STEM OPT Software Engineer Intern Jobs

Software Engineer Intern roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months total to build real engineering experience while on F-1 status.

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Overview

Open Jobs438+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type87% On-site
Median Salary$41K
Top LocationSan Jose, CA
Most JobsByteDance

Showing 5 of 438+ Software Engineer Intern jobs

Gen Digital Inc.
Software Engineer Intern
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Gen Digital Inc.
Added 1w ago
Software Engineer Intern
Gen Digital Inc.
Mountain View, California
Software Engineering
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Mobile Engineering (iOS/Android)
Backend Engineering
$72,800/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Kognitos
Software Engineer Intern
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Kognitos
Added 2w ago
Software Engineer Intern
Kognitos
San Jose, California
Software Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Backend Engineering
$3,000/mo - $4,000/mo
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Software Developer Intern – Business Applications
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Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Added 1mo ago
Software Developer Intern – Business Applications
Artisan Partners Limited Partnership
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Software Engineering
Business Analysis
Technical Product & Program Management
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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Bonsai Robotics
Robotics Software Engineer - Intern
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Bonsai Robotics
Added 1mo ago
Robotics Software Engineer - Intern
Bonsai Robotics
San Jose, California
Software Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Robotics Engineering
Backend Engineering
$20/hr - $30/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Doubleverify Inc.
Software Engineer Intern
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Doubleverify Inc.
Added 1mo ago
Software Engineer Intern
Doubleverify Inc.
New York, New York
Software Engineering
Data Engineering
Backend Engineering
Not listed
Hybrid
Associate's

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Software Engineer Intern

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, software engineering, and information systems typically qualify, but a mismatched CIP code can disqualify your extension.

Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers

Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Internship roles at startups and small studios often lack enrollment even when the engineering team wants to hire you. E-Verify enrollment is a legal requirement, not a preference.

Target companies with LCA filings in software roles

Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with active Labor Condition Application filings in software engineering. A company that has filed LCAs for software roles has already navigated the DOL process and is far more likely to handle your STEM OPT I-983 training plan without friction.

Draft your I-983 training plan alongside your offer letter

Start your I-983 training plan the moment you receive a written offer. Map each planned project or rotation to a specific learning objective tied to your STEM degree. Engineering managers rarely know what the form requires, so arriving with a draft saves weeks of back-and-forth.

Apply 90 days before your OPT end date for the extension

USCIS allows you to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current EAD expires. File late and you risk a gap in work authorization. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before USCIS can process your I-765.

Use O*NET to align your job duties with STEM OPT requirements

Pull the Software Developer occupation profile from O*NET and match the listed tasks to your actual internship responsibilities before writing your I-983. ICE auditors compare training plan duties against the O*NET profile, so alignment reduces your risk of a compliance finding.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Software Engineer Intern role qualify for STEM OPT?

Yes, as long as your degree is on the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List and the internship duties are directly related to that field. Computer science, software engineering, electrical engineering, and closely related majors typically qualify. The role must also meet the I-983 training plan requirements, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. A general internship with only administrative duties would not qualify.

How do I know if a software internship employer is enrolled in E-Verify?

Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly and request written confirmation before accepting an offer. You can also cross-reference through your DSO, who can flag enrollment issues before you start the STEM OPT extension process. Many startups and early-stage companies are not yet enrolled, even if they want to hire you. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for all STEM OPT employers under ICE regulations, and there are no exceptions.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Software Engineer Intern?

The I-983 requires a detailed description of how each project or task in your internship connects to your STEM degree. You'll need to document specific learning objectives, the engineering skills you'll develop, and how the employer will evaluate your progress. Your supervisor signs the form and takes on compliance responsibility. ICE can audit training plans, so generic job descriptions copied from a posting are not sufficient. Tie every duty back to a concrete skill from your degree program.

Can I start a Software Engineer Intern job while my STEM OPT extension is pending?

Yes, if your STEM OPT extension application was filed before your current EAD expired and your previous OPT was authorized for the same employer, cap-gap rules may protect your authorization. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension automatically for H-1B registrants, but for STEM OPT specifically, your 60-day grace period and timely filing are what maintain status. Confirm your exact situation with your DSO before your EAD expiration date.

Where can I find Software Engineer Intern roles that accept STEM OPT students?

Migrate Mate filters software engineering internship listings by employers with documented Labor Condition Application filings, which signals prior experience working with international students on work authorization. That narrows the field to companies that have already engaged with DOL processes rather than employers encountering sponsorship questions for the first time. Search by role and review employer filing history before applying.

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