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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INTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Health works in many ways to promote, preserve and protect our health. ITASD supports many programs within DOH, all of which provide some of the most requested and important services we provide to our customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The purpose of this position within the ADSB team in the Information Technology Services Division will be to serve as the Senior IT Application Developer and Rhapsody Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Health.
This position will be responsible for operations, maintenance, support, planning, programming, and troubleshooting of our Rhapsody 5 and Rhapsody 6 servers, a custom PowerShell script based fax solution that uses Rhapsody as a scheduler, a custom PowerShell based file processing solution that operates within Rhapsody and transforms externally uploaded csv files into HL7 files, and custom HL7, Java, JavaScript, PowerShell, C# .NET, SQL, and Python programming solutions within and outside of Rhapsody.
The applicant will need to create, maintain, monitor, and customize Rhapsody Comm Points and Rhapsody Routes, maintain permissions, perform server and software maintenance, ensure viable backups, plan and perform Route and Comm Point migrations from Rhapsody 5 to Rhapsody 6, troubleshoot issues, and provide long term planning and guidance. This position performs highly complex assignments that frequently require the development of new or enhanced applications, processes, and technical solutions. The incumbent will contribute to all phases of the system development life cycle, including requirements gathering, systems analysis, solution design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support.
This position will work directly with, and will need to communicate effectively with, DOH Program partners, external Program partners, ITSD staff and Leadership, DOH management, and other technical staff at the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This position requires the ability to perform and accomplish job requirements with minimal direction and/or supervision; the ability to work successfully in a team environment; and the ability to apply industry best practices.
CUSTOMERS
This position supports all of DOH.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Engineering, or similar technical degree and three (3) years of experience in software programming. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License and must complete a Defensive Driving Course.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Naombael Frostad, (505) 469-9870 or email: Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsIT 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.