STEM OPT IT Systems Specialist Jobs

IT Systems Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when 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 sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins.

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Overview

Open Jobs175+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type83% On-site
Median Salary$40K
Top LocationAtlanta, GA
Most JobsFortinet

Showing 5 of 175+ IT Systems Specialist jobs

Middle Tennessee State University
Instructional Tech System Specialist
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Middle Tennessee State University
Added 3w ago
Instructional Tech System Specialist
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
IT Support
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Alterra Mountain Company
Systems Specialist
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Alterra Mountain Company
Added 3w ago
Systems Specialist
Alterra Mountain Company
Mammoth Lakes, California
IT Support & Systems Administration
Cloud & DevOps
Cybersecurity
IT Support
Systems Administration
Security Engineering
$33/hr - $36/hr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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SSM Health
Information Systems Specialist
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SSM Health
Added 2mo ago
Information Systems Specialist
SSM Health
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
IT Support & Systems Administration
Customer Service & Support
Healthcare Administration
IT Support
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Eze Castle Integration
Systems Specialist
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Eze Castle Integration
Added 4mo ago
Systems Specialist
Eze Castle Integration
Boston, Massachusetts
IT Support & Systems Administration
Cloud & DevOps
Cybersecurity
Technical Product & Program Management
IT Support
$0/yr - $100,000/yr
Hybrid
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Sioux Center Health
IT Specialist
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Sioux Center Health
New 19m ago
IT Specialist
Sioux Center Health
Sibley, Iowa
IT Support & Systems Administration
IT Support
Not listed
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Systems Specialist

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting IT Systems Specialist roles. Computer Science (11.0101) and Information Technology (11.0103) are commonly eligible, but your specific program title on your I-20 controls what USCIS approves.

Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers

Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you get to the offer stage. You can cross-check by searching the E-Verify employer search tool. An employer not enrolled cannot legally hire you on STEM OPT, regardless of their intent to sponsor.

Use Migrate Mate to filter E-Verify employers

Searching broadly for IT Systems Specialist roles wastes time on employers who can't hire you. Migrate Mate filters listings by E-Verify enrollment status so you're only seeing roles where your STEM OPT authorization is actually usable from day one.

Negotiate your I-983 training plan before your start date

The I-983 must define specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just your job duties. Get your hiring manager to outline measurable technical training goals during the offer stage so your DSO can approve the plan before your extension period begins.

Target employers with existing H-1B filing history

IT Systems Specialist roles at employers who have filed H-1B LCAs with the DOL signal an established immigration infrastructure. Pull LCA disclosure data through the OFLC Wage Search to identify which employers have filed for this occupation code and understand their prevailing wage commitments.

Time your OPT extension application to your program end date

File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS up to 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Late filing means a gap in work authorization. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before you can submit, so start that internal process at least 120 days out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does an IT Systems Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, if your underlying degree is in an eligible STEM field such as computer science, information technology, computer engineering, or information systems, and the role maps to your degree program. USCIS evaluates whether the job directly relates to your STEM degree, not just the job title. Check that your I-20 lists a CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before filing.

Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify to hire me on STEM OPT?

Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a legal requirement for any employer hiring a STEM OPT student. The employer must be actively enrolled, not just registered. You can verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer. If the employer is not enrolled, they cannot participate in your STEM OPT extension, regardless of their willingness to support you. Migrate Mate surfaces only E-Verify-enrolled employers so you can skip this manual check.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for an IT Systems Specialist?

The I-983 must describe a formal training program that connects your on-the-job responsibilities to your STEM degree's learning objectives. For an IT Systems Specialist, this typically includes documented goals around systems administration, network infrastructure, security protocols, or enterprise software relevant to your degree field. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Your employer and DSO must both sign off before your extension period starts, and USCIS can audit compliance at any point.

What is cap-gap and does it apply to IT Systems Specialist roles?

Cap-gap automatically extends your OPT work authorization if your employer files an H-1B petition for you before your OPT expires and your lottery registration is selected. It bridges the period between your OPT end date and October 1, when the H-1B takes effect. Cap-gap applies to any role, including IT Systems Specialist, as long as you're maintaining valid F-1 status. USCIS publishes cap-gap guidance annually covering exact authorization conditions.

How do I find IT Systems Specialist employers who support STEM OPT?

Filter by E-Verify enrollment first, then look for employers with a track record of hiring international students. DOL LCA disclosure data via the OFLC Wage Search shows which employers have filed for IT Systems Specialist or related occupation codes, indicating existing immigration processes. O*NET profiles this occupation under SOC code 15-1244, which helps you confirm role alignment with your degree. Migrate Mate combines these filters so you can identify qualifying employers directly.

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