OPT Underwriting Specialist Jobs
Underwriting Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT, typically requiring a degree in finance, business, or risk management. Most positions involve analyzing risk data and working with actuarial models, making STEM OPT extension eligibility possible for quantitative tracks. Your 12-month OPT clock starts on your authorized start date.
Find OPT Underwriting Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 41+ Underwriting Specialist jobs
See all 41+ Underwriting Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Underwriting Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout the Role:
Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies. Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
- Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
- Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
- Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
- Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
- Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
- Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
- Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
Experience
- 4-7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
- 4-7 years of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)
Skills
- Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
- Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
- Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
- Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).
Travel Requirements
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
About the Role:
Responsible for oversight of workflow management for a credit underwriting and loan portfolio management team within an assigned business line and ensuring comprehensive analysis of all new credit requests and servicing actions, as well as adherence to bank credit quality guidelines and other applicable policies. Coordinate workflow with other work groups to ensure smooth operation of the credit department and timely service to sales staff and customers.
- Direct timely and accurate completion of credit authorizations, commitment letters, and other work products.
- Oversee initial reviews of credit requests and make recommendations to Credit Director while ensuring compliance with bank and other applicable policies and procedures.
- Oversee management of loan portfolio to ensure portfolio has consistent, high quality and timely work that complies with all credit policies and procedures.
- Responsible for management of Credit Analysts, Commercial Underwriters, and Loan Portfolio Managers, including hiring, on-going training, performance reviews, coaching/development. May be required to manage and lead Credit Analyst internships for local university students.
- Oversee accurate and uniform written communication to clients, including commitment letters, declinations, and needs letters. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. Monitor point of contact for all underwriting/approval processes.
- Coordinate with Credit Administration and Internal Asset Review to respond to audit exceptions. Credit determinations for servicing requests and review of assigned deteriorating files. Prepare Loan Committee presentations. Perform annual credit quality reviews on assigned files.
- Facilitate a complete understanding of bank credit policies and systems through training of direct reports and internal partners.
- Administer assignments and follow up on all types of complex credits, and serve as a point of contact for related questions from direct reports and employees from other departments. Participate in internal credit and pipeline calls as necessary.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or related field (preferred)
Experience
- 4-7 years of Commercial Underwriting, Loan Portfolio Management or other related experience. (Required)
- 4-7 years of related supervisory/management experience. (Required)
Skills
- Proficient knowledge of underwriting, loan documentation, appraisal, and closing processes.
- Advanced knowledge and experience managing a commercial loan portfolio.
- Proficient knowledge of bank policies and documentation. Knowledge of SBA 504 Credit and Environmental policies, SBA 504 lending and eligibility standards, and SBA 504 documentation, if applicable to assigned position.
- Possess strong leadership, problem solving, analytical, mathematical, customer service, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to read and interpret data from credit reports, financial tables and charts, financial ratios, tax returns, and other financial statements and information.
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare written reports, correspondence, and financial and background information required.
- Experience managing and developing others and the ability to build and maintain relationships. Demonstrates a commitment to attracting, motivating, and retaining top talent.
- Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and industry specific software (Word, Excel, CreditLens, and nCino preferred).
Travel Requirements
Occasional
The pay range for this role is $145,000 to $195,000.
The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
4370 La Jolla Village Dr Suite 300 San Diego CA 92122
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
See all 41+ OPT Underwriting Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Underwriting Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Underwriting Specialist
Target employers with active OPT hiring history
Insurance carriers, reinsurance firms, and financial institutions regularly hire OPT students for underwriting roles. Focus on mid-to-large companies with dedicated early-career programs, as they're more familiar with OPT work authorization requirements and have HR processes already in place.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
If your degree is in actuarial science, statistics, or a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before interviews so you can accurately communicate your total authorized work period to employers.
Lead with your technical underwriting skills
Employers care most about risk modeling, data analysis, and proficiency with underwriting software. Highlighting these skills upfront shifts attention from your visa status to your value. Quantify results where possible, such as loss ratio improvements or portfolio growth you contributed to during internships.
Address the H-1B timeline proactively
Underwriting is a well-established specialty occupation, which strengthens H-1B visa petition approvals. Bring up the H-1B lottery timeline naturally when an offer is imminent, not at the first interview. Most underwriting employers in insurance and finance are familiar with the April filing window.
Get your EAD card before your start date
USCIS processing for OPT EAD cards can take 90 days or longer. Apply through your DSO as early as allowed, typically 90 days before graduation. You cannot legally begin working as an Underwriting Specialist until your EAD card arrives and your authorized start date passes.
Document the degree-to-job connection clearly
Underwriting Specialist roles require demonstrating that your degree relates directly to the position. Prepare a brief explanation linking your coursework in finance, mathematics, or business to core underwriting tasks. This documentation supports both your OPT authorization and any future H-1B specialty occupation claim.
Underwriting Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Underwriting Specialist role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Underwriting Specialist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require at least a bachelor's degree in finance, business, economics, or a related field. Your OPT work must be directly related to your degree, so a finance or business degree supporting an underwriting role is a strong fit. Keep documentation of this connection in case your DSO or employer asks.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as an Underwriting Specialist?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If you graduated with a degree in actuarial science, statistics, mathematics, or another STEM-designated field, your role may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Check your degree's official CIP code with your DSO and confirm the employer meets the E-Verify requirement, which is mandatory for STEM OPT.
How do I find Underwriting Specialist employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for international students and OPT candidates, so you're not wading through postings from employers who won't sponsor. Large insurance carriers, commercial banks, and reinsurance firms tend to have structured hiring programs that accommodate OPT timelines. Searching within those industries on Migrate Mate gives you a practical starting point.
What happens to my OPT if I switch from one underwriting employer to another?
You can change employers on OPT, but your new job must still be directly related to your degree and in a qualifying role. You're required to report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days. There's no need to reapply for a new EAD, but if you're on STEM OPT, your new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and you'll need to update your STEM OPT reporting accordingly.
Is Underwriting Specialist a strong occupation for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Underwriting Specialist is a well-established specialty occupation with a consistent record of H-1B approvals, particularly at insurance companies, commercial banks, and financial services firms. Employers in this industry are generally familiar with the H-1B process. The role's degree requirement in a specific field strengthens the specialty occupation argument, which is the foundation of every H-1B petition.