OPT Writer Jobs
Writer roles on OPT cover content, copywriting, technical writing, and editorial work. Most qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT rules, but your degree field needs to align with the role. Cap-gap protection applies if your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
WPIX 11 has an immediate opening for a full-time Writer for PIX11 news broadcasts. The position is based in New York, NY.
Responsibilities
- Writing stories for various television newscasts
- Desk-top editing of video for the stories you write
- Working to coordinate live shots from reporters and photographers in the field under deadline pressure
- Contributing creative ideas for broadcasts and other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 3 years of experience as a writer or producer of television news broadcasts
- College degree in Journalism or Mass Communications, or significant related experience
- Knowledge of ENPS systems is ideal
- Demonstrated facility with language and a writing style that is designed to be off-the-cuff and fun, yet authoritative and credible
- Strong writing, video, news judgment, and internet skills are essential
- Ability to work well under pressure and work well with others
COMPENSATION
- Hourly Rate: $29+
INTRODUCTION
WPIX 11 has an immediate opening for a full-time Writer for PIX11 news broadcasts. The position is based in New York, NY.
Responsibilities
- Writing stories for various television newscasts
- Desk-top editing of video for the stories you write
- Working to coordinate live shots from reporters and photographers in the field under deadline pressure
- Contributing creative ideas for broadcasts and other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- At least 3 years of experience as a writer or producer of television news broadcasts
- College degree in Journalism or Mass Communications, or significant related experience
- Knowledge of ENPS systems is ideal
- Demonstrated facility with language and a writing style that is designed to be off-the-cuff and fun, yet authoritative and credible
- Strong writing, video, news judgment, and internet skills are essential
- Ability to work well under pressure and work well with others
COMPENSATION
- Hourly Rate: $29+
See all 236+ OPT Writer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Writer
Track your 90-day unemployment limit
F-1 OPT students cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment. Between writing contracts or full-time roles, freelance work counts toward authorized employment and helps you stay compliant while building your portfolio.
Target employers who have sponsored writers before
Media companies, tech firms, and agencies with in-house content teams are most likely to understand OPT and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship. Search Migrate Mate to filter for employers actively hiring international writers.
Clarify your authorization status early
Mention OPT in your first outreach, not during an offer. Most writing teams have small HR functions and appreciate time to confirm compliance. Early transparency avoids late-stage rejections after multiple interview rounds.
Document every employment period carefully
Keep offer letters, contracts, and end dates organized. DSOs need accurate employment records to report your work in SEVP. Gaps or inconsistencies in your employment history can complicate future STEM OPT or H-1B applications.
Apply for STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Technical writers and UX writers with STEM-designated degrees can extend OPT by 24 months. File Form I-765 at least 90 days before your current EAD expires and confirm your employer meets the E-Verify requirement.
Writer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Writer job qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization?
Yes, most writer roles qualify as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A content writer with a communications degree or a technical writer with an engineering background both meet the requirement. The key is that your degree field and job responsibilities have a clear, logical connection that you can document for your DSO.
Can I work as a freelance writer on OPT?
Yes. Freelance writing counts as authorized OPT employment, but each client engagement needs to be reported to your DSO and tracked in SEVP. You cannot work more than 20 hours per week on pre-completion OPT. On post-completion OPT, there is no hourly cap, but every active engagement must relate directly to your degree field.
How do I find Writer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so every listing on the platform is relevant to your authorization status. Searching general job boards often wastes time because most postings do not specify OPT eligibility upfront. Filtering on Migrate Mate by role and industry gives you a focused list of employers already familiar with sponsoring international hires.
Does a Writer role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you have a bachelor's or higher in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information systems, or data analytics, and your writing role, such as technical writing or UX writing, uses that technical background, you may qualify. A journalism or English degree does not qualify for STEM OPT regardless of the writing specialty.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B visa for a Writer position?
Some will. Writing roles at large tech companies, financial institutions, and agencies with dedicated content operations are more likely to pursue H-1B sponsorship because they have established immigration support processes. Smaller editorial teams or startups often lack the infrastructure. Focusing your search on employers with a track record of filing for creative or communications professionals improves your odds significantly.