35 CPT Statistics Every Employer and International Student Should Know in 2026

‍Comprehensive data compiled from ICE SEVIS reports, USCIS policy, and academic employment research

Key Takeaways

• 130,586 international students used CPT for work authorization in 2024 – Curricular Practical Training remains a critical pathway for foreign students to gain U.S. work experience while completing their degrees
• Tech giants dominate CPT hiring – Amazon alone employed 3,205 CPT students in 2024, more than double its nearest competitor, creating major opportunities for international talent
• 87% of international alumni secure employment within six months – Practical training programs like CPT directly contribute to strong career outcomes for foreign students
• 320% increase in practical training participation since 2007 – The dramatic growth underscores how essential work authorization pathways have become for both students and employers
• Compliance is critical – Students who accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT become ineligible for post-completion OPT, making informed planning an important consideration

CPT Program Overview & 2024 Enrollment Data

1. 130,586 foreign students obtained work authorization through CPT in 2024. This figure from the ICE SEVP report represents a significant portion of the international student population leveraging practical training for career development.

2. CPT authorizations decreased 0.4% in 2024 compared to 2023. While other practical training programs saw substantial growth, CPT experienced a slight decline, potentially reflecting shifting employer preferences toward post-graduation work authorization options.

3. 381,140 unique foreign student SEVIS records had work authorization through practical training in 2024. This practical training figure includes CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT participants—demonstrating the massive scale of international talent working legally in the U.S.

4. 1,582,808 total F-1 and M-1 student records existed in 2024, up 5.3% from 2023. CIS reports this record-breaking enrollment, indicating a growing talent pool for employers to access.

5. 24,000 foreign graduate students were enrolled in schools offering Day 1 CPT as of Fall 2022. Bloomberg's investigation highlighted the growing prevalence of programs that allow immediate work authorization upon enrollment.

Work Authorization Trends: CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT

6. 194,554 foreign students obtained work authorization through OPT in 2024, a 21% increase. Post-completion Optional Practical Training saw explosive growth, making it the most popular work authorization pathway for recent graduates.

7. 95,384 foreign students obtained work authorization through STEM OPT in 2024, a 54% increase. The STEM OPT surge reflects both strong STEM enrollment and employer demand for technical talent.

8. 165,524 foreign students participated in STEM OPT in 2024. This ICE SEVIS data underscores the importance of the 24-month STEM extension for retaining international talent in technical fields.

9. 242,782 international students were on OPT and STEM OPT in the 2023/24 Academic Year. Forbes reports this figure represents a substantial workforce of authorized international talent available to U.S. employers.

10. 320% increase in foreign students obtaining work authorization through practical training from 2007 to 2023. This long-term growth trend demonstrates how practical training has become central to international student employment strategy.

Top Employers Hiring CPT Students

11. Amazon employed 3,205 foreign students on CPT in 2024. Amazon dominates the CPT employer rankings, hiring more than double the number of CPT students as any other company.

12. Tesla hired 1,118 CPT students in 2024. Ranking second among top CPT employers, Tesla demonstrates strong commitment to international talent acquisition.

13. Google employed 880 CPT students in 2024. The tech giant ranked fourth for CPT while leading in other practical training categories.

14. Microsoft hired 819 CPT students in 2024. Microsoft's CPT employment complements its substantial OPT and STEM OPT hiring programs.

15. NVIDIA employed 743 CPT students in 2024. The AI chip manufacturer's strong CPT hiring reflects growing demand for specialized technical talent.

16. Meta hired 657 CPT students in 2024. Meta ranked seventh for CPT while maintaining robust practical training programs across all categories.

17. Deloitte employed 614 CPT students in 2024. The consulting firm's CPT hiring demonstrates that opportunities extend beyond pure technology companies.

STEM OPT Leadership

18. Google employed 1,778 foreign students on STEM OPT, ranking second nationally. Google's STEM OPT leadership shows its commitment to retaining technical talent long-term.

19. Amazon employed 6,679 foreign students on STEM OPT, ranking first nationally. Amazon's STEM OPT dominance extends its leadership across all practical training categories.

International Student Demographics

20. 422,335 foreign student records from India in 2024, representing an 11.8% increase. India leads as the top source country for international students, with substantial year-over-year growth.

21. 329,541 foreign student records from China in 2024, a 0.25% decrease from 2023. China remains the second-largest source, though growth has stagnated.

22. 71.7% of foreign students came from Asia in 2024. Asian students represent the overwhelming majority of the international student population.

