OPT Machine Learning Intern Jobs

Machine Learning Intern roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions in tech, with many employers accustomed to sponsoring CPT and OPT students from university pipelines. Most roles require Python and foundational ML frameworks. Your OPT start date and STEM designation directly affect which employers can realistically hire you.

See All OPT Machine Learning Intern Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs162+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type77% On-site
Median Salary$48K
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsTikTok

Showing 5 of 162+ Machine Learning Intern jobs

Adobe
AI/ML Intern - Machine Learning Engineer
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Adobe
Added 2w ago
AI/ML Intern - Machine Learning Engineer
Adobe
San Jose, California
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Revenue Operations & Enablement
$45/hr - $55/hr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Pinterest, Inc.
PhD Fall Machine Learning Intern (ATG — Visual, Multimodal, and Recommender Systems)
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Pinterest, Inc.
Added 2w ago
PhD Fall Machine Learning Intern (ATG — Visual, Multimodal, and Recommender Systems)
Pinterest, Inc.
San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$145,200 - $145,200/yr
Hybrid
Doctorate

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Insitro
Machine Learning Intern
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Insitro
Added 1mo ago
Machine Learning Intern
Insitro
South San Francisco, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
Data Analytics
Not listed
Hybrid
Associate's

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Aml Jv, LLC
Bioinformatics Machine Learning Intern
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Aml Jv, LLC
Added 1mo ago
Bioinformatics Machine Learning Intern
Aml Jv, LLC
Remote
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Data Science
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Not listed
Remote (US)
Doctorate

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WaveWorks Technologies Inc
Applied Machine Learning Intern
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WaveWorks Technologies Inc
Added 2mo ago
Applied Machine Learning Intern
WaveWorks Technologies Inc
Seattle, Washington
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
Data Analytics
On-Site
Bachelor's

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See all 162+ Machine Learning Intern Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Machine Learning Intern

Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility

STEM OPT extends your work authorization to 36 months if your degree is in computer science, data science, or a related field. Mention this upfront in applications. Many ML hiring managers don't know the difference and assume all OPT ends at 12 months.

Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure

Companies that have hired OPT students before already know the process. Look for internship programs at mid-to-large tech companies, research labs, and AI startups that list university recruiting pipelines. Prior OPT hiring is the strongest signal they'll do it again.

Apply before your OPT start date is imminent

Most internship hiring cycles run three to six months in advance. If your OPT authorization starts in May, applications should go out in November or December. Waiting until authorization is active significantly narrows your options and raises urgency for employers.

Quantify your ML project experience specifically

Vague claims about machine learning experience don't move recruiters. Name the dataset, the model architecture, the accuracy improvement, and the framework you used. Specific technical detail signals you can contribute from day one, which reduces perceived hiring risk.

Clarify your authorization timeline proactively

In your cover letter or first recruiter message, state your OPT end date and whether you qualify for STEM extension. Removing ambiguity early prevents your application from being filtered out by coordinators who default to excluding anyone with time-limited work authorization.

Prepare to explain OPT to non-technical interviewers

HR coordinators and hiring managers frequently confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship requirements. Have a one-sentence explanation ready: OPT is pre-authorized by USCIS and requires no employer petition. Clarity here can move your application forward when confusion would have stalled it.

Machine Learning Intern OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Machine Learning Intern on OPT without employer sponsorship?

Yes. OPT is pre-authorized work authorization issued by USCIS through your university. Employers don't file petitions or pay immigration fees to hire you on OPT. You do need an offer letter and your employer's information for DSO reporting, but there's no visa sponsorship requirement during your authorized OPT period.

Do Machine Learning Intern roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?

They often do, but it depends on your degree field and the role's SOC code. If your internship employer classifies the role under a STEM SOC code and your degree is in a qualifying field such as computer science, electrical engineering, or statistics, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm the SOC code with your employer before your standard 12-month OPT expires.

How do I find Machine Learning Intern positions that are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you're not sifting through postings that require citizenship or green card status. Searching there surfaces employers already familiar with OPT work authorization, which meaningfully improves your chances of getting a response compared to general job boards.

What happens if my Machine Learning Internship ends before my OPT authorization expires?

Your OPT authorization remains valid until the end date on your EAD card. However, OPT requires that you maintain employment or actively pursue employment. If your internship ends, you have up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT and 150 days during STEM OPT before your status is at risk. Start your next application search immediately.

Does a Machine Learning Intern role at a startup count for OPT employment reporting?

Yes, startup employment counts as valid OPT work as long as the role is directly related to your major field of study. You'll need to report the employer's name, address, and your start date to your DSO within 10 days of starting. The company doesn't need to be large or well-known, but the position must be a genuine, paid role in a relevant field.