35 STEM OPT Extension Statistics Every International Student Should Know in 2026

‍Comprehensive data compiled from ICE SEVP reports, Congressional Research Service findings, and Institute of International Education surveys

Key Takeaways

• STEM OPT participation surged 54% in 2024 - Official government data confirms 95,384 foreign students obtained work authorization through STEM OPT, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth
• India dominates with nearly half of all participants - Indian nationals represent 48% of STEM OPT students, with 79,331 participants in 2024
• Major tech companies rely heavily on OPT and STEM OPT talent - Amazon alone employs 6,679 OPT workers, followed by Google, Microsoft, and Meta
• Economic impact reaches $43.8 billion annually - International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-24 academic year
• 92% of institutions warn competitive risk without OPT - Survey data shows 92% of universities believe students would seek opportunities elsewhere if OPT were eliminated

Understanding the STEM OPT Extension: Key Definitions and Eligibility

1. 418,781 total nonimmigrants were authorized for OPT (regular and STEM combined) in calendar year 2024. According to the Congressional Research Service, this figure represents 26% of all F-1 and M-1 students and recent graduates. The substantial participation rate demonstrates OPT's critical role in international student career pathways.

2. OPT participation has more than doubled since 2007, when there were 154,522 nonimmigrants authorized. This more than 100% increase over 17 years reflects growing international student enrollment and expanded program awareness. The steady growth trajectory underscores the program's importance to both students and employers.

3. F-1 students are eligible for OPT once per degree level (bachelor's, master's, doctorate). The Congressional Research Service confirms students can access OPT at each educational milestone. This structure allows ambitious students to accumulate significant U.S. work experience across their academic career.

4. Maximum of two STEM OPT extensions allowed in a student's lifetime. USCIS regulations permit two lifetime STEM extensions, providing up to 72 months of total STEM OPT authorization across multiple degrees. Strategic degree planning can maximize work authorization opportunities.

STEM OPT Growth Trends: Record-Breaking Participation in 2024

5. 95,384 foreign students obtained work authorization through STEM OPT in 2024—a 54% increase from 2023. The ICE SEVP report reports this dramatic year-over-year surge reflects both increased international enrollment and strong employer demand for STEM talent. This growth rate far exceeds historical averages.

6. 165,524 foreign students participated in STEM OPT in 2024 (active participants at any time during the year). This active participation count includes students at various stages of their 24-month extension. The substantial pool demonstrates the program's ongoing importance to workforce development.

7. 194,554 foreign students obtained work authorization through regular (non-STEM) OPT in 2024—a 21% increase. While regular OPT growth remained strong at 21%, STEM OPT's 54% increase shows disproportionate demand for extended STEM authorization. Students in STEM fields increasingly recognize the extension's value.

8. OPT grew by 12% in 2024/25 academic year following a 22% increase to 242,782 students in 2023/24. The Institute of International Education documents sustained double-digit growth across consecutive years. This momentum signals continued program expansion.

9. 2024 marks the fourth consecutive year of growth for STEM OPT. After pandemic-related disruptions, the SEVP data confirms STEM OPT has recovered and surpassed pre-pandemic levels. The consistent upward trend provides stability for students and employers planning long-term.

10. 271,916 international students participated in OPT in 2024-2025, a 12% increase from the previous year. Interstride research confirms this continued expansion aligns with broader international student enrollment trends. The quarter-million participant milestone represents significant workforce contribution.

Demographics & Countries of Origin: Who Applies for STEM OPT?

11. 48.0% of STEM OPT participants were from India (79,331 students). According to ICE SEVP data, Indian nationals represent nearly half of all STEM OPT workers. This concentration reflects India's strong STEM education pipeline and high U.S. graduate program enrollment.

12. 20.4% of STEM OPT participants were from China (33,807 students). China ranks second in STEM OPT participation, though Chinese enrollment has plateaued. Combined with India, these two countries account for over two-thirds of all STEM OPT participants.

