Key Takeaways
• OPT approvals rose 21% in 2024, indicating high demand for international student work experience.
• Amazon hired between 5,379 and 6,679 OPT workers, leading among employers in 2024.
• India accounted for 48% and China 20.4% of STEM OPT approvals in 2024.
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is a cornerstone of the United States 🇺🇸 immigration system for international students, especially those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. In recent years, companies like Amazon, Google, and Tesla have emerged as leading employers of OPT participants, reflecting the growing importance of this program for both students and the U.S. tech industry. This analysis explores the purpose and scope of the OPT program, examines recent trends and data, and discusses the broader implications for students, employers, and policymakers.
Purpose and Scope
This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the OPT program, with a focus on:
- The role of major employers such as Amazon in hiring OPT participants
- The impact of the STEM OPT extension on international students and U.S. companies
- Key trends in OPT approvals, student demographics, and regional distribution
- The perspectives of students, employers, and policymakers
- The historical context and future outlook for the OPT program
The scope includes recent data from 2024, policy developments, and expert commentary to give readers a clear understanding of how the OPT program shapes the U.S. workforce and immigration landscape.
Methodology
This content draws on official government data, statements from industry leaders, and recent news reports to present an objective, evidence-based analysis. Key sources include:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) statistics
- Employer hiring data for OPT participants
- Statements from company executives and immigration experts
- Analysis from VisaVerge.com and other reputable immigration news outlets
Data is presented using descriptive summaries and visual descriptions to help readers understand patterns and trends. Where possible, official government links are provided for further reference.
Key Findings
- OPT approvals surged by 21% in 2024, signaling strong demand for practical work experience among international students.
- Amazon led all employers, hiring between 5,379 and 6,679 OPT participants, followed by Google and Tesla.
- Nearly half (48%) of STEM OPT approvals in 2024 went to students from India, with China accounting for 20.4%.
- California hosted the largest share of international students, with 14.6% of all active SEVIS records.
- The STEM OPT extension, which allows up to 36 months of work authorization, is a critical tool for companies seeking to develop and retain young, skilled talent.
Data Presentation and Visual Descriptions
OPT Approvals and Employer Rankings
In 2024, the number of OPT approvals increased by 21% compared to the previous year. This sharp rise reflects both the growing interest among international students in gaining U.S. work experience and the ongoing demand from employers for skilled talent.
Top OPT Employers in 2024:
- Amazon: 5,379–6,679 hires (depending on source)
- Google: 1,778 hires
- Tesla: Among the top 25 employers
- University of California: 2,112 hires
- Arizona State University: 1,895 hires
Visual Description: Imagine a bar chart with Amazon’s bar towering above the others, followed by Google, Tesla, and major universities. The chart highlights Amazon’s dominant role in hiring OPT participants.
Student Demographics
- India: 48% of STEM OPT approvals
- China: 20.4% of STEM OPT approvals
Visual Description: Picture a pie chart where nearly half of the circle is labeled “India,” about one-fifth is “China,” and the remaining portion represents students from other countries.
Regional Distribution
- California: 14.6% of all active SEVIS records (the system tracking international students)
Visual Description: A map of the United States 🇺🇸 with California shaded more deeply than other states, indicating its status as the top destination for international students.
Comparisons, Trends, and Patterns
Employer Demand
Amazon’s position as the top OPT employer is notable. The company hired more OPT participants than any other organization, including major universities. This trend shows that large tech companies are increasingly relying on the OPT program to fill talent gaps, especially in STEM fields.
Google and Tesla, along with other tech giants, also feature prominently among the top 25 OPT employers. This pattern suggests that the tech industry is the primary driver of OPT demand, particularly for students with STEM backgrounds.
Student Origins
The dominance of students from India and China in the STEM OPT category is a long-standing trend. In 2024, Indian students accounted for nearly half of all STEM OPT approvals, while Chinese students made up about one-fifth. This reflects the strong presence of these countries in U.S. graduate programs, especially in science and engineering.
Regional Concentration
California’s status as the leading host state for international students is consistent with its concentration of top universities and tech companies. The state’s 14.6% share of all active SEVIS records underscores its importance as a hub for global talent.
Evidence-Based Conclusions
The Strategic Importance of OPT for Employers
The OPT program, and especially the STEM OPT extension, is a vital resource for U.S. companies. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the STEM OPT extension allows employers to develop younger talent internally, rather than relying solely on hiring experienced professionals from abroad. This approach helps companies like Amazon build a steady pipeline of skilled workers who are already familiar with U.S. workplace culture and expectations.
Dmitri Litvinov, CEO and Founder of Dreem, emphasized that the STEM OPT extension supports companies in meeting the growing needs of the U.S. tech industry. By providing up to 36 months of work authorization, the extension gives employers more time to train and evaluate international hires, increasing the likelihood of long-term retention.
Benefits for Students
For international students, the OPT program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. This practical training can be a stepping stone to long-term employment in the United States 🇺🇸 or a valuable asset when returning to their home country. The STEM OPT extension is especially attractive, as it triples the standard 12-month OPT period for eligible students.
