STEM OPT IT Security Specialist Jobs
IT Security Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: IT Security Specialist I
Job Location: Detroit, MI
Job Type: Contract
Job Description/ Requirement:
- 4-5+ years of IT Compliance, IT Audit, or IT Security experience
- Experience with HITRUST, NIST, ISO 27001, or COBIT frameworks
- Knowledge of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
- Experience with IT controls testing, audits, and compliance assessments
- Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with evidence collection, audit support, and remediation tracking
Preferred Skills
- Experience with GRC tools
- CISSP, CISA, CISM, CPA, or similar certification
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Interested candidates can send their updated resumes at jobs@global-itech.com
Job Title: IT Security Specialist I
Job Location: Detroit, MI
Job Type: Contract
Job Description/ Requirement:
- 4-5+ years of IT Compliance, IT Audit, or IT Security experience
- Experience with HITRUST, NIST, ISO 27001, or COBIT frameworks
- Knowledge of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
- Experience with IT controls testing, audits, and compliance assessments
- Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience with evidence collection, audit support, and remediation tracking
Preferred Skills
- Experience with GRC tools
- CISSP, CISA, CISM, CPA, or similar certification
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Interested candidates can send their updated resumes at jobs@global-itech.com
See all STEM OPT IT Security Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT IT Security Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Security Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting IT Security roles. Information security degrees often qualify, but general business IT degrees may not, so confirm eligibility with your DSO early.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Confirm every prospective employer is actively enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. An employer who was enrolled last year may have lapsed, so ask your HR contact for their E-Verify Company ID as a concrete verification step.
Build your I-983 training plan around security competencies
Draft your I-983 before your offer closes, not after. IT Security Specialists should map training goals to specific competencies like threat detection, SIEM tools, or incident response frameworks so the plan reflects genuine job duties, not generic language.
Use Migrate Mate to target verified STEM OPT employers
Search for IT Security Specialist openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with documented STEM OPT hiring history. Targeting companies that have filed for STEM OPT workers before cuts time spent on employers unfamiliar with E-Verify requirements.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and work location before entering salary discussions. STEM OPT doesn't require LCA filing, but knowing the wage benchmark strengthens your negotiating position with the employer.
Submit your STEM OPT extension application 90 days early
File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS up to 90 days before your initial OPT end date. IT Security roles often require background checks and clearance processes that take time, so a delayed extension filing can disrupt your start date if USCIS processing runs long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension for IT Security Specialist jobs?
Your degree qualifies if it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and carries an eligible CIP code. Degrees in computer science, cybersecurity, information assurance, and electrical engineering typically qualify. General IT management or business administration degrees often don't. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying to IT Security roles under the STEM OPT extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my IT Security Specialist employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the specific worksite where you'll be employed, not just at the corporate level. Before accepting an offer, ask HR to confirm their E-Verify Company ID. If your employer isn't enrolled, your DSO cannot approve the I-983 training plan, and your STEM OPT extension cannot begin regardless of when USCIS approves your application.
What should my I-983 training plan include for an IT Security Specialist role?
Your I-983 must describe how the IT Security Specialist position provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree. Include specific learning objectives tied to job duties such as vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, or compliance auditing. Both you and your supervisor sign the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension activates. Vague or generic descriptions increase the risk of a DSO rejection.
Does the cap-gap rule protect my work authorization if I'm selected in the H-1B lottery while on STEM OPT?
Yes. If your STEM OPT expires on September 30 and your H-1B visa petition is properly filed and accepted by USCIS before that date, the cap-gap rule extends your work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. Your employer can keep you working in your IT Security Specialist role without interruption as long as the petition remains pending or approved. USCIS issues updated guidance on cap-gap each fiscal year.
How do I find IT Security Specialist employers who are already familiar with STEM OPT requirements?
Search for IT Security Specialist openings on Migrate Mate, which identifies employers with verified STEM OPT and E-Verify enrollment history. Targeting companies that have previously hired STEM OPT workers significantly reduces the risk of late-stage offer withdrawals caused by employers who discover E-Verify or I-983 requirements for the first time after extending an offer.