Amazon, Google, Tesla among top 25 OPT hirers in US; Indians lead STEM list
OPT approvals rose 21% in 2024 with Amazon topping the list of employers; Indian students led STEM OPT participation as tech giants expanded hiring.
Published: June 16, 2025 / 3:47 PM IST
By Surbhi Gloria Singh
Record OPT approvals in 2024
More international students in the U.S. were hired through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme in 2024 than ever before — and Amazon, Google and Microsoft emerged as the top recruiters, according to the latest Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Under OPT, foreign students on an F-1 visa are allowed to work in the U.S. in a role related to their field of study, either during their course or after graduation. Those with degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) can also apply for a two-year STEM OPT extension.
- 194,554 foreign students received OPT work authorisation in 2024 (up from 160,627 in 2023).
- 95,384 students were approved for STEM OPT extensions, a 54% increase over 2023.
- 130,586 students worked under Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a slight decline of 0.4%.
After removing duplicates, a total of 381,140 unique foreign students were approved for practical training.
Indian and Chinese students lead STEM OPT
Most STEM OPT participants in 2024 were from India and China:
- 48% of STEM OPT students were from India.
- 20.4% were from China.
California hosted the largest share of international students, with 237,763 active SEVIS records — 14.6% of the U.S. total.
Top 25 OPT employers (2024)
Pre- and post-completion OPT (select highlights):
- Amazon – 5,379
- University of California – 2,112
- Arizona State University – 1,895
- University of Texas – 1,305
- Tesla – 1,170
- Goldman Sachs – 1,148
- Apple – 1,135
- Google – 1,110
- Meta – 1,081
- Microsoft – 1,066
Top 25 STEM OPT employers (2024)
- Amazon – 6,679
- Google – 1,778
- Microsoft – 1,496
- Meta – 1,302
- Walmart – 1,140
- Intel – 1,023
- Apple – 973
- Goldman Sachs – 962
- Tesla – 901
- Tata Consultancy Services – 639
Top 25 CPT employers (2024)
- Amazon – 3,205
- Tesla – 1,118
- Google – 880
- Microsoft – 819
- NVIDIA – 743
- Meta – 657
- Deloitte – 614
- Apple – 600
- Intel – 512
- JP Morgan Chase – 400
OPT as a pathway to long-term U.S. careers
According to Varun Singh, MD, XIPHIAS Immigration, the continued surge in OPT and STEM OPT reflects how international students are using the programme as a bridge to long-term U.S. employment opportunities.
“The growing demand for skilled talent in sectors like technology, engineering and healthcare has created an environment where Indian students are increasingly seen as a strong workforce,” Singh told Business Standard.
Singh added that the STEM OPT extension gives Indian graduates more time to build networks and secure jobs.
“Despite the competitive H-1B process and shifting visa rules, the OPT route remains a critical bridge for many students aiming to build careers in the U.S.,” Singh said.
