OPT IT Jobs

IT is one of the sectors with the highest OPT hiring volume in the U.S. job market, with a large number of employers actively hiring F-1 graduates across software development, data engineering, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and systems analysis. STEM OPT is available for most IT-related degrees, giving graduates in computer science, information systems, and related fields up to three years of work authorization to build experience and transition to H-1B visa.

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Overview

Open Jobs3,173+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type82% On-site
Median Salary$57K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsEquinox IT Solutions

Showing 5 of 3,173+ IT jobs

LG CNS America, Inc
IT Security Administrator
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LG CNS America, Inc
New 1h ago
IT Security Administrator
LG CNS America, Inc
Queen Creek, Arizona
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Operations
Security Engineering
$60,000/yr - $100,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Recar
IT Systems Administrator Manufacturing and Corporate Systems
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Recar
New 1h ago
IT Systems Administrator Manufacturing and Corporate Systems
Recar
Commerce City, Colorado
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
Customer Service & Support
IT Support
Customer Support
Systems Administration
Not listed
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Associate's

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HAAS Automation Inc.
IT Support Specialist
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HAAS Automation Inc.
New 7h ago
IT Support Specialist
HAAS Automation Inc.
Henderson, Nevada
IT Support & Systems Administration
Customer Service & Support
IT Support
Customer Support
$25/hr - $37/hr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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United Imaging Healthcare Solutions
IT Specialist
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United Imaging Healthcare Solutions
New 8h ago
IT Specialist
United Imaging Healthcare Solutions
Houston, Texas
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
IT Support
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's

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ChenMed
Associate IT Product Manager
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ChenMed
New 9h ago
Associate IT Product Manager
ChenMed
Miami, Florida
Product Management
Project & Program Management
Business Analysis
$108,313/yr - $154,733/yr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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IT Jobs for OPT Students: Job Search Tips

Confirm E-Verify status before accepting any IT role

E-Verify enrollment is a requirement for STEM OPT eligibility, and most IT roles qualify under STEM. Before accepting an offer, confirm the employer’s enrollment. This protects your ability to extend your OPT by 24 months if you need it.

Your STEM degree gives you a real advantage in IT hiring

Computer science, information systems, and related STEM degrees make you eligible for the STEM OPT extension, which means up to three years of work authorization total. Many IT employers actively seek candidates with this flexibility.

Look for employers with H-1B filing history in tech

IT is one of the most active sectors for H-1B visa sponsorship. Targeting companies that have filed H-1B petitions before, particularly for software, systems, and data roles, gives you a clearer path from OPT to long-term status.

Consulting and staffing firms can offer OPT placements but carry risks

Some IT consulting firms specialize in placing OPT students on client projects. These arrangements can work well, but make sure the employer of record is E-Verify enrolled and that the placement structure complies with your OPT terms before signing anything.

Match your job search to your field of study

OPT requires that your work is directly related to your degree field. For IT roles, make sure the position description aligns with your major. A computer science graduate taking a purely administrative role could put their OPT status at risk.

Factor in the H-1B lottery timeline when planning your IT career

If H-1B sponsorship is your goal, the lottery runs in March for an October start date. An IT employer who hires you in late 2026 would need to register you in March 2027 at the earliest. Understanding this timeline helps you start those conversations early.

IT OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Which IT roles are most commonly available for OPT students?

Software engineering, data analysis, data engineering, DevOps, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity are the IT roles with the highest volume of active OPT hiring. Many employers in these areas are experienced with F-1 graduates and have established processes for OPT hiring and STEM OPT extensions. Roles with a clear connection to a STEM degree are particularly well-suited because the field-of-study requirement is easy to document.

Do IT consulting companies hire OPT students?

Many do, and IT consulting is one of the sectors with the highest volume of F-1 OPT hiring. Some consulting firms actively recruit international students for placement at client sites across the country. The important thing to verify before joining a consulting firm on OPT is that your role will be supervised by your direct employer rather than the client, which is required for STEM OPT compliance.

Is my IT degree STEM-eligible for the 24-month OPT extension?

Most IT-related degrees including computer science, information technology, software engineering, information systems, and computer engineering qualify for the STEM OPT extension. Your DSO and the official STEM Designated Degree Program list maintained by DHS are the authoritative sources for confirming your specific degree. If your degree qualifies, applying for the extension before your standard OPT expires keeps your work authorization continuous.

Can I work remotely in an IT job on OPT?

Yes, remote work is permitted on OPT as long as the role is related to your field of study and you are employed by a U.S.-based employer. On STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify regardless of whether the role is remote or on-site. Working for a foreign employer or a company with no U.S. presence does not qualify as valid OPT employment.

What should I look for in an IT employer to maximize my chances of H-1B sponsorship?

Employers with a documented history of H-1B LCA filings in IT roles are your strongest targets, since they have already built the infrastructure and legal relationships needed for sponsorship. Companies with dedicated immigration programs, in-house legal teams, or established relationships with immigration law firms are the most reliable. Asking directly about the OPT-to-H1B conversion process during interviews is a normal part of the conversation and signals that you are planning ahead responsibly.

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