OPT Waiter Jobs
Waiter jobs can work on OPT, but most restaurant employers aren't familiar with F-1 work authorization. Your OPT EAD card is your proof of employment eligibility. Roles must be full-time during OPT and directly related to your field of study for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and ambitious. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and groundbreaking technology, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the hardest working and most creative minds in the industry.
What We Need:
We're seeking a Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you'll take ownership across a broad technical landscape - working in distributed systems, large-scale computing, and efficient databases to build high-performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world-class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world. This role reports into Lead Director of Programming.
What You Will Do:
- Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features
- Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
- Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
- Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions
- Deliver high-performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
- Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.
Who Will Be A Great Fit:
- 3+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server-side systems
- Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
- Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, javascript/typescript, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python and javascript
- Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
- Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
- Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large-scale software development
- Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account-based features, a strong plus
- Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
- Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
- Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, PostgresSQL, or similar systems
- Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
- Love for video games (not just ours!)
Compensation
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The pay range for this position in Irvine, California at the start of employment is expected to be between $102,900 and $137,200 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
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Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
At Visual Concepts, we believe great games are made by diverse and empowered teams with a shared passion for play. As one of the world's top game development studios, we have shipped over 100 multi-sku titles to critical acclaim and commercial success. Our teams are independent and ambitious. Our studios in Novato, Irvine, Budapest, Shanghai, Austin, Boise, Seoul and Parksville, Canada are committed to artistry and groundbreaking technology, offering top candidates the opportunity to learn and grow with some of the hardest working and most creative minds in the industry.
What We Need:
We're seeking a Engineer with a passion for server-side development to join the NBA 2K team! In this role, you'll take ownership across a broad technical landscape - working in distributed systems, large-scale computing, and efficient databases to build high-performance backend services. Your work will play a key role in delivering world-class online experiences that power one of the most popular sports game franchises in the world. This role reports into Lead Director of Programming.
What You Will Do:
- Work in the backend architecture and services that support NBA 2K's online features
- Design and optimize distributed systems to ensure scalability, reliability, and fault tolerance
- Build and maintain large-scale computing solutions that handle millions of concurrent players
- Develop efficient database structures and queries to support high-volume, real-time transactions
- Deliver high-performance backend services with a focus on low latency and stability
- Partner with engineering and design teams to enable seamless online gameplay experiences.
Who Will Be A Great Fit:
- 3+ years of professional software development experience, with a strong focus on backend and server-side systems
- Strong proficiency in C++ with a solid understanding of object-oriented programming principles
- Proficiency in one or more scripting languages such as Python, javascript/typescript, Perl, or Ruby, with a strong preference for Python and javascript
- Understanding of distributed and scalable systems
- Proven experience with multithreaded programming, driving efficiency and stability across large-scale, real-time environments
- Demonstrated ability to research, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies and trends to enhance team capabilities, platform performance, and product innovation
- BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience in large-scale software development
- Experience developing secure transaction systems, including virtual currency and account-based features, a strong plus
- Skilled in database optimization, including connection management and query performance tuning
- Familiarity with online gaming architectures and service design for live, connected player experiences
- Working knowledge of SQL databases such as MySQL, PostgresSQL, or similar systems
- Video game console development experience is highly beneficial
- Love for video games (not just ours!)
Compensation
-
The pay range for this position in Irvine, California at the start of employment is expected to be between $102,900 and $137,200 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
-
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
See all 54+ OPT Waiter Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Waiter
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When applying, emphasize that your Employment Authorization Document lets you work legally without employer sponsorship. Most restaurant managers don't know what OPT is, so framing it as straightforward work authorization reduces hesitation before interviews.
Confirm the role meets your field of study
For STEM OPT extensions, your waiter position must connect to your degree. Hospitality, food service management, and nutrition graduates have the clearest case. Document how the role aligns with your academic background before accepting any offer.
Target employers with multiple locations
Restaurant groups and hotel food and beverage operations tend to have HR departments that have processed work authorization before. Independent diners often have no process at all, which can slow your start date or create unnecessary complications.
Get your offer letter and start date in writing
Your OPT must be activated before you start working. Confirm your EAD start date and ensure your employer's proposed start date falls within your authorized period. A written offer protects you if timelines shift unexpectedly.
Track your hours carefully for STEM OPT compliance
STEM OPT requires at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying role. Restaurant schedules fluctuate, so confirm with your manager that your position is structured as consistent, full-time equivalent work rather than variable on-call shifts.
Report your employer to your DSO promptly
Once you accept a waiter position, report the employer name, address, and start date to your Designated School Official immediately. Delays in updating your SEVIS record can put your OPT status at risk, even if you have a valid EAD.
Waiter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a waiter on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a waiter on OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study and you have a valid Employment Authorization Document. Hospitality, culinary arts, nutrition, and food service management graduates have the clearest connection. Working in a role unrelated to your degree can jeopardize your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility.
Do waiter employers need to sponsor my visa?
No sponsorship is required during your OPT period. Your EAD card authorizes you to work for any employer, including restaurants, without them filing any visa petition. Employers only need to verify your authorization through standard I-9 documentation. If you later need H-1B visa sponsorship to stay in the U.S., that is a separate process and most restaurant employers do not offer it.
How do I find waiter jobs that accept OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate to find waiter and hospitality roles from employers who are familiar with OPT work authorization. Many food service positions list work authorization requirements upfront, which saves time during outreach. Filtering by role type and authorization status helps you focus on employers worth contacting.
Does a waiter job qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. A waiter role can qualify for STEM OPT if your field of study is classified as STEM and you can demonstrate a clear connection between the position and your academic training. A student with a degree in food science or nutrition working in a research-focused food service environment has a stronger case than a general hospitality graduate. Confirm with your DSO before relying on this path.
What happens to my OPT if my waiter job ends?
You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period, not per job. If your waiter position ends, that clock starts running immediately. You must report the change to your DSO and actively seek new employment. Exceeding 90 cumulative days of unemployment during OPT will end your authorized stay, so move quickly.