OPT Home Lending Advisor Jobs
Home Lending Advisor jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of finance and client service, requiring a degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Most roles are W-2 positions with standard employer sponsorship, though commission-based structures can complicate OPT compliance. Your 12-month OPT window starts on your authorized start date.
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About the Role:
In this role, you will originate residential mortgage loans through solicitation and developing relationships with real estate professionals, builders, and other business referral sources. You will maintain a quality network of business relationships that serve as recurring sources of referrals for new mortgage lending opportunities and growth for the bank that are primarily self-generated.
- Responsible for the origination of bank generated residential mortgage leads. Generally involved in activities related to originating/selling loans from an inside sales setting, with some time spent promoting Columbia Bank in the community.
- Develops and executes consistent customer follow up routines and shows steady increase in lead conversion based on monthly “stretch” production goals set under the guidance of assigned mentor or Branch Manager.
- Ensure exceptional customer service by maintaining thorough knowledge of lending programs, policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements, demonstrating a commitment to professional ethics, and complying with all Federal and State compliance policies.
- Obtain all required documentation as required (i.e., appraisals, title reports, financial information, pulling credit), by taking complete applications, analyzing information and is accurate with supporting documentation to allow a seamless disclosure, process, and approval on the loan file.
- Maintain overall responsibility for the loan file and documentation through processing underwriting, closing, funding and post-closing by following the transaction through to its conclusion.
- Convey to customers and other associates the advantages of the company and various financial products the company offers through other areas of the bank.
About You:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or equivalent, required.
- Less than 2 years of previous mortgage self-generated origination/sales and structuring experience, required.
- Spanish speaking preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the home lending industry, including processing, underwriting, closing, and funding loan.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience collecting and analyzing borrower income and negotiating skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop new and sustainable referral sources and generate leads.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to organize and prioritize, manage, and perform multiple tasks.
- Detail-oriented and able to meet strict deadlines.
- Ability to work effectively with individuals and groups across the company to manage internal and external customer relationships.
- Proficiency with personal computers and related software packages such as Word and Excel.
- Must be registered as an MLO as per the S.A.F.E. Act requirements.
- This position requires you to act as a Bank MLO, which is defined as an individual authorized by the Bank to take mortgage loan applications, offer a mortgage, arrange a mortgage, assist a consumer in obtaining or applying to obtain a mortgage, negotiate a mortgage, otherwise obtain or make a mortgage for another person, represent to the public (through advertising or other means of communication) that such person can or will perform any of these activities, or refer a consumer to a loan originator (Note: Except those employees of the Bank who do not discuss particular credit terms available and do not refer the consumer, based on the employee’s assessment of the consumer’s financial characteristics to a particular Bank MLO) for compensation or gain. All MLOs will be required to register as an MLO complying with the SAFE Act requirements.
- This position is authorized to act as a Bank Closed-End MLO, which is defined as any position designated to perform the activities of a Bank MLO for closed-end transactions, and thus subject to specific Truth-in-Lending Act and Regulation Z Loan Originator requirements.
This pay range for this role is $23.00 to $26.00.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Evergreen:
This posting is part of an evergreen requisition to create a pipeline of talent. If you are interested in potential opportunities in this area, we encourage you to apply. While we may not have an immediate opening at this time, we are always looking for top talent and will reach out as positions become available in the posted locations.
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Home Lending Advisor
Target W-2 positions, not 1099 roles
OPT requires a traditional employer-employee relationship. Home Lending Advisors are sometimes classified as independent contractors, which violates OPT terms. Confirm the role is W-2 before applying to avoid jeopardizing your work authorization status.
Connect your degree to the lending function
USCIS expects OPT work to be directly related to your field of study. A finance or economics degree maps clearly to home lending. Highlight that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter to strengthen your authorization case.
Prioritize banks and credit unions over boutique brokerages
Large financial institutions like regional banks and credit unions have established HR and compliance teams familiar with OPT onboarding. Smaller mortgage brokerages may lack the infrastructure to handle work authorization paperwork efficiently or correctly.
Ask about the training period structure upfront
Many Home Lending Advisor roles include an extended salaried training phase before commission kicks in. Confirm the training timeline so your OPT window covers meaningful, authorized work experience rather than expiring mid-ramp.
Document your employment start date carefully
Your OPT authorization begins on the date listed on your EAD card, not your offer letter date. Coordinate your start date with HR to ensure you are not working before your EAD is valid, which would constitute unauthorized employment.
Apply to STEM OPT extension-eligible roles if your degree qualifies
Finance and economics programs at STEM-designated schools may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO early, as this significantly extends how long you can work in this role.
Home Lending Advisor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Home Lending Advisor on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in finance, economics, business, or a closely related field and the role is a W-2 position. The work must be directly related to your major. Many Home Lending Advisor roles at banks and credit unions meet this standard. Independent contractor or pure commission-only arrangements without an employer-employee relationship are not OPT-eligible.
Do Home Lending Advisor employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Large banks and credit unions routinely hire OPT students because they already have compliance processes in place for verifying work authorization. Smaller mortgage brokerages are less consistent. When browsing opportunities, Migrate Mate filters for employers open to OPT candidates, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking case by case.
Does a commission-based compensation structure affect my OPT eligibility?
Commission income itself does not disqualify you, but the employment classification matters. You must be a W-2 employee, not a 1099 independent contractor. Some Home Lending Advisor roles blend a base salary with commission, which is fine. Roles structured as pure independent contractor arrangements are not authorized under OPT and could put your immigration status at risk.
What happens to my OPT status if my Home Lending Advisor role ends before my EAD expires?
You have a 60-day unemployment grace period total during your OPT window. If your role ends, you can use that time to find a new authorized position. Gaps beyond 60 cumulative days of unemployment violate OPT terms and require you to either change status or depart the U.S. Notify your DSO immediately when employment ends.
Does a Home Lending Advisor role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on whether your degree program holds a STEM-designated CIP code. Finance and economics programs at some universities are STEM-designated, while others are not. Confirm your program's designation with your DSO before assuming you qualify. If you do qualify, the 24-month extension gives you significantly more runway in this career track.