Free template · F-1 STEM OPT

The OPT Resume Template built for US recruiters in 2026

One-page, single-column, ATS-safe — with the work-authorization line, STEM OPT framing, and OPT-friendly employer keyword bank pre-built. Built for F-1 graduates and STEM OPT extension candidates on the 12-to-36-month clock.

What’s included

Google Docs + LaTeX versions

Both single-column, ATS-safe, ready to clone to your own Drive or Overleaf. Edit the placeholders and export to PDF.

Pre-built work-authorization line

Five tested phrasings for F-1 OPT, STEM OPT, and STEM extension states, framed positively — what you have, not what you need.

OPT-friendly employer keyword bank

Keywords pulled from JDs at the top 50 OPT-friendly employers (Amazon, Microsoft, Deloitte, Capital One, Bristol Myers Squibb, etc.) — paste them into your bullets where they fit.

Non-US experience translation guide

Section-by-section guidance on how to translate non-US employers, tools, and degree contexts into language a US recruiter actually understands.

STEM CIP code reference

Lookup table of common STEM-designated CIP codes so you can correctly state your STEM eligibility (e.g., 11.0701 for CS).

OPT timeline checklist

EAD filing window, expected processing times, and the 90-day pre-graduation start date so you can plan job search before your OPT clock starts.

Who it’s for

  • F-1 graduates within 12 months of degree completion (12-month OPT)
  • F-1 STEM OPT applicants approaching the 24-month extension window
  • International master's students (MS / MBA / MFE) prepping for US recruiting cycles
  • OPT job seekers who have applied to 100+ roles and need to fix the resume framing before submitting more

Get the OPT Resume Template — free

Drop your email and we will send the Google Docs + LaTeX versions, the work-authorization phrasings, the OPT-friendly employer keyword bank, and the STEM CIP reference.

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Frequently asked questions

No, when used with the framing baked in. The work-authorization line leads with what you have (12 or 36 months of US authorization) rather than what you might need. At companies with hard no-sponsorship policies, no phrasing helps; focus your time on the OPT-friendly employer list included with the template.

Want an F-1 / OPT strategist on your rewrite?

Profile Elevate's OPT track is a 1:1 service built for F-1 STEM OPT job seekers — we rewrite the resume around the framing in this template, optimize LinkedIn for recruiter sourcing, and walk through the OPT-friendly employer list. From $99.

See plansResume writing

Looking for the writing behind the template? Read the Profile Elevate blog →