Tech Giants Lead in Hiring International STEM Students in US
Tech companies Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have emerged as top recruiters of international students through the U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
According to a recent report from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), Amazon led with 6,679 new hires in 2024. Google followed with 1,778 new hires, Microsoft with 1,496, and Meta with 1,302. Other major employers in the top 10 include the University of California (1,302 students), Walmart (1,140), Intel (1,023), Apple (973), Goldman Sachs (962), and Tesla (901).
OPT is a popular work authorization program allowing international students with F-1 visas to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. It permits up to 12 months of employment either before or after graduation. For students in eligible STEM majors, an additional 24-month extension, known as STEM OPT, is available.
In 2024, 194,554 international students were granted OPT work authorization, marking a 21% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, 95,384 students received STEM OPT authorization, a 54% jump year-on-year.
Amazon also topped the list of employers for pre- and post-completion OPT (excluding STEM OPT), with 5,379 students. The University of California followed with 2,112, Arizona State University with 1,895, the University of Texas with 1,305, and Tesla with 1,170.
Dmitri Litvinov, CEO and founder of Dreem, commented that the sharp rise in OPT and STEM OPT participation reflects a strategic shift by tech companies. “Amid tightening U.S. immigration policies, companies are turning to OPT as a way to attract and develop emerging international talent early in their careers,” he said.
The STEM OPT extension enables companies to build and sustain a long-term talent pipeline to meet the growing demands of the U.S. tech sector.
