OPT Underwriter Jobs

Underwriter jobs on OPT involve assessing risk for insurance, mortgage, or financial products, and most roles require a finance, economics, or business degree, which aligns well with OPT eligibility. STEM OPT extension is available for underwriting roles at quantitative or data-focused firms. Your 12- or 24-month OPT window is enough time to demonstrate value and secure H-1B visa sponsorship.

Find OPT Underwriter Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs241+
Work Type80% On-site
Top LocationChicago, IL
Most JobsRisksmith Insurance Services

Showing 5 of 241+ Underwriter jobs

CVS Health
Analyst, Underwriter
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CVS Health
New 11h ago
Analyst, Underwriter
CVS Health
Atlanta, Georgia
Business Analysis
Finance
Accounting
Business Analyst
$21 - $44/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Travelers
Inland Marine Underwriter, Account Executive
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Travelers
New 16h ago
Inland Marine Underwriter, Account Executive
Travelers
St. Louis, Missouri
Sales
Partnerships & Business Development
Business Development
Enterprise Sales
Account Management
$90k - $148k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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KeyBank
Business Banking Underwriter II
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KeyBank
New 21h ago
Business Banking Underwriter II
KeyBank
Amherst, New York
Finance
Accounting
Business Analysis
Compliance & Legal
Audit
Tax
$48k - $72k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Prudential
Agency Underwriter
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Prudential
New 22h ago
Agency Underwriter
Prudential
Arlington, Virginia
Finance
Accounting
Partnerships & Business Development
Project & Program Management
Human Resources
Investment Banking & Capital Markets
Property Management
$135k - $145k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Surety Underwriter
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Liberty Mutual Insurance
Added 1d ago
Surety Underwriter
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Chicago, Illinois
Customer Service & Support
Partnerships & Business Development
Business Development
$65k - $154k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Underwriter

Target financial services firms with H-1B track records

Large insurers, banks, and mortgage companies file H-1B visa petitions regularly. Search OFLC disclosure data to confirm which employers have sponsored underwriters before approaching them. Firms with no prior filings are higher-risk targets for OPT students.

Pursue STEM-designated programs if your degree qualifies

Underwriting roles at data-driven or insurtech firms may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-classified field. This gives employers more runway to sponsor you, making you a lower-risk hire.

Get licensed as early as possible

Many underwriting roles require state property, casualty, or life insurance licenses. Obtaining licensure before or during your job search signals commitment and removes a common employer concern about hiring candidates who still need to get certified.

Address OPT timeline proactively in interviews

Employers often hesitate because they assume sponsorship is complicated. Come prepared to explain your OPT end date, the H-1B timeline, and cap-gap protection. A clear, confident explanation reduces perceived risk and moves conversations forward.

Highlight quantitative skills in your application

Underwriting is increasingly data-heavy. Emphasize proficiency in actuarial models, risk scoring tools, SQL, or Python where applicable. Technical depth makes your profile more competitive and strengthens the specialty occupation case for H-1B sponsorship.

Focus on specialty or commercial lines over personal lines

Commercial, specialty, and surplus lines underwriting roles tend to involve more complex analysis, making them stronger candidates for specialty occupation classification under H-1B. Personal lines roles can be harder to sponsor due to lower degree-specificity requirements.

Underwriter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an underwriter on OPT?

Yes. Underwriting roles at insurance companies, banks, and mortgage firms are generally eligible for OPT work authorization, provided the job is directly related to your degree field, typically finance, economics, business, or a related discipline. Make sure your offer letter reflects a job title and duties that align with your degree to avoid DSO complications.

Do underwriting jobs at insurance companies typically sponsor H-1B visas?

Many large carriers and financial institutions do sponsor H-1B visas for underwriters, particularly for commercial, specialty, or technical underwriting roles. Sponsorship is less common at smaller regional firms or for entry-level personal lines positions. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for employers that sponsor OPT students, which saves time and improves your odds.

Does underwriting qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree classification, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as actuarial science, applied mathematics, statistics, or certain quantitative finance programs, your underwriting role may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Business administration and general finance degrees are typically not STEM-classified. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.

What documents do I need to start an underwriting job on OPT?

You need a valid EAD card showing your authorized work period, a job offer in a field related to your degree, and an updated I-20 reflecting your OPT authorization. Your employer will complete Form I-9 using your EAD. Report the job to your DSO within 10 days of starting, since OPT requires continuous employment reporting to stay in valid status.

How much time do I realistically have to secure H-1B sponsorship as an underwriter on OPT?

On standard OPT, you have up to 12 months, which covers one H-1B filing cycle if you start before the April 1 registration window. STEM OPT adds 24 months, giving you two or three cycles. Cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30 if your H-1B is selected and your OPT expires while the petition is pending. Starting the conversation with your employer early in your OPT period is important.