STEM OPT IT Programmer Jobs

IT Programmer roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can start.

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Overview

Open Jobs16+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type94% On-site
Median Salary$82K
Top LocationLewisville, TX
Most JobsUnited Rentals

Showing 5 of 16+ IT Programmer jobs

University of North Texas
IT Programmer Analyst
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University of North Texas
Added 1mo ago
IT Programmer Analyst
University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Software Engineering
Data Science & Analytics
Technical Product & Program Management
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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North Carolina State University
IT Systems Programmer Sr.
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North Carolina State University
Added 1mo ago
IT Systems Programmer Sr.
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Software Engineering
Technical Product & Program Management
IT Support & Systems Administration
Backend Engineering
IT Support
$95,000/yr - $112,505/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Hampton University
IT Analyst/ Programmer
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Hampton University
Added 3mo ago
IT Analyst/ Programmer
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
Cybersecurity
IT Support
Technical Program Management
Systems Administration
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Oregon State University
Analyst Programmer
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Oregon State University
Added 1w ago
Analyst Programmer
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Data Engineering
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
Database Administration (DBA)
Systems Administration
$5,511/mo - $10,228/mo
Hybrid
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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University of Florida
Systems Admin/Programmer III
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University of Florida
Added 3w ago
Systems Admin/Programmer III
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
IT Support & Systems Administration
Cloud & DevOps
Cybersecurity
IT Support
Systems Administration
Security Engineering
$82,000/yr - $90,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in IT Programmer

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Mismatches between your I-20 CIP code and your actual field of study are a common reason STEM OPT extension requests get rejected.

Screen job postings for E-Verify enrollment

Before accepting any IT Programmer role, confirm the employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Enrollment lapses when a company is acquired or restructured, so verify current status through the E-Verify employer search tool.

Align your I-983 training plan to programming tasks

Your training plan must list specific IT Programmer duties, learning objectives, and supervision structure that connect directly to your STEM degree. Generic job descriptions get flagged by DSOs, so request a role-specific plan from your employer before submitting to your school.

Target employers with established OPT hiring workflows

Use Migrate Mate to identify IT Programmer roles at employers with documented OPT and STEM extension hiring history. Companies that have filed LCAs under relevant SOC codes are more likely to have HR processes that handle STEM OPT paperwork without delays.

File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early

USCIS allows you to file up to 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Filing early protects your authorization gap, since USCIS processing for Form I-765 can run several months and you cannot work during a lapse.

Cross-reference your offer letter against prevailing wage data

Before signing, look up the prevailing wage for IT Programmer roles in your metro area using the OFLC Wage Search. Your employer's offered compensation must meet or exceed the DOL wage level for your position and location to support a valid training plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does my STEM degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an IT Programmer?

Your degree qualifies if its CIP code appears on the official STEM designated degree list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Computer science, computer engineering, information technology, and software engineering degrees typically qualify. If your degree is in a less obvious field, confirm the exact CIP code on your I-20 with your DSO before applying for the extension through USCIS.

What happens to my work authorization if my IT Programmer job offer comes in after my initial OPT EAD expires?

If you've filed your STEM OPT extension application before your initial EAD expires, you receive a 180-day automatic cap-gap extension of work authorization while USCIS processes your Form I-765. You can continue working during this period as long as you filed on time and remain in a valid F-1 status. Confirm your DSO has updated your SEVIS record before your current EAD ends.

What must the I-983 training plan include for an IT Programmer role?

The I-983 must identify specific programming tasks, technologies, and learning goals tied to your STEM degree field, along with a supervision plan naming your direct manager. It can't be a copy of a generic job description. USCIS requires that the training directly advances practical skills in your degree discipline, so vague language like 'general software development' won't satisfy the requirement without more specificity.

How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an IT Programmer offer?

You can search employer enrollment status directly through the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website. Enrollment must be current, not just historical. If you can't find the company, ask HR for their E-Verify company ID. An employer who can't provide that ID or whose enrollment has lapsed cannot legally hire you under STEM OPT, even if they've done so for previous employees.

Where can I find IT Programmer jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT requirements?

Migrate Mate filters IT Programmer job listings to show employers who are E-Verify enrolled and have a track record of hiring international students. This saves you from applying to roles where you'll have to educate HR on STEM OPT from scratch. Searching by role and authorization type on Migrate Mate surfaces openings where the hiring workflow already accounts for STEM extension timelines and I-983 requirements.

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