OPT Program Manager Jobs

Program Manager jobs are a strong fit for OPT students with degrees in business, engineering, or computer science. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa transition, and many employers in tech, healthcare, and consulting actively sponsor. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you real runway to land and grow in this field.

Find OPT Program Manager Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs4,855+
Work Type85% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsJobot

Showing 5 of 4,855+ Program Manager jobs

Fresenius Medical Care
Acute Dialysis Services Program Manager
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Fresenius Medical Care
New 28m ago
Acute Dialysis Services Program Manager
Fresenius Medical Care
Marietta, Georgia
Healthcare Administration
Nursing
Human Resources
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tennessee State University
Teacher - Early Head Start Program
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Tennessee State University
New 1h ago
Teacher - Early Head Start Program
Tennessee State University
Tennessee
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$33k - $39k/yr
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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Rutgers University
Program Coordinator II
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Rutgers University
New 1h ago
Program Coordinator II
Rutgers University
Camden, New Jersey
Project & Program Management
Administrative & Office Support
Project Management
$53k - $77k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Trane Technologies
Associate Procurement Program Manager
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Trane Technologies
New 1h ago
Associate Procurement Program Manager
Trane Technologies
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Procurement & Supply Chain
Project & Program Management
Business Operations
Procurement & Purchasing
Project Management
$73k - $101k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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University of Utah
Chef, Food Program
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University of Utah
New 2h ago
Chef, Food Program
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah
Food Service
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Manager

Target employers with H-1B filing history

Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for Program Managers before are far more likely to do it again. Look for mid-to-large employers in tech, defense, and consulting, where PM roles are a standard part of the workforce.

Frame your degree as a specialty occupation match

Program Manager roles typically require a degree in business, engineering, or a related technical field. When applying, connect your specific degree to the job's requirements explicitly, this matters for both employer confidence and future H-1B eligibility.

Apply to STEM-adjacent PM roles if you have a STEM degree

Technical Program Manager and IT Program Manager positions often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. If your degree is in engineering, CS, or a related STEM field, prioritize roles with a technical scope to maximize your authorization window.

Address your OPT timeline early in conversations

Recruiters appreciate transparency. Mention your current OPT authorization and STEM extension eligibility upfront, this removes ambiguity, filters out employers who won't sponsor, and saves time on both sides of the process.

Highlight cross-functional leadership in your resume

Program Managers are evaluated on their ability to coordinate across teams under pressure. Concrete examples of managing stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables in previous roles or internships directly address what sponsoring employers want to see.

Pursue PMP or Agile certifications to strengthen your profile

A PMP certification or Scrum Master credential signals professional seriousness and reduces employer risk perception around sponsorship. Many hiring managers treat certifications as a differentiator when evaluating OPT candidates against domestic applicants.

Program Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Program Manager jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on the specific role and your degree. Technical Program Manager and IT Program Manager positions often qualify if the work is directly tied to a STEM field and your degree appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. A general Program Manager role in a non-technical industry is less likely to qualify. Confirm with your DSO before accepting any offer.

How do I find Program Manager jobs that sponsor OPT students?

Migrate Mate lists Program Manager roles from employers with a verified history of sponsoring work visas, so you're not wasting applications on companies that won't hire international students. Filter by role and authorization type to focus your search on positions where OPT is explicitly supported.

Can I work as a Program Manager on OPT if my degree is in a non-business field?

Yes, as long as the role has a clear connection to your field of study. An engineering graduate managing technical programs, or a computer science graduate overseeing software delivery, can typically demonstrate the required relationship. The connection needs to be substantive, vague overlap between your degree and the job description is unlikely to satisfy your DSO or a future H-1B adjudicator.

What happens to my OPT authorization if my Program Manager role is eliminated or I'm laid off?

You enter a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment. During that window, you can find a new Program Manager role and update your employer information with your DSO, transfer to a different visa status, or prepare to leave the U.S. if no options pan out. Do not let the 60 days lapse without taking action, unauthorized presence has serious long-term immigration consequences.

Are contract or consulting Program Manager positions valid for OPT?

Yes, contract and consulting arrangements can be valid for OPT, but the work must still be directly related to your degree and constitute legitimate employment, not self-employment. If you're placed by a staffing agency, the agency is typically your employer of record. Make sure your DSO updates your OPT records to reflect the correct employer, and clarify with them whether the arrangement meets SEVIS reporting requirements.