Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Amazon, Google, Microsoft Top Employers of International Students
Imagine you're an international student studying in the U.S. After finishing your studies, you can work in your field using a program called OPT.
It lets you work for up to a year.
If you have a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), you can extend your work time for two more years through STEM OPT.
Many companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft hire international students through OPT.
In 2024, more students used OPT than before.
This is partly because of changes in immigration policies.
Companies are hiring more young, less experienced international students, to solve the need for IT talents, especially those with STEM degrees.
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are top employers for international students under the OPT program.
OPT allows eligible F-1 students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months.
STEM OPT provides a 24-month extension for those with STEM degrees.
In 2024, Amazon led in OPT employment with 5,379 jobs.
OPT employment increased by 21% and STEM OPT by 54% compared to 2023.
- Who
- International students, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and other employers.
- What
- The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students to work in the U.S. after their studies, with a STEM extension.
- When
- In 2024, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft were top employers. Employment through OPT increased by 21%, and STEM OPT by 54% since 2023.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To gain work experience and address the need for IT talent.
Employer Perspective
Immigration policies
Benefits of OPT
Employer Perspective
Companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft benefit from access to skilled international students through OPT to fulfill the demand for IT jobs, building a talent pipeline.
Immigration policies
This perspective is not included in the article.
- OPT Program
- Allows F-1 students to work for up to 12 months
- STEM OPT Extension
- 24-month extension for STEM graduates
- Top Employer (OPT 2024)
- Amazon (5,379 jobs)
- Total OPT Employment (2024)
- 194,554 students
- STEM OPT Employment Increase (2023-2024)
- 54%
- Total STEM OPT Employment (2024)
- 95,384 students