Government OPT Jobs in Michigan
F-1 OPT government jobs in Michigan are concentrated in Lansing, Detroit, and Ann Arbor, where state agencies, public universities like the University of Michigan, and federal offices regularly hire international students in technical, research, and policy roles. STEM OPT extensions are widely relevant here given the state's strong engineering and public sector research presence.
Find Government JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 103+ Government OPT Jobs in Michigan


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 103+ Government OPT Jobs in Michigan
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Government OPT Jobs in Michigan.
Get Access To All Jobs
Job Description
At the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, we are passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful to all our employees and the public we serve. Our department provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.
The Analyst Trainee supports the Deputy Bureau Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Bureau by performing entry-level analytical, administrative, and project-support functions. This position assists with research, data review, policy and procedures review and development, coordination of bureau initiatives and project monitoring. Work is performed under close supervision with increasing independence as skills and knowledge develop. The role provides exposure to statewide VR operations, federal compliance requirements, and strategic initiatives that support high-quality, person-centered services for individuals with disabilities.
There is a possibility of a remote/hybrid schedule based on performance and operational need. However, all work must be performed in Michigan. If you currently reside outside of Michigan, you must relocate to Michigan to perform the duties of this position.
Required Education and Experience
Education for Departmental Analyst 9-P11
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major.
Experience for Departmental Analyst 9-P11
Departmental Analyst 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Departmental Analyst 10
One year of professional experience.
Departmental Analyst P11
Two years of professional experience, including one year of experience equivalent to the intermediate (10) level in state service.
Education and Experience for Departmental Analyst (Departmental Trainee) 9 (FOR CLASSIFIED STATE EMPLOYEES ONLY)
Education
Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school.
Experience
Four years of experience as an advanced 9-level worker in an ECP Group One classification.
OR
Three years of experience as an E9, E10, or E11-level worker in an ECP Group One classification.
OR
Two years of experience as an experienced level worker in an ECP Group One technician or paraprofessional classification.
OR
Two years of experience as a first-line supervisor in an ECP Group Three classification.
OR
One year of experience as a second-line supervisor in an ECP Group Three classification.
- Paraprofessional classifications are those requiring an associate's degree or two years of college.
Educational Substitution
College credits may be substituted on a proportional basis (one year of college education may substitute for one quarter of the required experience) for up to one half of the required experience.
Alternate Education and Experience
Departmental Analyst (Departmental Trainee 9) 9 - P11
Educational level typically acquired through completion of high school and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time active-duty experience at or above the E-6 level in the uniformed services may be substituted for the education requirement.
Additional Requirements and Information
Please attach a cover letter, detailed resume, and your official college transcript(s) to your application. For our purposes, "official college transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred, date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal. A scanned or electronic copy is acceptable, if it contains the elements listed above. The college/university does not have to send the transcript directly to LEO.
Applicants who possess a degree from a foreign college or university must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S. educational equivalents unless the degree has been recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Go to evaluators for a list of accepted organizations that evaluate foreign credentials. Failure to provide this evaluation at the time of application may result in you being screened out of the process.
Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further.
All classified employees are subject to Civil Service Rule 2-8 Ethical Standards and Conduct and will be expected to disclose any personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties as a classified employee.
All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to their actual appointment. Certain positions within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may also require state criminal, fingerprint-based and driving record background checks. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the background checks and drug test indicate eligibility for employment.
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Applications must be submitted through NEOGOV. If you have questions or need assistance uploading and/or attaching your documents, please contact the NEOGOV applicant support at 855-524-5627.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
OPT Government Job Roles in Michigan
See all 103+ Government OPT Jobs in Michigan
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Government Jobs in MichiganGovernment OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Michigan sponsor F-1 OPT workers?
Michigan's largest public employers that hire F-1 OPT workers include the State of Michigan executive agencies, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University. Federal offices in Detroit, such as the EPA Great Lakes National Program Office and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Detroit District, also hire international students in technical and research capacities. Public universities are among the most active sponsors because they already administer OPT and STEM OPT programs internally.
Which cities in Michigan have the most government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Lansing concentrates the highest number of state government positions, as it is Michigan's capital and home to most executive departments. Ann Arbor follows closely due to the University of Michigan's large research and administrative workforce. Detroit has a significant federal government presence, including DHS, EPA, and USACE offices. Grand Rapids also has growing public sector employment through regional government and federally funded health and social service agencies.
What types of government roles in Michigan typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that most commonly align with F-1 OPT authorization in Michigan's government sector include data analysis, environmental science, civil and systems engineering, public health research, IT and cybersecurity, and urban planning. STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months apply when the job is directly related to the student's STEM-designated degree program. Policy analyst and public administration roles can qualify under standard OPT when they match the student's field of study.
How do I find government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students searching for visa-friendly roles and lets you filter by visa type, state, and industry to surface government F-1 OPT positions in Michigan directly. Because government employers vary in how explicitly they advertise OPT sponsorship, using a platform that curates sponsoring employers saves significant time. Focus your search on Lansing-based state agencies and Ann Arbor or Detroit for federal and university-affiliated roles.
Are there any Michigan-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in the government sector?
Michigan's public universities operate large international student offices that are experienced with OPT and STEM OPT paperwork, making university employment a relatively well-supported path. State government agencies in Michigan must comply with federal work authorization verification through E-Verify, so your employment authorization document needs to be current before your start date. Positions involving access to federal systems or classified data may require background clearances that can extend onboarding timelines for international students.