OPT Mortgage Specialist Jobs
Mortgage Specialist roles involve advising clients on loan products, assessing borrower eligibility, and guiding applications through underwriting. F-1 OPT students in finance, economics, or business can qualify. Your OPT work authorization is employer-specific, so securing a sponsor willing to support potential H-1B visa transition is essential from day one.
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1101 Pacific Avenue - Tacoma, Washington 98402
Job Summary
The Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) assists clients with the origination of residential mortgage loans, including providing analysis and advice to current and prospective clients on home lending solutions that meet their needs and financial objectives. The MLO is expected to develop referrals as a means to grow Key's home lending business and client base. The MLO is expected to meet or exceed established sales goals while maintaining high standards of client satisfaction and loan quality.
Essential Functions
- Prospect home lending business to build and develop new client loan originations and relationships.
- Originate and process a targeted number of family residential real estate mortgage transactions in accordance with Home Lending process and product guidelines.
- Provide clients with detailed information about various mortgage options, interest rates, and terms to help them make informed decisions.
- Gather documents at the time of registering a loan and remain the primary point of contact for the client during the loan process.
- Maintain high standards of client satisfaction and quality, ensuring sales/originator systems and workflows are efficiently controlled.
- Develop and maintain deep knowledge of KeyBank products, services, and competitive offerings.
- Maintain proficiency on sales/originator systems and develop efficient workflows.
- Keep informed of trends and developments in the real estate market and mortgage industry.
- Works in a branch environment to provide in-person client services 4+ days/week, to include participating in morning huddles and end of day debriefs on targeted days.
- Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
- Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience (preferred).
Work Experience
- 3+ years Experience as a loan officer in 1st mortgage production (preferred).
- 3+ years Working knowledge of FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA, TIL regulations, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, RESPA regulations, local and state real estate and finance laws (preferred).
Skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Proficient in sales and service skills, including tele-consulting, prospecting, networking, and COI relationship management.
- Demonstrate strong financial acumen by understanding the business priorities of clients, analyzing market trends, and providing strategic advice on mortgage products and lending solutions.
- Generate new mortgage business and manage the loan origination process from initial application through to closing.
- Navigate the home mortgage process, from application to closing, providing advice on interest rates and repayment terms.
- Build partnerships with real estate agents and financial advisors.
Core Competencies
All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and sustain proficiency in identified Leadership Competencies.
Physical Demands
General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.
Driving Requirements
May need to drive to multiple locations in a single day; ability to operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn commission and deferred incentive compensation. Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 02/01/2027
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
Location:
1101 Pacific Avenue - Tacoma, Washington 98402
Job Summary
The Mortgage Loan Officer (MLO) assists clients with the origination of residential mortgage loans, including providing analysis and advice to current and prospective clients on home lending solutions that meet their needs and financial objectives. The MLO is expected to develop referrals as a means to grow Key's home lending business and client base. The MLO is expected to meet or exceed established sales goals while maintaining high standards of client satisfaction and loan quality.
Essential Functions
- Prospect home lending business to build and develop new client loan originations and relationships.
- Originate and process a targeted number of family residential real estate mortgage transactions in accordance with Home Lending process and product guidelines.
- Provide clients with detailed information about various mortgage options, interest rates, and terms to help them make informed decisions.
- Gather documents at the time of registering a loan and remain the primary point of contact for the client during the loan process.
- Maintain high standards of client satisfaction and quality, ensuring sales/originator systems and workflows are efficiently controlled.
- Develop and maintain deep knowledge of KeyBank products, services, and competitive offerings.
- Maintain proficiency on sales/originator systems and develop efficient workflows.
- Keep informed of trends and developments in the real estate market and mortgage industry.
- Works in a branch environment to provide in-person client services 4+ days/week, to include participating in morning huddles and end of day debriefs on targeted days.
- Performs other duties as assigned; duties, responsibilities and/or activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
- Complies with all KeyBank policies and procedures, including without limitation, acting professionally at all times, conducting business ethically, avoiding conflicts of interest, and acting in the best interests of Key’s clients and Key.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience (preferred).
Work Experience
- 3+ years Experience as a loan officer in 1st mortgage production (preferred).
- 3+ years Working knowledge of FNMA, FHLMC, FHA, VA, TIL regulations, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, RESPA regulations, local and state real estate and finance laws (preferred).
Skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Strong customer service skills.
- Proficient in sales and service skills, including tele-consulting, prospecting, networking, and COI relationship management.
- Demonstrate strong financial acumen by understanding the business priorities of clients, analyzing market trends, and providing strategic advice on mortgage products and lending solutions.
- Generate new mortgage business and manage the loan origination process from initial application through to closing.
- Navigate the home mortgage process, from application to closing, providing advice on interest rates and repayment terms.
- Build partnerships with real estate agents and financial advisors.
Core Competencies
All KeyBank employees are expected to demonstrate Key’s Values and sustain proficiency in identified Leadership Competencies.
Physical Demands
General Office - Prolonged sitting, ability to communicate face to face in person or on the phone with teammates and clients, frequent use of PC/laptop, occasional lifting/pushing/pulling of backpacks, computer bags up to 10 lbs.
Driving Requirements
May need to drive to multiple locations in a single day; ability to operate a motor vehicle with a valid driver's license required.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn commission and deferred incentive compensation. Please click here for a list of benefits for which this position is eligible.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 02/01/2027
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
See all 63+ OPT Mortgage Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mortgage Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mortgage Specialist
Target lenders with established visa sponsorship history
Large banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies are more likely to have HR infrastructure for sponsoring work visas. Focus your applications on institutions that have filed H-1B visa petitions before, as they understand the process and are less likely to withdraw offers.
Get your NMLS license early
Most Mortgage Specialist roles require a Nationwide Multistate Licensing System license. Starting the application process before your job search concludes signals employer-readiness and removes a common hiring hesitation, especially for OPT candidates who already face additional onboarding considerations.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline in conversations
Mortgage lending involves long client relationships and licensing requirements, so employers think long-term. Addressing your OPT expiration date and H-1B sponsorship timeline early avoids late-stage offer withdrawals and shows you have a clear plan for maintaining authorization.
Emphasize quantitative and compliance skills in your resume
Mortgage Specialists work with financial ratios, debt-to-income calculations, and regulatory frameworks like RESPA and TILA. Highlighting these technical competencies from your coursework or internships demonstrates immediate job readiness and reduces perceived risk for employers considering OPT sponsorship.
Consider roles at mortgage technology companies
Fintech lenders and mortgage software firms often blend financial and technical work, making them more comfortable hiring international candidates. They tend to have stronger sponsorship track records than traditional brokerages and may offer faster paths to H-1B petitions for high-performing OPT employees.
Use your OPT end date to negotiate a sponsorship commitment
Before accepting an offer, ask directly whether the employer supports H-1B sponsorship for strong performers. Getting a clear answer upfront, ideally reflected in your offer letter, protects you from investing months in a role that won't support your long-term work authorization.
Mortgage Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Mortgage Specialists in the United States?
Yes. F-1 OPT work authorization permits employment in any role directly related to your field of study, and Mortgage Specialist positions qualify for students with degrees in finance, economics, business administration, or related fields. Your work must be tied to your degree field to remain compliant with OPT regulations, so confirm the role aligns before accepting an offer.
Do Mortgage Specialist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas for OPT hires?
Sponsorship varies significantly by employer type. Large national banks and mortgage servicers are more likely to sponsor than small independent brokerages, which often lack the legal infrastructure for visa petitions. When browsing Mortgage Specialist openings on Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for employers that sponsor OPT and H-1B candidates, which saves significant time in your search.
Does working as a Mortgage Specialist qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as a quantitative finance, financial engineering, or data analytics degree, and your Mortgage Specialist role involves substantial quantitative or analytical work, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. A standard finance or business degree without a STEM designation does not qualify, giving you only the standard 12-month OPT period.
Does working as a Mortgage Specialist require a state license, and how does that interact with OPT status?
Most Mortgage Specialist roles require an NMLS license, and some states require additional state-level licensing. OPT status does not disqualify you from obtaining these licenses, but the process takes time. Starting your NMLS application before your job search ends is advisable. Confirm with each state's licensing authority whether your visa status affects any background check or surety bond requirements.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Mortgage Specialist employer closes or downsizes?
If you lose your job, you enter a mandatory unemployment reporting period. OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment for standard OPT holders, or 150 days with an approved STEM extension. You must report any employment changes to your DSO promptly. Finding a new qualifying role within that window is essential to maintaining lawful status and avoiding a gap in your record.