23. 91% of all foreign students were enrolled in associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral programs. The degree program concentration demonstrates the academic focus of international enrollment.

24. 79% of higher education degrees sought by foreign students were bachelor's or master's degrees. This degree distribution highlights the employment-focused educational goals of most international students.

25. 44.5% of F-1 and M-1 foreign students in 2024 were female, while 55.5% were male. The gender distribution shows continued male predominance in international student enrollment.

26. 38% of Indian foreign students were female in 2024. Indian students show lower female representation compared to the overall international student population.

27. 48% of Chinese foreign students were female in 2024. Chinese students demonstrate near gender parity in international enrollment.

Employment Outcomes & Career Impact

28. 87% of international alumni received a job offer within six months of graduation. The WES study demonstrates strong employment outcomes for students who leverage practical training opportunities.

29. One third of international alumni received their first employment offer before graduation. Pre-graduation offers reflect the value employers place on international student talent.

30. 62% of international alumni reported being employed full-time. This employment rate indicates successful integration into the U.S. workforce.

31. 19% dissatisfaction rate with virtual or online job fairs among current international students. This dissatisfaction metric — the highest among career services surveyed — reveals gaps in employment support that specialized immigration guidance can help address.

32. Students participating in CPT achieve higher employability and stronger starting salaries after graduation. Research presented at NAFSA Regional XII confirms the career benefits of curricular practical training experience.

Geographic Distribution & Academic Programs

33. California schools enrolled 237,763 foreign students, the largest of any U.S. state. California dominates international enrollment, reflecting its technology industry concentration.

34. New York schools enrolled 172,522 foreign students, second largest in the U.S. New York maintains strong enrollment across diverse industries and academic programs.

35. The South region saw the greatest percentage increase at 8.5% more foreign students in 2024. Regional growth patterns indicate expanding opportunities beyond traditional coastal hubs.

Key Compliance Considerations

CPT usage carries important implications for future work authorization:

• Students with 12 months or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for post-completion OPT. This USCIS regulation makes informed CPT management an important consideration for long-term career planning.

• 90-day limit for F-1 students to find employment post-graduation or must leave the country. The tight timeline creates urgency for students transitioning from CPT to OPT to post-graduate employment.

• Graduate students can begin CPT immediately if required by their program. USCIS policy allows immediate work authorization for graduate programs with required practical components.

• Undergraduate students must complete one full academic year before CPT eligibility. This enrollment requirement ensures academic integration before work authorization begins.

• USCIS case processing times are now published under a unified Service Center Operations (SCOPS) framework and can be checked at the USCIS processing times page, providing a single reference point for applicants and employers.

Both employers and international students face challenges with information accessibility. Research indicates that career services are often geared toward domestic students, leaving international students without adequate guidance on work authorization pathways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between CPT and OPT for international students?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows F-1 students to work during their studies when employment is an integral part of their curriculum. OPT (Optional Practical Training) provides 12 months of work authorization after program completion. The key distinction: CPT occurs during studies and must relate directly to coursework, while OPT comes after graduation. Students who use 12 or more months of full-time CPT (per USCIS policy) become ineligible for OPT, making informed planning an important consideration.

How can employers hire international students on CPT?

Employers can hire F-1 students on CPT by confirming work authorization with the student's Designated School Official (DSO) and ensuring the position relates to the student's field of study. With 130,586 CPT authorizations in 2024, this represents a substantial talent pool. Companies like Amazon hired over 3,200 students, demonstrating that major employers actively leverage this pathway.

What happens after CPT ends—can students transition to H-1B?

Yes, students can transition from CPT to OPT and then to H-1B sponsorship, though timing is critical. With a 90-day post-graduation deadline to secure employment and maintain status, early preparation is an important consideration. Many use OPT (and the 24-month STEM extension if eligible) as a bridge while their employer prepares an H-1B petition.

Why do some companies hire more CPT students than others?

Technology companies dominate CPT hiring because 118,137 CS majors made Computer Science the most popular field among F-1 students in 2024. Companies like Amazon, Tesla, and Google have robust internship programs that align with CPT requirements. The 54% STEM OPT surge further demonstrates tech industry demand for international talent.

How can Alma help with work visa transitions after practical training?

Alma's immigration platform supports both employers and individuals through the entire work authorization lifecycle—from practical training compliance to H-1B petitions and green card applications. With a 99%+ approval rate, 2-week document turnaround, and transparent flat-rate pricing, Alma simplifies the complex transition from student work authorization to employer-sponsored visas.