVIS reporting updates.

What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from my Data Specialist job?

F-1 OPT students can accumulate up to 90 days of unemployment during the initial OPT period, or up to 150 days if you're on STEM OPT extension. If you exceed those limits, your OPT is considered violated. Contact your DSO immediately after a layoff to understand your options and remaining authorized unemployment days.