STEM OPT Entry Level Jobs

Entry level jobs are a strong fit for STEM OPT students: most require the bachelor's degrees that qualify you for the 24-month extension, and entry-level hiring cycles give you time to confirm E-Verify enrollment before your initial OPT period ends. Your 36 months of total work authorization covers a full early-career runway.

Find STEM OPT Entry Level Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs2,037+
Work Type86% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsJPMorganChase

Showing 5 of 2,037+ Entry Level jobs

BTI Solutions
Jr. Java Developer
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BTI Solutions
New 13h ago
Jr. Java Developer
BTI Solutions
Plano, Texas
Software Engineering
Backend Engineering
$56k - $83k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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ICF
Junior Program Analyst
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ICF
New 19h ago
Junior Program Analyst
ICF
Arlington, Virginia
Project & Program Management
Administrative & Office Support
Business Operations
$56k - $95k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Junior Component Engineer
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Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
New 20h ago
Junior Component Engineer
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Chestnut Ridge, New York
Specialized Engineering
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Engineering (Non-Software)
$73k - $97k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Mevion Medical Systems Inc
Junior Electrical Engineer
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Mevion Medical Systems Inc
Added 1d ago
Junior Electrical Engineer
Mevion Medical Systems Inc
Littleton, Massachusetts
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$85k - $95k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Capgemini
Junior AI Consultant
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Capgemini
Added 1d ago
Junior AI Consultant
Capgemini
Houston, Texas
Software Engineering
Cloud & DevOps
Data Science & Analytics
Consulting & Professional Services
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
$44k - $106k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 2,037+ STEM OPT Entry Level Jobs

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Entry Level

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a DHS-designated STEM field. Your DSO can confirm this from your I-20, and mismatches discovered after filing delay or invalidate your extension.

Screen job postings for E-Verify language

Look for 'E-Verify employer' or 'authorized to work in the U.S.' disclosures in the job listing. If neither appears, ask the recruiter directly before investing time in the process, since E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT.

Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate

Filter entry level roles by employers already confirmed as E-Verify participants on Migrate Mate. This removes the guesswork of vetting sponsorship eligibility yourself and puts you in front of roles structured for OPT students from day one.

Draft your I-983 training plan early

The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree before your employer signs it. Prepare a draft outlining your role, skills you'll develop, and how each maps to your field so the employer review goes quickly.

Time your application to your OPT end date

Submit your STEM OPT extension application no later than 90 days before your initial OPT expires. USCIS recommends filing earlier given processing variability, and a gap in authorization resets your job search timeline significantly.

Confirm the role qualifies as a training experience

USCIS requires that your entry level position provide practical training directly related to your degree. Review the job description against your I-983 objectives before accepting an offer to avoid a denial or a required amendment later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in an entry level job on STEM OPT?

Yes. Entry level roles qualify for STEM OPT as long as the position provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role doesn't need to be senior or highly specialized. What matters is the connection between your job duties and your degree field, which you document on the I-983 training plan.

How do I know if an entry level employer is enrolled in E-Verify?

Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly whether the company is an E-Verify participant. Some job postings include this disclosure, but many don't. You can also ask for the company's E-Verify company ID as confirmation. Migrate Mate filters entry level listings by verified E-Verify employers, so you can skip this vetting step and apply with confidence.

What STEM degrees qualify me for the 24-month OPT extension?

Your degree must fall under a DHS-designated STEM Classification of Instructional Programs code. Common qualifying fields include computer science, engineering, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and data science, but the full list is maintained by DHS and tied to the CIP code on your I-20. Your DSO can confirm your eligibility before you file. Degrees outside designated codes don't qualify regardless of how technical the role is.

What is the I-983 and what do I need from my entry level employer?

The I-983 is a training plan that documents how your entry level role connects to your STEM degree. You and your employer complete it together before your extension is filed. Your employer must describe your job duties, identify the skills you'll gain, and sign the form. USCIS can request it during a site visit, so both you and your employer should keep copies for the full duration of your authorization.

Does cap-gap coverage apply while my STEM OPT extension is pending?

Cap-gap applies to F-1 students whose H-1B visa petition is filed before their OPT expires, not to the STEM OPT extension itself. If you're in your initial OPT period and your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf, cap-gap extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. The STEM OPT extension is a separate process filed with USCIS and doesn't trigger cap-gap coverage on its own.