User Experience UX Jobs for OPT Students
User Experience UX roles qualify for OPT work authorization when the position requires a degree in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, or Psychology. Most UX positions at tech companies, agencies, and startups fall within STEM-adjacent or design disciplines, making them strong fits for standard 12-month OPT.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.
JOB DESCRIPTION
As a User Experience Designer, you’ll be working with various City departments to help determine product feature and interface designs on phila.gov and the City’s other digital platforms. You'll collaborate with departments across the City and collect feedback from the public to inform the development of design recommendations. Working closely with members of OIT’s Software Engineering and Content Strategy teams, you’ll help prioritize features, create prototypes, and ensure the highest quality of work. Please note this is not a design research position. We’re looking for visually focused user experience professionals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Designing:
- Create sketches, wireframes, site maps, and other deliverables that incorporate best practices in usability, accessibility, interaction design, mobile design, and responsive strategies.
- Facilitate requirements gathering activities through a variety of methods, including needs assessments and desk research.
- Synthesize requirements into documents that clearly articulate a digital product’s features.
Collaborating:
- Lead project partners and team members through the UX design process.
- Collaborate with designers, developers, and content strategists to define product experiences that champion the user.
- Collaborate with all designers to incorporate the identity of the City into all product work.
- Participate and contribute to conversations related to UX design and project work.
Project managing:
- Clearly communicate status of work to leadership, team members, and other stakeholders.
- Effectively navigate through ambiguity and project challenges.
- Deliver project work on time.
- Break down project tasks into reasonable project plans with key milestones and deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- A design-related degree or relevant industry experience.
- Ability to sketch, create concepts, wireframe, produce sitemaps and user flows, and create interactive prototypes.
- Ability to clearly express complex information through design.
- Ability to design for consistency with standards rather than creative expression.
- Ability to analyze user feedback and activity then iterate to enhance the user experience.
- Ability to clearly and effectively present ideas, research findings, sketches, and other deliverables to a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to provide and receive feedback on your own and other’s project work.
- At least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in user experience design, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Knowledge of industry and design best practices related to website and application design.
- Knowledge of human-centered design, rapid prototyping, usability, and accessibility concerns.
- Ability to design for accessibility accommodating varying ability levels.
Competencies
- Excellent communicator: Articulate jargon to general audiences (e.g., City departments and the public), explain the logic behind design decisions, craft compelling narratives about product work, write and speak clearly, and cultivate effective communication among team members.
- Relationship-builder: Work with a variety of people and personalities, listen and ask questions to identify new design opportunities, and cultivate strong relationships to ensure seamless collaboration and continued project support.
- Curious: Practice active listening, ask questions to get to the root of a problem, be open to receiving/giving constructive feedback, and have a sincere interest in learning new skills or growing old ones.
- Compassionate: Turn empathy into actionable solutions that address people’s real needs with integrity.
- Organized: Demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks, estimate timelines, rework a project approach based on unforeseen challenges, works well under pressure, and set/meet reasonable deadlines.
- Action-oriented: Understand opportunities, navigate barriers, be self-directed, and problem solve for solutions that enhance the UX team’s deliverables, processes, and practices.
- Resilient: Have a sense of humor, learns from mistakes, and/or returns to work after experiencing a setback.
Especially strong candidates will have:
- A portfolio that demonstrates use of information synthesis and detailed design solutions.
- A personal interest in and/or perspective on the intersection of social impact and design.
- Proficiency with tools and applications that support design and prototype creation.
- Proven experience showing clear understanding of the intersection between user needs, technology requirements, and business goals.
- Extreme attention to detail with a focus on efficiency.
- Experience with Figma and Design Systems.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Salary: $75,000-$83,000
Salary cannot exceed $83,000
We’re interested in hiring the best possible candidate for the role. We recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and that many skillsets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.
Please include:
- Resume
- A cover letter explaining why you’re passionate about participating in the design of the City of Philadelphia’s digital presence.
- At least three samples of work relevant to the position.
Please note: Applications will not be considered without a cover letter.
Did you know?
- We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer: 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Generous retirement savings options are available.
- The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
INTRODUCTION
The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency.
JOB DESCRIPTION
As a User Experience Designer, you’ll be working with various City departments to help determine product feature and interface designs on phila.gov and the City’s other digital platforms. You'll collaborate with departments across the City and collect feedback from the public to inform the development of design recommendations. Working closely with members of OIT’s Software Engineering and Content Strategy teams, you’ll help prioritize features, create prototypes, and ensure the highest quality of work. Please note this is not a design research position. We’re looking for visually focused user experience professionals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Designing:
- Create sketches, wireframes, site maps, and other deliverables that incorporate best practices in usability, accessibility, interaction design, mobile design, and responsive strategies.
- Facilitate requirements gathering activities through a variety of methods, including needs assessments and desk research.
- Synthesize requirements into documents that clearly articulate a digital product’s features.
Collaborating:
- Lead project partners and team members through the UX design process.
- Collaborate with designers, developers, and content strategists to define product experiences that champion the user.
- Collaborate with all designers to incorporate the identity of the City into all product work.
- Participate and contribute to conversations related to UX design and project work.
Project managing:
- Clearly communicate status of work to leadership, team members, and other stakeholders.
- Effectively navigate through ambiguity and project challenges.
- Deliver project work on time.
