OPT Security Guard Jobs

Security Guard jobs on OPT are available through staffing agencies and direct employers, but your work authorization type matters. STEM OPT extensions don't apply here since security is not a STEM field, so standard 12-month OPT is your window. Many roles are full-time and W-2, which satisfies DSO employment reporting requirements.

See All OPT Security Guard Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs10+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type100% On-site
Median Salary$20K
Top LocationDuluth, MN
Most JobsLoomis

Showing 5 of 10+ Security Guard jobs

FERRARI EXPRESS INC
ARMORED CAR GUARD AND DRIVER
We won't show you this job again
FERRARI EXPRESS INC
Added 1mo ago
ARMORED CAR GUARD AND DRIVER
FERRARI EXPRESS INC
Jamaica, New York
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Security & Protective Services
$19/hr - $21/hr
On-Site
None

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Loomis
Armed Driver Guard
We won't show you this job again
Loomis
Added 2mo ago
Armed Driver Guard
Loomis
West Branch, Michigan
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Security & Protective Services
On-Site
None
5,001-10,000

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
TD Securities
Financial Advisor- Garden City, Long Island
We won't show you this job again
TD Securities
Added 1w ago
Financial Advisor- Garden City, Long Island
TD Securities
Garden City, New York
Sales
Customer Service & Support
Partnerships & Business Development
Finance
Accounting
Consulting & Professional Services
Customer Service
Business Development
Account Management
$78,520 - $117,520/yr
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Community Health Centers
Cybersecurity Operations Analyst
We won't show you this job again
Community Health Centers
Added 2w ago
Cybersecurity Operations Analyst
Community Health Centers
Winter Garden, Florida
Cybersecurity
Compliance & Legal
Cybersecurity Operations
Security Engineering
Compliance & Risk
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
501-1,000

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
St Thomas University Inc
Public Safety Dispatcher
We won't show you this job again
St Thomas University Inc
Added 3w ago
Public Safety Dispatcher
St Thomas University Inc
Miami Gardens, Florida
Customer Service & Support
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
IT Support & Systems Administration
Customer Service
Security & Protective Services
IT Support
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
High School

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)

See all Security Guard Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Security Guard roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all OPT Security Guard Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Security Guard Jobs.

Get Access To All Jobs

Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Security Guard

Target W-2 employers, not 1099 contractors

Security Guard work is often offered as contract or gig work, but OPT requires a legitimate employer-employee relationship. Seek W-2 positions with established security firms to ensure your employment satisfies USCIS work authorization requirements and DSO reporting standards.

Confirm the role meets your degree field requirement

OPT employment must be directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in criminal justice, homeland security, or a related field, security roles align well. Document how the position connects to your coursework before your DSO reports the job.

Report your employer to your DSO within 10 days

Once you start a Security Guard position, your DSO must update your SEVIS record within 10 days. Failing to report employment on time is one of the most common OPT violations. Keep your offer letter and start date ready to share immediately.

Check licensing requirements before applying

Most states require a security guard license, which involves background checks and training hours. Confirm you can meet those requirements as an F-1 student. Some states restrict non-citizen licensing, so verify eligibility in your specific state before investing time in applications.

Track your OPT end date against background check timelines

Security roles require background screenings that can take two to four weeks. Start your job search early enough so hiring and onboarding complete well before your OPT expires. A delayed start date won't extend your authorized period.

Clarify H-1B sponsorship intentions before accepting offers

Security Guard roles rarely lead to H-1B visa sponsorship since they don't typically qualify as specialty occupations. Have a direct conversation with employers about long-term sponsorship before accepting a position if you plan to remain in the U.S. after OPT.

Security Guard OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Security Guards in the United States?

Yes, F-1 students on OPT can work as Security Guards, provided the role is related to their degree field and they have a valid EAD card before starting work. The most relevant degree fields are criminal justice, homeland security, or public safety. You cannot begin work before your EAD start date, even if you have an offer letter in hand.

Does a Security Guard job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

No. Security Guard positions fall under protective services, not a STEM-designated field. This means you're limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. If you want to extend your time in the U.S., you'll need an employer willing to sponsor a different visa category, which is uncommon for this role. Plan your job search timeline accordingly.

Do Security Guard employers typically sponsor visas for OPT workers?

Visa sponsorship is rare in this field. Security Guard roles generally don't qualify as H-1B specialty occupations, which require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field directly tied to the job duties. Most employers in this sector are not set up to navigate immigration processes. Browse Migrate Mate to find employers who have a track record of supporting international workers.

What documents does a Security Guard employer need to verify my OPT work authorization?

Your employer will complete Form I-9 using your EAD card as proof of identity and work authorization. Bring your physical EAD card, your passport, and your F-1 visa on your first day. Some employers in regulated security roles may also request your SEVIS I-20 to confirm your student status. Never present an expired EAD, even if a renewal is pending.

What happens to my OPT status if I work part-time as a Security Guard?

Part-time work counts toward OPT as long as you work at least 20 hours per week. Working fewer than 20 hours is considered unemployment under OPT rules and counts against your 90-day unemployment limit. Full-time security positions are a safer option for maintaining valid OPT status and avoiding unintentional status violations.