40 OPT Visa Statistics Every International Student Should Know in 2026

‍Comprehensive data compiled from USCIS reports, ICE SEVIS records, Congressional Research Service, and leading immigration policy institutes

Key Takeaways

• OPT participation has more than doubled since 2007. From 154,522 participants to 418,781 in 2024, representing 26% of all F-1 and M-1 students authorized to work in the United States
• STEM OPT extensions surged 54% in 2024. With 95,384 students obtaining work authorization through the 24-month extension, STEM fields continue driving program growth
• India dominates OPT participation. Indian nationals represent 48% of STEM participants in 2024, with student records increasing 11.8% year-over-year
• Major tech companies employ thousands of OPT workers. Amazon alone employs 6,679 STEM OPT students, followed by Google, Microsoft, and Meta
• OPT serves as a critical H-1B pipeline. 34% of H-1B workers transition from student visas, making OPT essential for long-term U.S. employment
• $43.8 billion economic contribution. International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023-24, supporting over 378,000 jobs

Understanding OPT Visa Trends and What the Statistics Mean for You

Record-Breaking Participation Numbers

1. 1,582,808 active F-1 and M-1 student records in calendar year 2024. This represents a 5.3% increase from 2023, setting an all-time record for international students in the United States. The continued growth signals strong demand for U.S. education despite global uncertainties.

2. 418,781 nonimmigrants were authorized to work via OPT in 2024. According to the Congressional Research Service, this figure represents 26% of all F-1 and M-1 students. The substantial participation rate demonstrates OPT's role as a central pathway to U.S. work experience.

3. OPT participation has more than doubled since 2007. Growth from 154,522 to 418,781 participants over 17 years reflects both increased international enrollment and greater awareness of post-graduation work opportunities.

4. 294,253 students participated in OPT in 2024/25. This marks a 21% increase from the previous academic year, continuing the program's upward trajectory despite policy uncertainties.

Shifting Enrollment Dynamics

5. OPT accounts for approximately 25% of total international student enrollment. Per ICEF Monitor, OPT participants represent a quarter of all international students reported in Open Doors surveys.

6. The share of students participating in OPT nearly doubled from 12% to 22%. Between 2013-14 and 2023-24, OPT participation rates almost doubled, reflecting growing emphasis on practical training.

7. 17% decline in new international student enrollment in Fall 2025. NAFSA reports significant enrollment drops, though OPT participation remains strong among existing students.

8. OPT participation increased 14% in Fall 2025. Despite declining new enrollments, OPT numbers grew 14%, indicating students already in the U.S. are maximizing work authorization opportunities.

The STEM OPT Landscape: Key Statistics and Extensions

Explosive Growth in STEM Extensions

9. 95,384 foreign students obtained STEM OPT authorization in 2024. This represents a remarkable 54% increase from 2023, making STEM OPT the fastest-growing practical training category.

10. 165,524 foreign students participated in STEM OPT in 2024. The total STEM OPT population includes both new approvals and continuing participants from prior years.

11. 122,101 international students participated in STEM OPT in 2023. Per the 2024 SEVIS report, this baseline shows the dramatic acceleration into 2024.

12. 56% of international students were in STEM fields in 2023-24. According to the Migration Policy Institute, over half of all international students qualify for the extended 36-month OPT period through STEM designation.

STEM OPT Demographics

13. 48% of STEM OPT participants in 2024 were from India. Indian nationals represent the largest share of STEM OPT workers.

14. 20.4% of STEM OPT participants came from China. Chinese students hold the second-largest share of STEM OPT participants.

15. More than two-thirds of OPT authorized population are Asian nationals. The Congressional Research Service confirms Asian countries dominate OPT participation from 2020-2024.

OPT Application Process: Statistical Insights and Best Practices

Practical Training Authorization Breakdown

16. 194,554 foreign students obtained work authorization through pre- and post-completion OPT in 2024. This 21.1% increase from 2023 demonstrates sustained demand for standard 12-month OPT.

17. 381,140 unique SEVIS records had practical training authorization in 2024. This aggregate figure includes students with OPT, STEM OPT, and CPT across the calendar year.

18. 130,586 foreign students obtained CPT authorization in 2024. Unlike OPT growth, CPT experienced a 0.4% decrease, suggesting students may be prioritizing post-completion work.

19. 98-99% of OPT participants are in F-1 status. Nearly all OPT workers maintain F-1 student status, with minimal M-1 vocational student participation.

Field of Study Distribution

20. 31% of OPT-authorized students majored in computer science. Per Congressional Research Service, computer science represents the largest OPT field by a significant margin.

