OPT Program Analyst Jobs
Program Analyst roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in business, public policy, information systems, or a related field. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives you real runway to prove your value.
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Provides foundational administrative, analytical, project support, and stakeholder coordination services supporting Federal agency coordination efforts related to critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity. Supports daily operational execution and program administration.
This position will work at the client site in Arlington, VA with some hybrid/remote flexibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain calendars, trackers, records, rosters, and action-item logs.
- Support meeting planning, scheduling, logistics, and documentation.
- Conduct research and prepare routine reports and presentations.
- Assist with project tracking, task management, and correspondence.
- Support route-and-clearance processes and records management.
- Provide executive support and quality-control reviews.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- 1 years of relevant administrative, analytical, or program support experience.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills.
- Experience writing SOPs, guidance documents, or other project documentation.
- Ability to easily communicate with senior government clients, lead discussions, and confidently discuss project status and propose solutions.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office products.
- Previous DHS or CISA experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate on a team in a dynamic environment, absorb and apply mission knowledge, and have a mindset of learning and continuous improvement.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$55,665.00 - $94,631.00
Virginia Client Office (VA88)
Description
Provides foundational administrative, analytical, project support, and stakeholder coordination services supporting Federal agency coordination efforts related to critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity. Supports daily operational execution and program administration.
This position will work at the client site in Arlington, VA with some hybrid/remote flexibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain calendars, trackers, records, rosters, and action-item logs.
- Support meeting planning, scheduling, logistics, and documentation.
- Conduct research and prepare routine reports and presentations.
- Assist with project tracking, task management, and correspondence.
- Support route-and-clearance processes and records management.
- Provide executive support and quality-control reviews.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- 1 years of relevant administrative, analytical, or program support experience.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills.
- Experience writing SOPs, guidance documents, or other project documentation.
- Ability to easily communicate with senior government clients, lead discussions, and confidently discuss project status and propose solutions.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office products.
- Previous DHS or CISA experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate on a team in a dynamic environment, absorb and apply mission knowledge, and have a mindset of learning and continuous improvement.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$55,665.00 - $94,631.00
Virginia Client Office (VA88)
See all 190+ OPT Program Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Analyst
Target agencies and contractors with established OPT pipelines
Federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Leidos hire Program Analysts at scale and have dedicated visa sponsorship processes. Larger organizations are far more likely to have the legal infrastructure to support H-1B visa filings after your OPT ends.
Frame your degree field as directly tied to the analyst function
Program Analysts typically require a degree in business administration, public policy, or information systems. When applying, connect your specific degree field to the role's analytical responsibilities. A vague connection to your major weakens your specialty occupation case for future H-1B sponsorship.
Apply early if you need a STEM OPT extension
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension, file Form I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. A timely filing keeps you authorized to keep working even while USCIS reviews your application, giving you more runway before H-1B season.
Ask about sponsorship intent before accepting an offer
Not all employers who hire on OPT will sponsor H-1B. Before signing, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B petitions before and whether they intend to for your role. It is a standard question that any experienced hiring manager will expect.
Verify your employer is on the E-Verify program
STEM OPT extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting a STEM extension offer. If your employer is not enrolled, you cannot use the 24-month extension regardless of your degree field, which significantly shortens your authorized work period.
Document your project contributions with measurable outcomes
Program Analysts who can show quantifiable impact, such as cost savings identified, process improvements implemented, or program efficiency gains, build a stronger case for H-1B sponsorship. Concrete results make it easier for employers to justify the sponsorship cost to leadership.
Program Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Program Analysts?
Yes. Program Analyst roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a field like business administration, public policy, or information systems, which qualifies them as specialty occupations under OPT rules. Both standard 12-month OPT and the 24-month STEM extension can apply, depending on your degree field. Browse open Program Analyst positions on Migrate Mate to find employers actively hiring OPT candidates.
Does a Program Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as information systems, data analytics, or computer science, and the Program Analyst role uses that technical background, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. The degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by ICE.
Do Program Analyst employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Federal contractors and large consulting firms, which account for a significant share of Program Analyst hiring, have well-established H-1B sponsorship processes and sponsor regularly. Smaller firms or state government agencies sponsor less consistently. The best approach is to ask directly during the offer stage and confirm the employer has filed H-1B petitions in recent years.
What counts as a valid Program Analyst job for OPT purposes?
Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree field. A Program Analyst role focused on data analysis, program evaluation, or policy research will generally satisfy this requirement for graduates in business, public policy, or information systems. Roles that are primarily administrative without analytical responsibilities are less likely to qualify. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I report a Program Analyst job on my OPT?
You must report new employment to your DSO within 10 days of starting, who will then update your record in SEVIS. You will need to provide your employer's name, address, start date, and a brief description of how the role relates to your degree. Failing to report on time is a status violation, so notify your international student office as soon as you accept an offer.