International students in the US hit a milestone in 2024, securing record numbers of work permits under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, fuelling America’s economy and tech workforce.

A new Boundless study shows a record 194,554 international students secured work permits under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme in 2024.

Participation in STEM OPT also soared, with 165,524 students taking part. Among them, 95,384 received fresh STEM OPT authorisations, marking a 54% jump from the previous year. Students from India (48%) and China (20.4%) accounted for the bulk of these approvals.

The year 2024 became the fourth consecutive year of growth for STEM OPT, underlining how international students are not only pursuing degrees in the US but also gaining crucial work experience in fast-growing sectors such as artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering.

International enrolment climbed to 1.58 million students in 2024, reflecting a 5.3% rise from the previous year. Their contribution to the US economy reached $43.8 billion, up 9.5% year-on-year, supporting 378,175 jobs during the 2023–24 academic cycle.

Asia remained the largest source of talent, with India (422,335) and China (329,541) together representing 47.5% of all active SEVIS records.

Tech giants, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple, ranked among the leading employers of OPT and STEM OPT participants.

For companies, OPT offers a pathway to hire skilled graduates without committing immediately to visa sponsorship, giving them time to assess candidates before extending longer-term opportunities.

However, despite the gains, the OPT programme is under mounting scrutiny. Critics, including Jessica Vaughan of the Center for Immigration Studies, have urged Congress to either tighten visa rules or dismantle the programme altogether.

Former USCIS Director Joseph Edlow has also voiced concerns. Lawmakers are considering imposing new taxes on OPT earnings, which are currently exempt from FICA contributions.

Tighter visa policies and uncertainty surrounding OPT threaten the appeal of the US as a study-abroad destination.

Immigration data already shows fewer arrivals in July 2024 compared with the previous year, and enrolment for Fall 2025 is projected to drop by nearly 50%, with Indian students expected to be among the most affected.