13. India and China together accounted for 35% and 24% respectively of all OPT participants from 2020-2024. Congressional Research Service analysis of five-year trends shows consistent dominance by these two sending countries. This concentration shapes employer recruitment strategies.

14. South Korea had 4,113 STEM OPT participants in 2024. The Center for Immigration Studies reports South Korea as a top-five source country. Korean STEM graduates contribute significantly to technology and engineering sectors.

15. Nepal had 3,752 STEM OPT participants in 2024. Nepal's growing STEM OPT presence reflects increased Nepali enrollment in U.S. graduate programs. This emerging source country shows rapid growth potential.

16. 422,335 student records from India—an 11.8% increase from 2023. The ICE SEVP report documents continued Indian student growth, feeding the STEM OPT pipeline. Indian students increasingly view STEM OPT as a pathway to longer-term U.S. employment.

17. 1,582,808 active F-1 and M-1 student records in calendar year 2024—a 5.3% increase from 2023. This total active student count represents the full pool of potential future OPT applicants. The growing base ensures continued program expansion.

Fields of Study: Where STEM OPT Students Concentrate

18. 31% of those authorized for OPT in 2024 majored in computer science. The Congressional Research Service identifies computer science as the dominant field, reflecting tech industry demand. Nearly one-third of all OPT participants hold computer science degrees.

19. 18% of OPT participants in 2024 majored in engineering. Engineering represents the second-largest field among OPT participants. Combined with computer science, technical fields dominate the program.

20. 15% of OPT participants majored in business. Business degrees rank third, though many business programs now qualify as STEM-designated. Quantitative business programs increasingly receive STEM classification.

21. 56% of international students were in STEM fields in 2023-24 and therefore eligible for the 36-month extended OPT. Migration Policy Institute analysis shows the majority of international students pursue STEM-eligible degrees. This majority representation drives STEM OPT participation growth.

22. 64% of international graduate students pursue STEM fields in the United States. The IIE Fall 2024 Snapshot reveals even higher STEM concentration at the graduate level. Master's and doctoral students disproportionately select STEM programs for extension eligibility.

Top Employers of OPT and STEM OPT Students: Where Graduates Work

23. Amazon employs 6,679 OPT and STEM OPT students—the largest employer in the program. ICE SEVP data confirms Amazon's dominant position, with nearly four times as many OPT and STEM OPT workers as the second-largest employer. Amazon's total OPT workforce (including regular OPT) exceeds 10,000.

24. Google employs 1,778 OPT and STEM OPT students. As the second-largest OPT employer, Google demonstrates Big Tech's reliance on international STEM talent. The company's engineering-focused culture attracts top international graduates.

25. Microsoft employs 1,496 OPT and STEM OPT students. Microsoft's OPT workforce supports cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and enterprise software development. The company consistently ranks among top OPT and STEM OPT employers.

26. Meta employs 1,302 OPT and STEM OPT students. Meta's OPT count reflects continued investment in international talent despite recent workforce adjustments. Social media and virtual reality development attract STEM graduates.

27. Goldman Sachs employs 962 OPT and STEM OPT students. The leading financial services employer of OPT and STEM OPT talent demonstrates demand beyond traditional tech companies. Quantitative finance roles increasingly require STEM backgrounds.

Economic Impact: How STEM OPT Benefits the U.S. Economy

28. International students contributed $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023-24 academic year. NAFSA economic impact data quantifies the substantial economic contribution of international students, including those on OPT. This figure encompasses tuition, living expenses, and economic activity.

29. International students supported more than 378,000 jobs in the United States in 2023-24. Beyond direct spending, international students create jobs across education, housing, retail, and transportation sectors. The employment multiplier effect extends benefits throughout local economies.

30. International students contributed approximately $50 billion to the U.S. economy as of 2023. IIE and Commerce estimates place the contribution even higher when accounting for all economic activity. The $50 billion figure represents significant GDP contribution.

