OPT Part Time Jobs

Part-time work is allowed on post-completion OPT and can be a practical way to gain relevant experience while searching for a full-time role, but it is important to understand the differences in rules between standard OPT and the STEM extension. On STEM OPT, you must work at least 20 hours per week, and the stricter employer supervision requirements apply to all arrangements regardless of hours.

Find OPT Part Time Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs157,828+
Work Type90% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsAmazon.com

Showing 5 of 157,828+ Part Time jobs

White Lodging
Dual Assistant Director of Front Office
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White Lodging
New 6m ago
Dual Assistant Director of Front Office
White Lodging
Austin, Texas
Customer Service & Support
Hospitality & Guest Services
Project & Program Management
Hospitality Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Frederick Health
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
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Frederick Health
New 11m ago
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
Frederick Health
Frederick, Maryland
Allied Health
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Pharmacy
$108k - $154k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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Georgia-Pacific
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
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Georgia-Pacific
New 11m ago
Electrical and Instrumentation Technician
Georgia-Pacific
Fordyce, Arkansas
Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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La-Z-Boy
Bilingual (Spanish) HR Generalist
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La-Z-Boy
New 15m ago
Bilingual (Spanish) HR Generalist
La-Z-Boy
Neosho, Missouri
Human Resources
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Customer Service & Support
Human Resources (HR) — Generalist
Customer Service
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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El Camino Health
Respiratory Therapy II
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El Camino Health
New 16m ago
Respiratory Therapy II
El Camino Health
Mountain View, California
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$62 - $83/hr
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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Part Time OPT Job Search Tips

Part time work qualifies for OPT as long as you meet the minimum hours

OPT allows part time employment at 20 or more hours per week. Roles below 20 hours per week don’t satisfy OPT requirements and could count toward your unemployment day limit. Confirm your weekly hours with your employer before starting any part time role.

Part time OPT roles still need to relate to your field of study

The field of study requirement applies regardless of whether a role is full time or part time. A part time data entry role for a business graduate may not qualify, but a part time research assistant role for a science graduate likely does. Check with your DSO if you’re unsure.

Part time roles can bridge a gap while you continue searching for full time work

If you’re between full time positions, a qualifying part time role can stop your unemployment day clock and keep your SEVIS record active. This gives you more time to find the right full time opportunity without risking your status.

E-Verify enrollment still matters for part time STEM roles

If your degree is STEM-classified and you want to keep the STEM OPT extension option open, your part time employer still needs to be E-Verify enrolled. This requirement doesn’t change based on how many hours you work.

Report part time employment to your DSO within 10 days

Any new employment, including part time roles, needs to be reported to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Keeping your SEVIS record updated protects your status and ensures your employment history is accurate.

Part time work at a target company can lead to full time sponsorship

Some OPT students use part time roles to build a relationship with an employer before transitioning to full time employment and, eventually, H-1B visa sponsorship conversations. Employers who’ve seen your work firsthand are more likely to invest in sponsoring you.

Part Time OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part time on OPT?

Yes, part-time work is permitted on post-completion OPT as long as the role is related to your field of study. There is no minimum hour requirement on standard 12-month OPT, though you should keep your DSO informed of your employment situation. On STEM OPT, you must work at least 20 paid hours per week to remain in valid status, so part-time work below that threshold is not sufficient during the extension period.

Can I hold multiple part-time jobs on OPT?

Yes, holding more than one part-time job on OPT is allowed as long as each role is directly related to your field of study and your total work aligns with OPT rules. All employment must be reported to your DSO. On STEM OPT, each employer must be E-Verify enrolled and you need to complete an I-983 training plan for each qualifying position, so the administrative requirements increase with each additional employer.

Does part-time work count toward the OPT unemployment limit?

Yes, any qualifying part-time work related to your field of study counts as employment, not unemployment. The 90-day limit on standard OPT applies to days where you have no qualifying employment at all. Working part-time while searching for a full-time position keeps you in compliance and prevents unemployment days from accumulating, which is particularly important if your job search extends over several months.

Is part-time work on OPT a good path to H-1B sponsorship?

It can be, particularly if the part-time role is with a company that grows into a full-time opportunity. Many professionals start part-time during their OPT period and convert to full-time employment with the same employer, who then sponsors H-1B. Part-time academic or research roles at universities are also a useful bridge, particularly because universities are often cap-exempt H-1B employers who can file year-round outside the lottery.

What are the risks of relying on part-time work during STEM OPT?

The main risk is falling below the 20-hour minimum required for STEM OPT compliance, which could affect your immigration status. If your hours are reduced by your employer, it is important to act quickly to either restore your hours or find a qualifying replacement arrangement. Keeping your DSO informed of any changes to your employment situation throughout STEM OPT is the most important safeguard.