Information Security Specialist Jobs for OPT Students

Information Security Specialist roles qualify for OPT work authorization under CIP code 11.1003 (Computer and Information Systems Security). Most positions require a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. STEM designation means you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience.

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Overview

Open Jobs11+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type45% Hybrid
Salary Range$86K – $133K
Top LocationJacksonville, FL
Most JobsDeutsche Bank

Showing 5 of 11+ Information Security Specialist jobs

Deutsche Bank
Information Security Specialist
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Deutsche Bank
Added 1mo ago
Information Security Specialist
Deutsche Bank
Jacksonville, Florida
Compliance & Legal
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Cybersecurity
Compliance & Risk
Security & Protective Services
$78,000/yr - $120,500/yr
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
None

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Medical University of South Carolina
Information Security Specialist/Analyst III
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Medical University of South Carolina
Added 2mo ago
Information Security Specialist/Analyst III
Medical University of South Carolina
South Carolina
Cybersecurity
Compliance & Legal
IT Support & Systems Administration
Security Engineering
Compliance & Risk
IT Support
Remote (US)
5+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Bowie State University
Information Assurance (IA) Security Specialist
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Bowie State University
Added 3w ago
Information Assurance (IA) Security Specialist
Bowie State University
Prince George's County, Maryland
Cybersecurity
Compliance & Legal
Security Engineering
Compliance & Risk
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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LG Energy Solution Michigan
Specialist I, Information Security
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LG Energy Solution Michigan
Added 1mo ago
Specialist I, Information Security
LG Energy Solution Michigan
Lansing, Michigan
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Security & Protective Services
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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Fortress Information Security
Configuration and Data Management Specialist
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Fortress Information Security
Added 1mo ago
Configuration and Data Management Specialist
Fortress Information Security
Washington, Washington DC
Compliance & Legal
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
$110,228/yr - $170,241/yr
Hybrid
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
11-50

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Information Security Specialist

Target STEM-designated employers first

Many large financial institutions, defense contractors, and tech firms routinely file H-1B petitions for security roles. Prioritize employers with a documented history of sponsoring information security specialists, as they already understand the process and budget for it.

Frame your degree field precisely on applications

USCIS ties OPT authorization to your degree's CIP code. Listing your field as cybersecurity or information assurance, rather than generic computer science, strengthens the connection to the Information Security Specialist role and reduces employer compliance concerns.

Obtain relevant certifications before applying

CompTIA Security+, Certified Ethical Hacker, or CISSP Associate credentials signal technical readiness without requiring years of experience. Employers sponsor visa holders they trust to contribute immediately, and certifications close the credibility gap during OPT.

Emphasize clearance eligibility where applicable

Some government-adjacent security roles require security clearances, which non-citizens can obtain under certain conditions. Being transparent about your citizenship status and OPT timeline early avoids late-stage misalignment with employers hiring for clearance-required positions.

Connect OPT end dates to the H-1B cap cycle

H-1B registration opens each March for an October 1 start. Structure your job search timeline so an offer arrives with enough runway to file. Starting your search 12 to 14 months before OPT expires gives employers adequate lead time.

Highlight hands-on technical projects in your application

Penetration testing labs, capture-the-flag competitions, and open-source security tool contributions demonstrate practical skills employers need immediately. Concrete project work makes a stronger sponsorship case than coursework alone, especially when your OPT period is limited.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does an Information Security Specialist role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?

Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as cybersecurity, computer science, or information assurance. Information security roles fall under CIP code 11.1003, which is on the official STEM OPT extension list. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan to qualify.

How do I find Information Security Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT students?

Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers willing to sponsor F-1 OPT and visa candidates, so you are not applying blindly to roles that require existing work authorization. Searching there saves time and surfaces companies that already understand OPT compliance requirements for security roles.

Can I work as an Information Security Specialist on OPT without a security clearance?

Most private-sector information security roles do not require a clearance. Government contractor positions often do, and non-citizens face additional eligibility restrictions. Focus your search on commercial employers in finance, healthcare, and technology, where clearance is rarely a requirement and OPT authorization is straightforward to accommodate.

What degree fields support OPT authorization for Information Security Specialist positions?

Degrees in cybersecurity, information assurance, computer science, computer engineering, and management information systems are the strongest matches. The role must be directly related to your degree field for OPT to apply. Degrees in unrelated fields, even technical ones, can create authorization issues that employers and DSOs need to review carefully.

What happens to my OPT authorization if my Information Security Specialist job ends unexpectedly?

F-1 students on post-completion OPT have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit for standard OPT and 150 days for the STEM extension period. If your position ends, notify your DSO immediately and begin your job search without delay. Days without employment count against your total even if you are actively applying.

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