Policy Implications
The OPT program supports the U.S. tech industry’s growth by providing a legal pathway for companies to retain top talent. It also strengthens the country’s position as a destination for international students, who contribute to the economy through tuition, living expenses, and innovation.
However, the program’s effectiveness depends on broader immigration policies and economic conditions. Changes to visa rules, increased scrutiny of work authorization, or shifts in the job market could impact the program’s future.
Step-by-Step Procedures and Processes
1. Eligibility
To qualify for OPT, students must:
- Hold F-1 visa status
- Be enrolled in a U.S. university or college
- Complete their degree program
2. Application Process
- Students apply for OPT through their university’s international student office.
- The university’s Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Students then file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. The official form and instructions can be found on the USCIS website.
3. STEM OPT Extension
- Students with a degree in a STEM field may apply for a 24-month extension after their initial 12-month OPT period.
- The employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program.
- The application process involves submitting a new Form I-765 and a completed Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. The official Form I-983 is available on the Study in the States website.
4. Maintaining Status
- Students must report employment and address changes to their university and USCIS.
- STEM OPT participants must complete regular evaluations and submit them to their DSO.
Multiple Perspectives
Students
International students see OPT as a pathway to build their careers in the United States 🇺🇸. The program allows them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, improve their resumes, and increase their chances of securing long-term employment or work visas.
Employers
Companies like Amazon benefit from access to a diverse pool of skilled workers. The OPT program enables them to fill critical roles, especially in STEM fields, and to train employees who may later transition to other work visas, such as the H-1B.
Policymakers
For policymakers, the OPT program is a tool for attracting global talent and supporting the U.S. economy. It helps maintain the country’s competitive edge in technology and innovation. However, the program is sometimes debated in the context of broader immigration reform and labor market concerns.
Background and Historical Development
The OPT program has been part of the U.S. immigration system for decades. It was designed to give international students practical experience related to their studies. The STEM OPT extension, introduced in 2016, responded to the tech industry’s call for more time to train and retain skilled graduates.
Over time, the program has grown in popularity, with thousands of students and employers participating each year. The extension of work authorization for STEM graduates has been especially important for companies facing shortages of qualified workers.
Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments
The demand for skilled international talent in the United States 🇺🇸 is expected to remain strong, especially in technology and engineering. As the tech industry grows, companies will likely continue to rely on the OPT program to fill key roles.
However, the program’s future could be shaped by several factors:
- Immigration Policy Changes: Any changes to F-1 visa rules, work authorization limits, or employer requirements could impact OPT participation.
- Economic Conditions: Tech layoffs or shifts in hiring trends may affect the number of OPT positions available.
- Global Competition: Other countries are also seeking to attract international students, which could influence where top talent chooses to study and work.
Despite these uncertainties, the OPT program remains a strategic tool for both students and employers.
Limitations
While this analysis draws on the most recent data and expert commentary, some limitations remain:
- Data Variability: Different sources report slightly different numbers for employer hires (e.g., Amazon’s hires range from 5,379 to 6,679).
- Changing Policies: Immigration rules and procedures can change quickly, affecting eligibility and application processes.
- Economic Shifts: The job market for OPT participants may fluctuate due to broader economic trends.
Readers are encouraged to consult official resources, such as the USCIS OPT page, for the most up-to-date information.
Actionable Takeaways
- For Students: Start planning early if you wish to use OPT or the STEM OPT extension. Work closely with your university’s international student office and review official forms and requirements.
- For Employers: Consider enrolling in E-Verify and developing training programs for OPT participants, especially in STEM fields.
- For Policymakers: Monitor the impact of the OPT program on the U.S. workforce and consider how policy changes might affect students and employers.
Additional Resources
These sites provide detailed guidance on eligibility, application steps, and program updates.
Conclusion
The OPT program, especially the STEM extension, is a key part of the United States 🇺🇸 strategy for attracting and retaining global talent. Companies like Amazon, Google, and Tesla rely on OPT participants to fill vital roles, while students gain valuable experience that can shape their careers. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the program’s continued growth highlights its importance for the tech industry and the broader economy. While challenges remain, the OPT program stands as a bridge between international education and the U.S. workforce, benefiting students, employers, and the country as a whole.
Learn Today
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → A U.S. program allowing F-1 students to work up to 12 months in their field of study.
STEM OPT extension → An additional 24 months of work authorization for eligible STEM graduates on OPT.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System used to track international students in the U.S.
E-Verify → An online system that employers use to confirm employees’ eligibility to work legally in the U.S.
Form I-765 → USCIS application form for employment authorization, including OPT and STEM OPT applications.
This Article in a Nutshell
The OPT program offers vital work experience for international STEM students. In 2024, Amazon led OPT hiring with thousands of participants. STEM OPT extensions provide up to 36 months work authorization, benefiting students and tech companies while supporting U.S. industry growth and global talent retention.
— By VisaVerge.com