21. 18% of OPT-authorized students majored in engineering. Engineering ranks second among OPT fields, combining with computer science to dominate STEM participation.

22. 15% of OPT-authorized students were business majors. Business students represent the third-largest group, primarily utilizing standard 12-month OPT without STEM extensions.

OPT EAD Card: Statistics on Employment and Verification

Employment Verification Data

23. 160,627 OPT students had both EAD and reported employer in 2023. This 36.9% increase from 2022 shows more students successfully connecting work authorization with actual employment.

24. More than 240,000 foreign graduates were working through OPT as of May 2025. Per Times of India reporting, this represents 21.5% of all international students in the U.S.

25. 72% of foreign graduates use OPT. According to the Peterson Institute, nearly three-quarters of international graduates utilize practical training before leaving the U.S.

26. 86% of prospective students consider staying to work after graduation. Research from Keystone Education Group shows post-graduation work opportunities significantly influence school selection.

Top Employers of OPT Students: Industry Statistics

Tech Giants Lead OPT Employment

27. Amazon employs 6,679 STEM OPT students. As the largest STEM OPT employer, Amazon significantly outpaces competitors in hiring international talent.

28. Amazon employs 5,379 non-STEM OPT workers. Combined with STEM participants, Amazon's total OPT workforce reaches 15,263 across all practical training categories.

29. Google employs 1,778 STEM OPT workers. As the second-largest STEM employer, Google maintains significant international student hiring.

30. Microsoft employs 1,496 STEM OPT workers. Microsoft ranks third in STEM employment, reflecting ongoing demand for international tech talent.

31. Meta employs 1,302 STEM OPT students. The fourth-largest STEM employer demonstrates sustained Big Tech appetite for international graduates.

32. University of California employs 2,112 non-STEM OPT workers. As a top academic employer, the UC system provides substantial research and administrative opportunities.

OPT to H-1B Pipeline: Transition Statistics

The Critical Student-to-Worker Pathway

33. 34% of first-time H-1B workers transition from student visas. Per Peterson Institute analysis, over one-third of new H-1B holders previously held F-1 status.

34. 84% of institutions reported OPT crucial for attracting students. According to IIE research, most universities believe students would seek other destinations without OPT availability.

Economic Impact: OPT's Contribution to the U.S. Economy

Job Creation and Revenue Statistics

35. International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023-24. Per Migration Policy Institute, this contribution spans tuition, housing, and consumer spending.

36. 378,175 jobs supported by international students in 2023-24. The economic multiplier effect creates hundreds of thousands of positions beyond direct student employment.

37. $1.1 billion in lost revenue projected for Fall 2025. NAFSA estimates declining enrollments will significantly impact institutional budgets.

38. Nearly 23,000 fewer jobs projected from Fall 2025 enrollment declines. The economic ripple effect from reduced international student presence affects multiple sectors.

Geographic Distribution: Where OPT Students Work

State-by-State Concentration

39. California hosts 237,763 foreign student records. Representing 14.6% of total enrollment, California remains the top destination for international students.

40. 422,335 foreign student records from India in 2024. Indian student enrollment grew 11.8% from 2023, solidifying India's position as the top sending country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average processing time for an OPT EAD card?

USCIS processing times for OPT EAD applications typically range from 3 to 5 months. Current processing times are published uniformly by form type and can be checked at the USCIS processing times page. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure applications are complete and avoid delays.

How do current USCIS policies impact OPT approval rates for international students?

OPT approval rates remain high for properly filed applications, though processing times fluctuate. The 54% STEM OPT surge in 2024 authorizations indicates USCIS continues processing extensions efficiently. Form I-983 compliance and SEVIS reporting requirements remain key factors in avoiding complications.

What are the most common reasons for an OPT application being denied?

Common denial reasons include late filing, incomplete documentation, failure to maintain F-1 status, and exceeding unemployment limits. With 418,781 authorized in 2024, most applications succeed when properly prepared. Alma's legal team helps clients avoid these pitfalls with comprehensive application review.

Are there any recent changes to STEM OPT eligibility criteria or application procedures?

STEM OPT eligibility requires degrees from STEM-designated programs on the DHS list. The 56% in STEM fields reflects broad program availability. Recent emphasis on Form I-983 employer obligations and site visits makes proper documentation essential.

Does Alma provide legal assistance specifically for OPT or STEM OPT applications?

Yes, Alma offers comprehensive OPT support including STEM OPT EAD services for $250 and STEM Training Plan preparation for $1,000. With a 99%+ approval rate and 2-week document turnaround, Alma combines attorney expertise with technology to streamline the application process from start to approval.