IT Programmer Jobs for OPT Students
IT Programmer jobs are among the most actively sponsored OPT roles in the U.S., with strong demand across software development, systems programming, and enterprise applications. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you meaningful runway to secure H-1B sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are seeking an experienced IT Programmer Analyst to support a major health system in Houston, Texas. This long-term contract opportunity supports enterprise ERP environments and plays a critical role in maintaining, enhancing, and integrating Infor Lawson applications across Finance, Supply Chain, and Payroll domains.
This role is ideal for a hands-on technical professional who enjoys solving complex business problems, supporting mission-critical systems, and collaborating across IT and business teams.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The IT Programmer Analyst will provide application development, technical support, and process automation for ERP systems, primarily within the Infor Lawson ecosystem. The role supports both core and non-core applications and partners closely with Finance, Revenue Cycle, HR, and Supply Chain stakeholders to ensure system reliability, performance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide advanced application and technical support for Infor Lawson applications across Finance, Supply Chain, and Payroll
- Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot programs using Lawson 4GL, COBOL, SQL, and ProcessFlow
- Design, build, and support Lawson IPA (Infor Process Automation) workflows, notifications, and cross-system integrations
- Create and maintain Lawson batch jobs, programs, and scripts to automate enterprise business processes
- Support non-Infor Lawson applications as business needs require
- Collaborate with business and IT teams to analyze requirements, resolve issues, and implement enhancements
- Participate in on-call rotation to support critical systems and operations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Technical Skills (Must Have)
- Ability to support non-Infor Lawson applications when needed
- Strong functional knowledge of Finance, Supply Chain, and Payroll systems
- Hands-on experience with Lawson IPA workflows, notifications, and integrations
- Proficiency in Lawson 4GL, COBOL, SQL, and Process Flow
- Experience creating and maintaining Lawson batch jobs, programs, and automation scripts
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- Experience with Lawson Design Studio (LDS), including forms, UI customizations, and JavaScript
- Knowledge of non-core Infor Lawson applications (e.g., MSCM, XM, LBI)
- Prior experience supporting or participating in a migration from Infor Lawson to Oracle Fusion
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Work Location: Hybrid (Houston, TX)
- Shift: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Direct Patient Care: No
- ERP Related Role: Yes
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $80.00 - $85.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Lawson: 2 years (Required)
LOCATION
Houston, TX 77024 (Hybrid)
Contract Duration: March 23 - September 30, 2027
40 hours/week | On-Call Required
INTRODUCTION
We are seeking an experienced IT Programmer Analyst to support a major health system in Houston, Texas. This long-term contract opportunity supports enterprise ERP environments and plays a critical role in maintaining, enhancing, and integrating Infor Lawson applications across Finance, Supply Chain, and Payroll domains.
This role is ideal for a hands-on technical professional who enjoys solving complex business problems, supporting mission-critical systems, and collaborating across IT and business teams.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The IT Programmer Analyst will provide application development, technical support, and process automation for ERP systems, primarily within the Infor Lawson ecosystem. The role supports both core and non-core applications and partners closely with Finance, Revenue Cycle, HR, and Supply Chain stakeholders to ensure system reliability, performance, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide advanced application and technical support for Infor Lawson applications across Finance, Supply Chain, and Payroll
- Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot programs using Lawson 4GL, COBOL, SQL, and ProcessFlow
- Design, build, and support Lawson IPA (Infor Process Automation) workflows, notifications, and cross-system integrations
- Create and maintain Lawson batch jobs, programs, and scripts to automate enterprise business processes
- Support non-Infor Lawson applications as business needs require
- Collaborate with business and IT teams to analyze requirements, resolve issues, and implement enhancements
- Participate in on-call rotation to support critical systems and operations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Technical Skills (Must Have)
- Ability to support non-Infor Lawson applications when needed
- Strong functional knowledge of Finance, Supply Chain, and Payroll systems
- Hands-on experience with Lawson IPA workflows, notifications, and integrations
- Proficiency in Lawson 4GL, COBOL, SQL, and Process Flow
- Experience creating and maintaining Lawson batch jobs, programs, and automation scripts
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)
- Experience with Lawson Design Studio (LDS), including forms, UI customizations, and JavaScript
- Knowledge of non-core Infor Lawson applications (e.g., MSCM, XM, LBI)
- Prior experience supporting or participating in a migration from Infor Lawson to Oracle Fusion
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- Work Location: Hybrid (Houston, TX)
- Shift: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Direct Patient Care: No
- ERP Related Role: Yes
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $80.00 - $85.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Lawson: 2 years (Required)
LOCATION
Houston, TX 77024 (Hybrid)
Contract Duration: March 23 - September 30, 2027
40 hours/week | On-Call Required
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in IT Programmer
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
IT Programmer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information technology, or a related CIP-coded field. Confirm your degree qualifies before applying to maximize your authorization window.
Frame your resume around quantifiable engineering output
Hiring managers for programmer roles want to see specific technologies, languages, and measurable results. List languages like Python, Java, or C++, and quantify outcomes such as reduced load times or automated workflows to stand out immediately.
Apply to mid-size technology companies first
Mid-size firms often have more flexibility in sponsorship decisions than large enterprises with rigid HR policies. They also move faster, which matters when your OPT authorization has a defined end date that shapes your timeline.
Report your job within 10 days of starting
F-1 students on OPT must update their employer information in the SEVIS portal within 10 days of beginning work. Failing to report your IT Programmer role on time puts your status at risk and can affect future visa applications.
Disclose OPT status early in the interview process
Bringing up your authorization status before an offer is made avoids wasted time on both sides. Most IT employers who sponsor visas appreciate transparency and will confirm their willingness to support your H-1B petition during early conversations.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do IT Programmer jobs commonly sponsor OPT students?
Yes, IT Programmer roles are among the most frequently sponsored positions in the U.S. job market. Technology companies of all sizes regularly file H-1B petitions for programmers, and many actively recruit OPT students. Migrate Mate lists IT Programmer jobs from employers with verified sponsorship history, making it easier to focus your search on realistic opportunities.
Does an IT Programmer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, but eligibility depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or another STEM-designated field, and the employer is E-Verify registered, you can apply for the 24-month extension. This gives you up to 36 months of OPT total, significantly increasing your H-1B sponsorship window.
What programming languages do employers expect OPT candidates to know?
Demand varies by role, but Python, Java, JavaScript, and C++ appear consistently across IT Programmer job postings. Backend roles often prioritize Java or Python, while full-stack positions commonly require JavaScript frameworks. Familiarity with SQL and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure also strengthens your candidacy significantly. Tailor your resume to match the specific stack listed in each posting.
How much time does it take for an employer to start the H-1B process for an IT Programmer?
The H-1B lottery opens each April for an October 1 start date, so the timing depends on where you are in your OPT period. Employers typically begin filing Labor Condition Applications two to three months before the April registration window. If you start an IT Programmer role in mid-OPT, your employer has roughly one full cycle to register you before your authorization expires.
Can I work as a contractor or through a staffing agency on OPT as an IT Programmer?
Yes, contract and staffing arrangements are permitted on OPT, but they require careful documentation. Your employer of record must be clearly identified in SEVIS, and the work must be directly related to your degree field. Some staffing arrangements have faced USCIS scrutiny at the H-1B stage, so confirm that the end client and staffing agency are both comfortable supporting a future sponsorship petition.
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