OPT Human Resources Assistant Jobs

Human Resources Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in HR, business administration, or organizational psychology. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, and STEM OPT extensions may apply for HR analytics or workforce data-focused positions at qualifying employers.

See All OPT Human Resources Assistant Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs1,652+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type96% On-site
Median Salary$51K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsAbercrombie & Fitch

Showing 5 of 1,652+ Human Resources Assistant jobs

Agama Solutions
Human Resources Assistant
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Agama Solutions
Added 3d ago
Human Resources Assistant
Agama Solutions
Chicago, Illinois
Administrative & Office Support
Human Resources
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Human Resources (HR) — Generalist
$19/hr - $20/hr
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital
Human Resources Assistant II
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Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital
Added 3d ago
Human Resources Assistant II
Nicholas H. Noyes Memorial Hospital
Rochester, New York
Human Resources
Administrative & Office Support
Customer Service & Support
Human Resources (HR) — Generalist
$38,792 - $54,300/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Associate's

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Kirkland & Ellis
Human Resources Assistant
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Kirkland & Ellis
Added 3d ago
Human Resources Assistant
Kirkland & Ellis
Washington, Washington DC
Human Resources
$60,000/yr - $80,000/yr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Morgan Lewis
HR Assistant
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Morgan Lewis
Added 1w ago
HR Assistant
Morgan Lewis
Boston, Massachusetts
Human Resources
Administrative & Office Support
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Human Resources (HR) — Generalist
Not listed
Hybrid
Associate's

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Michigan State University
Human Resources Assistant Director
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Michigan State University
Added 1w ago
Human Resources Assistant Director
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Human Resources
Customer Service & Support
Project & Program Management
Corporate Training & Learning Development
$125,000/yr - $133,000/yr
Hybrid
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Human Resources Assistant

Target employers with existing HR departments

Mid-size and large companies with dedicated HR teams are far more likely to have sponsorship infrastructure in place. Smaller firms often lack the legal resources to navigate OPT and future H-1B visa filings for entry-level HR roles.

Emphasize your SHRM or HRCI coursework

Certifications like SHRM-CP or PHR coursework signal professional seriousness and help justify specialty occupation status. Employers sponsoring H-1B visas need to show the role requires degree-level expertise, so formal credentials strengthen your application considerably.

Apply early in your OPT window

HR hiring cycles can run eight to twelve weeks from application to start date. Applying within the first few months of your OPT authorization gives employers realistic confidence you can start and work legally before your status requires renewal.

Highlight HR software proficiency on your resume

Hands-on experience with platforms like Workday, ADP, or BambooHR makes you a stronger candidate and signals technical depth. Employers in analytics-heavy HR roles may also qualify those positions for STEM OPT extension, adding 24 months to your authorization.

Be upfront about your OPT timeline in conversations

Disclosing your authorization window early builds trust and avoids wasted time on both sides. Most HR professionals understand OPT because they handle immigration documentation themselves, making them better-informed hiring managers than you might expect.

Browse OPT-friendly HR roles on Migrate Mate

Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness, saving you from applying to roles that will not support F-1 OPT. Searching there first focuses your effort on employers already open to international candidates in HR and people operations.

Human Resources Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Human Resources Assistant jobs qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?

Yes, Human Resources Assistant roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree field, such as HR management, business administration, or organizational behavior. Your DSO must authorize OPT before you begin work, and the job must align with what you studied, not just any clerical or administrative role.

Can a Human Resources Assistant job qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?

It depends on how the role is structured. Standard HR Assistant positions under CIP code 52.1001 (Human Resources Management) do not qualify for STEM OPT. However, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field like industrial-organizational psychology or data analytics and the HR role is heavily analytics-focused, you may qualify. Confirm with your DSO and verify your degree's CIP code before assuming eligibility.

Will employers sponsor H-1B visas for Human Resources Assistants after OPT ends?

Some will, but it depends on the employer's size, legal resources, and how the role is classified. HR Assistant positions can qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when a degree in a specific HR-related field is genuinely required. Larger corporations with in-house immigration counsel are more likely to sponsor than small businesses. Use Migrate Mate to identify employers already open to sponsorship before investing time in the application process.

What happens to my OPT authorization if I lose my Human Resources Assistant job?

You enter a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment, during which you can search for a new qualifying HR role. If you do not secure new authorized employment within 60 days, you fall out of status and must depart the U.S. or take another action like transferring to a new program. Report any job changes to your DSO promptly to keep your SEVIS record current.

Does working as an HR Assistant count toward practical training requirements for OPT?

Yes, provided the role is directly related to your field of study. An HR Assistant position qualifies when your degree is in human resources, business administration, psychology, or a related discipline and the job involves tasks connected to that field, such as recruitment coordination, onboarding, employee relations, or HR systems management. Generic administrative work that does not draw on your degree may not meet the practical training standard.