Institutional Support & Perceptions: What Universities Report

31. 77% of U.S. institutions report that OPT is important for recruiting international students interested in work experiences. The IIE Fall 2024 Snapshot surveyed 693 institutions, revealing OPT's recruitment importance. Universities actively market OPT availability to prospective international students.

32. 70% of U.S. institutions believe OPT enables U.S. businesses to recruit and retain international student talent. Institutional leaders recognize OPT's role in workforce development. The program bridges academic preparation and professional employment.

33. 71% of institutions think OPT presents an economic benefit to U.S. businesses. Beyond student benefits, universities affirm employer value from access to trained international graduates. STEM OPT provides cost-effective talent acquisition.

34. 92% of institutions reported that if OPT was not available, international students would likely look to other destinations. This IIE Fall 2025 finding—updated from 84% in the prior year's survey—highlights OPT's competitive importance. Without work authorization pathways, the U.S. risks losing international student enrollment to competing countries.

35. 76% of institutions provide informational sessions on applying for OPT. University support services include dedicated OPT programming. Students benefit from institutional guidance on application requirements and timelines.

Transitioning Beyond STEM OPT: Long-Term Pathways

STEM OPT's 36-month authorization window provides time to pursue longer-term immigration options:

• H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: Multiple lottery attempts during STEM OPT period
• O-1A Extraordinary Ability Visa: For STEM professionals with exceptional achievements
• EB-2 NIW Green Card: National Interest Waiver for advanced degree holders
• EB-1A Green Card: Extraordinary ability category for outstanding researchers

Alma provides seamless transitions from STEM OPT to longer-term status through attorney-led preparation. Explore the O-1A visa guide or EB-2 NIW visa guide for pathway details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average processing time for a STEM OPT Extension application?

USCIS now publishes processing times under a unified Service Center Operations (SCOPS) designation. Students can check the latest estimates for Form I-765 on the USCIS processing times page by selecting "Service Center Operations (SCOPS)" from the office dropdown. Students generally benefit from cap-gap protection, which allows continued employment while the application pends. Filing early within the 90-day window may provide additional flexibility. Alma's platform includes case tracking features so students always know their application status.

What is the purpose of Form I-983 for STEM OPT Extension?

Form I-983 establishes a formal training plan between the student and E-Verify employer, identifying learning objectives and supervision structure. Employers attest they are not replacing U.S. workers and are providing compensation commensurate with U.S. employees. The training plan requires updates when employment circumstances change. Alma's $1,000 STEM Training Plan service covers compliant Form I-983 preparation.

Can students continue working while a STEM OPT Extension application is pending?

F-1 students generally receive automatic cap-gap work authorization while a timely-filed STEM OPT Extension application is pending. This protection is designed to allow continuous employment without interruption. The cap-gap period extends from current OPT expiration until USCIS adjudicates the extension application. Maintaining documentation of timely filing is generally considered important.

How does STEM OPT relate to H-1B lottery attempts?

STEM OPT's 36-month duration provides multiple H-1B lottery opportunities for students seeking longer-term work authorization. With annual lottery registration, students may have up to three chances during their STEM OPT period. Alma's H-1B lottery registration service at $500 streamlines the annual process.

What is the difference between OPT and STEM OPT Extension?

Regular OPT provides 12 months of work authorization available to all F-1 students after completing their degree. STEM OPT Extension adds 24 additional months exclusively for graduates of STEM-designated degree programs working for E-Verify employers. The combined 36-month period significantly expands career development opportunities.

How does Alma help with STEM OPT Extension applications?

Alma combines expert immigration attorneys with technology-enabled workflows for STEM OPT applications. Services include Form I-765 preparation ($250), Form I-983 Training Plan assistance ($1,000), and platform access for document management and case tracking. With a 99%+ approval rate and guaranteed 2-week document turnaround, Alma provides immigration legal services designed for speed, excellence, and care.