STEM OPT Computer Scientist Jobs

Computer Scientist roles fall squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 24 months of additional work authorization beyond your initial OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in computer science, mathematics, or a related STEM field must align with the CIP code on your I-20.

See All Computer Scientist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs20+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type75% On-site
Median Salary$111K
Top LocationAlabama
Most JobsUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville

Showing 5 of 20+ Computer Scientist jobs

Nobel Biocare
R&D Computer Scientist Intern
We won't show you this job again
Nobel Biocare
Added 1d ago
R&D Computer Scientist Intern
Nobel Biocare
Brea, California
Research & Academia
Laboratory Research
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
Not listed
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Computer Scientist II
We won't show you this job again
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Added 2w ago
Computer Scientist II
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Alabama
Data Science & Analytics
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Data Science
$83,996/yr - $89,611/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Master's
501-1,000

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Exponent
Computer Scientist
We won't show you this job again
Exponent
Added 4mo ago
Computer Scientist
Exponent
Menlo Park, California
Software Engineering
Data Science
Technical Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
$132,000/yr - $154,000/yr
On-Site
Doctorate

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Charles River Associates
Consulting Associate/Computer Scientist
We won't show you this job again
Charles River Associates
Added 5mo ago
Consulting Associate/Computer Scientist
Charles River Associates
New York, New York
Consulting & Professional Services
Technical Program Management
$100,000/yr - $126,500/yr
Hybrid
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)
Meta
Research Scientist, Computer Vision
We won't show you this job again
Meta
Added 1mo ago
Research Scientist, Computer Vision
Meta
Menlo Park, California
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Data Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
ML (Machine Learning)
Data Science
$184,000/yr - $217,000/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

Give feedback about this job
Min 10 characters (0/10)

See all Computer Scientist jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Computer Scientist roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all Computer Scientist jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Computer Scientist roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Computer Scientist

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that the CIP code on your I-20 maps to a STEM-designated field, computer science, information technology, and applied mathematics all qualify. A mismatch between your degree field and your listed CIP code can block your extension filing, so confirm with your DSO before you start applications.

Filter job postings by E-Verify status

Only employers enrolled in E-Verify can hire you on a STEM OPT extension. Use Migrate Mate to search Computer Scientist roles at verified E-Verify employers, so you're not spending interviews on companies that can't legally extend your authorization.

Target employers with active LCA filings

Companies that file Labor Condition Applications through DOL for H-1B roles already understand prevailing wage obligations and STEM work authorization. These employers are structurally prepared to manage your I-983 training plan and future sponsorship, making them lower-friction targets than first-time sponsors.

Negotiate your I-983 training plan early

Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your computer science degree, not just your job duties. Raise it during the offer stage, before onboarding, so your employer's HR team has time to draft goals that satisfy USCIS requirements without delaying your extension start date.

Use O*NET to validate role alignment

O*NET lists the knowledge, skills, and typical education levels for Computer Scientist positions. Referencing the O*NET occupation profile during interviews and in your I-983 demonstrates that your daily tasks connect directly to your STEM degree, which strengthens your extension documentation.

Time your application around the 90-day window

USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Missing that window means a gap in work authorization, so align your offer acceptance timeline to give your DSO enough lead time to issue the updated I-20.

Computer Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

Find Computer Scientist Jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Computer Scientist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, applied mathematics, or information systems, and the CIP code on your I-20 appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. The role itself must also be directly related to that degree field. Your DSO confirms eligibility before issuing the updated I-20 required for the extension application.

How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?

You can ask your employer directly for their E-Verify company ID, or search the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website. Enrollment must be active at the time you begin STEM OPT employment, not just at the time of hiring. If your employer isn't enrolled, they must complete E-Verify enrollment before your extension start date or you'll lose authorization to work.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Computer Scientist?

Your I-983 must document specific learning objectives that connect your day-to-day Computer Scientist duties to your STEM degree. Generic job descriptions aren't sufficient. USCIS expects goals tied to measurable outcomes, such as applying algorithm design principles or implementing systems architectures rooted in your coursework. Your employer's HR or engineering lead typically co-signs the plan, and your DSO reviews it before submission.

What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?

If your H-1B is selected and your employer files the petition before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of the fiscal year the H-1B takes effect. You don't need a new EAD during this period. USCIS issues guidance on cap-gap eligibility each cycle, so confirm the current rules apply to your situation with your DSO.

Where can I find Computer Scientist jobs at E-Verify employers that support STEM OPT?

Migrate Mate lists Computer Scientist roles filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment and sponsorship history, so you can search without manually screening each company. Beyond the job board, reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data shows which employers have filed for similar technical roles, giving you a practical shortlist of organizations already familiar with work authorization requirements for STEM graduates.

See which Computer Scientist employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.

Search Computer Scientist Jobs