OPT Internship Jobs

Internship jobs on OPT are available across industries, from tech and finance to healthcare and marketing. Most internships qualify as valid OPT employment as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Full-time OPT students can work up to 40 hours per week, and part-time OPT allows up to 20.

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Overview

Open Jobs572+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type90% On-site
Median Salary$22K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsMacy's

Showing 5 of 572+ Internship jobs

Lessen, Inc.
Internship
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Lessen, Inc.
Added 1w ago
Internship
Lessen, Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
$25/yr - $25/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's

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Doeren Mayhew
Internship
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Doeren Mayhew
Added 2mo ago
Internship
Doeren Mayhew
Troy, Michigan
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
On-Site
Bachelor's

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ATI
Internship
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ATI
Added 2mo ago
Internship
ATI
Brackenridge, Pennsylvania
Electrical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Sheppard Pratt
Internship
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Sheppard Pratt
Added 2mo ago
Internship
Sheppard Pratt
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Allied Health
Social Work & Counseling
Mental & Behavioral Health
On-Site
Master's

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Turner Construction Company
Internship
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Turner Construction Company
Added 9mo ago
Internship
Turner Construction Company
Charlotte, North Carolina
Construction Management
Construction
Construction Labor
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Internship

Confirm the internship is degree-related

USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. Before accepting, verify the internship duties align with your field of study. A marketing internship won't qualify if your degree is in electrical engineering.

Track your OPT employment dates precisely

DSOs need accurate start and end dates for internships on your SEVIS record. Report every position change promptly. Gaps longer than 90 days on pre-completion OPT or 150 days on standard OPT can jeopardize your status.

Get the internship offer in writing before reporting to your DSO

Your DSO will update your SEVIS record based on your employer's name, job title, and start date. Having a written offer letter prevents errors and gives you documentation if your status is ever questioned.

Clarify whether the internship counts as paid or unpaid

Unpaid internships are permitted on OPT only if they meet Department of Labor criteria and are genuinely related to your degree. Confirm the arrangement with your DSO before starting to avoid unintentional OPT violations.

Use STEM OPT extension eligibility as a filter

If your degree qualifies for a 24-month STEM extension, prioritize internships at E-Verify employers. Landing a STEM-qualifying internship now can position you for a longer authorized work period after your initial OPT ends.

Apply early relative to your OPT start date

OPT authorization can take 3 to 5 months to process after your DSO submits the recommendation. Start applying for internships 4 to 6 months before your intended start date so your EAD arrives before you need to begin.

Internship OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do multiple internships simultaneously on OPT?

Yes. OPT permits concurrent employment, meaning you can hold more than one internship at the same time. Each position must independently qualify as directly related to your degree field. Report all employers to your DSO and ensure your total hours comply with your OPT type: up to 20 hours per week combined on part-time OPT, or up to 40 hours on full-time OPT.

Does an unpaid internship count toward my OPT unemployment limit?

Yes. An unpaid internship that qualifies as legitimate OPT employment counts as authorized work and stops your unemployment clock. However, it must meet the Department of Labor's criteria for unpaid training and be directly tied to your degree. If the internship doesn't qualify, those weeks still count against your 90-day unemployment limit.

Where can I find internships that are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters opportunities by work authorization compatibility. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers who have already indicated openness to hiring OPT workers, saving time you'd otherwise spend screening listings that exclude international students.

Can I convert an internship into full-time employment on OPT?

Yes, and this is one of the most common OPT pathways. If the employer offers you a full-time role before your OPT expires, you can transition directly without changing your authorization. If the full-time role qualifies for H-1B visa sponsorship, the internship period also gives the employer time to assess your fit before committing to a petition.

What happens to my OPT if my internship ends early?

Your OPT authorization remains valid even if the internship ends before the date on your EAD. You're permitted to be unemployed for up to 90 days on standard OPT without losing status. Report the end date to your DSO immediately and begin searching for a new qualifying position. Exceeding the unemployment limit puts your F-1 status at risk.