OPT Software Development Manager Jobs

Software Development Manager jobs are accessible on F-1 OPT, including STEM OPT extension, since the role typically requires a degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. Most employers filing H-1B visa sponsorship are large tech companies or enterprise software firms actively hiring engineering leaders.

Find OPT Software Development Manager Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs620+
Work Type88% On-site
Top LocationSeattle, WA
Most JobsAmazon.com

Showing 5 of 620+ Software Development Manager jobs

Swift
Jr. Software Development Engineer in Test
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Swift
New 5h ago
Jr. Software Development Engineer in Test
Swift
Manassas, Virginia
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Automation QA
$82k - $153k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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TikTok
Software Development Engineer Graduate
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TikTok
New 9h ago
Software Development Engineer Graduate
TikTok
San Jose, California
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Automation QA
$128k - $256k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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CVS Health
Software Development Engineer
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CVS Health
New 11h ago
Software Development Engineer
CVS Health
Wisconsin
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Data Science & Analytics
Backend Engineering
$72k - $144k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Software Development Engineer in Test 2
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
New 12h ago
Software Development Engineer in Test 2
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Lehi, Utah
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Software Engineering
Automation QA
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Mgr Pre Access - Central Scheduling
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St. Elizabeth Healthcare
New 14h ago
Mgr Pre Access - Central Scheduling
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Erlanger, Kentucky
Healthcare Administration
Customer Service & Support
Customer Service
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Software Development Manager

Target companies already filing H-1B for engineering roles

Employers who sponsor H-1B visas for software engineers are far more likely to sponsor a Software Development Manager. Check OFLC disclosure data to confirm a company's sponsorship history before investing time in their application process.

Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility upfront

If your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a related STEM field, you qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this early gives employers a longer runway and reduces hesitation about your authorization timeline.

Frame your technical depth alongside leadership scope

Hiring managers for this role want both engineering credibility and team leadership. Quantify team size, delivery outcomes, and technical decisions you owned. Generic management experience without technical grounding rarely clears the bar at sponsoring employers.

Prioritize companies with established immigration infrastructure

Large tech firms and well-funded scale-ups have immigration counsel on retainer and defined H-1B sponsorship processes. Smaller startups may be willing but lack the operational capacity to file correctly and on time before your OPT expires.

Prepare a clear authorization timeline for recruiter conversations

Know your OPT end date, STEM extension eligibility, and H-1B cap deadline. Recruiters frequently ask early in the process. A confident, organized answer reduces friction and signals you understand the sponsorship process as well as they do.

Negotiate the H-1B timeline into your offer conversation

If your OPT expires soon after your start date, raise the H-1B filing timeline before signing. Confirming the employer will file in the next cap season protects you from starting a role that loses authorization within months of joining.

Software Development Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Software Development Manager on F-1 OPT?

Yes. Software Development Manager is a specialty occupation that requires a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science, software engineering, or a related technical field, which directly satisfies OPT work authorization requirements. Your employment must be in a role directly related to your major field of study, and you must report it to your DSO within the required timeframe.

Does a Software Development Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It does if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, software engineering, or information systems, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role itself involves applying STEM knowledge in a managerial and technical capacity, which USCIS generally accepts. Confirm your degree's CIP code qualifies with your DSO before filing the extension.

How do I find Software Development Manager jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?

Migrate Mate filters Software Development Manager listings by employers who actively sponsor work visas, saving you from applying to roles where sponsorship is off the table. Focusing on companies with a documented H-1B filing history in engineering and technical management roles significantly improves your conversion rate from application to offer.

Do Software Development Manager roles typically require H-1B sponsorship to transition from OPT?

Yes, for most F-1 students this is the standard path after OPT. The H-1B cap-subject lottery opens each April for an October 1 start date, so timing matters if your OPT expires mid-year. Some employers also file for H-1B1 visa or O-1 visas depending on your background, and cap-exempt institutions like universities or nonprofits are an option worth considering.

Will employers view my OPT status as a barrier for a management-level role?

Some will, but many established tech employers routinely sponsor engineering managers and are comfortable with the process. The stronger your technical leadership record and the earlier you surface the sponsorship conversation, the less friction you'll encounter. Companies that have previously filed H-1B petitions for senior engineers have the infrastructure in place and are the most practical targets.