- Break down project tasks into reasonable project plans with key milestones and deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- A design-related degree or relevant industry experience.
- Ability to sketch, create concepts, wireframe, produce sitemaps and user flows, and create interactive prototypes.
- Ability to clearly express complex information through design.
- Ability to design for consistency with standards rather than creative expression.
- Ability to analyze user feedback and activity then iterate to enhance the user experience.
- Ability to clearly and effectively present ideas, research findings, sketches, and other deliverables to a range of stakeholders.
- Ability to provide and receive feedback on your own and other’s project work.
- At least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in user experience design, or a related field.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Knowledge of industry and design best practices related to website and application design.
- Knowledge of human-centered design, rapid prototyping, usability, and accessibility concerns.
- Ability to design for accessibility accommodating varying ability levels.
Competencies
- Excellent communicator: Articulate jargon to general audiences (e.g., City departments and the public), explain the logic behind design decisions, craft compelling narratives about product work, write and speak clearly, and cultivate effective communication among team members.
- Relationship-builder: Work with a variety of people and personalities, listen and ask questions to identify new design opportunities, and cultivate strong relationships to ensure seamless collaboration and continued project support.
- Curious: Practice active listening, ask questions to get to the root of a problem, be open to receiving/giving constructive feedback, and have a sincere interest in learning new skills or growing old ones.
- Compassionate: Turn empathy into actionable solutions that address people’s real needs with integrity.
- Organized: Demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks, estimate timelines, rework a project approach based on unforeseen challenges, works well under pressure, and set/meet reasonable deadlines.
- Action-oriented: Understand opportunities, navigate barriers, be self-directed, and problem solve for solutions that enhance the UX team’s deliverables, processes, and practices.
- Resilient: Have a sense of humor, learns from mistakes, and/or returns to work after experiencing a setback.
Especially strong candidates will have:
- A portfolio that demonstrates use of information synthesis and detailed design solutions.
- A personal interest in and/or perspective on the intersection of social impact and design.
- Proficiency with tools and applications that support design and prototype creation.
- Proven experience showing clear understanding of the intersection between user needs, technology requirements, and business goals.
- Extreme attention to detail with a focus on efficiency.
- Experience with Figma and Design Systems.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Salary: $75,000-$83,000
Salary cannot exceed $83,000
We’re interested in hiring the best possible candidate for the role. We recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and that many skillsets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.
Please include:
- Resume
- A cover letter explaining why you’re passionate about participating in the design of the City of Philadelphia’s digital presence.
- At least three samples of work relevant to the position.
Please note: Applications will not be considered without a cover letter.
Did you know?
- We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer: 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities.
- We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
- Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
- Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Generous retirement savings options are available.
- The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in User Experience UX
Frame your portfolio around business impact
UX hiring managers want to see outcomes, not just deliverables. Quantify your case studies with metrics like task completion rates, user satisfaction scores, or conversion improvements. Numbers make your work legible to both designers and non-designers in the hiring process.
Know which OPT category your degree falls under
Human-Computer Interaction and Information Science degrees often qualify for STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles, so you can accurately communicate your authorization timeline to recruiters during the interview process.
Apply early in the OPT window
UX hiring cycles often run four to eight weeks from first-round interview to offer. Starting your search three to four months before your OPT start date gives employers enough runway to complete the process before your authorization becomes urgent.
Target companies with established design teams
Larger organizations with dedicated UX departments are more experienced with OPT work authorization. They have HR processes already in place, which reduces friction and delays compared to smaller companies encountering OPT documentation requirements for the first time.
Be explicit about your authorization type upfront
State clearly that you have OPT work authorization and whether you qualify for the STEM extension. Employers often assume international students require immediate H-1B sponsorship, so correcting this early in the conversation removes a common barrier to moving forward.
Highlight transferable research skills for UX roles
User research, usability testing, and synthesis methods translate directly from academic psychology, anthropology, and information science backgrounds. Connecting your coursework to practical UX research methods helps recruiters understand your qualifications even if your degree title is unconventional.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do User Experience UX jobs qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, UX roles qualify for OPT when the position is directly related to your degree field. Degrees in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Information Science, Psychology, and Computer Science all support UX job authorization. Your DSO can confirm the connection between your specific degree and the role before you accept an offer.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension working as a UX designer or researcher?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees classified under Computer Science, Information Technology, or Human-Computer Interaction typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Design-only degrees without a STEM classification generally do not. Confirm your CIP code with your international student office before banking on an extension.
How do I find UX jobs where employers are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so the roles listed there are from employers already familiar with or open to OPT work authorization. Filtering by UX or design roles on Migrate Mate surfaces positions where you won't spend time convincing employers that OPT is a valid work authorization type.
Does my OPT need to start before I begin a UX internship or full-time role?
Yes. You cannot work before your OPT start date appears on your EAD card, even if your employer is ready to onboard you. Coordinate your OPT application timeline with your DSO well in advance, since USCIS typically takes three to five months to process EAD applications from the date of filing.
What documentation do UX employers typically ask for when hiring OPT students?
Employers will request your EAD card, current F-1 visa, I-20 with OPT authorization endorsed by your DSO, and passport. Some employers also ask for your I-94 arrival record to confirm your lawful admission. Keep digital copies of all documents ready, since onboarding teams often need them before your first day to complete Form I-9 verification.
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