How to Find a Job on OPT: Which Employers Hire
Any US employer can hire you on OPT because the work card comes from USCIS, not the employer. The best targets are companies that already hire OPT workers and later file H-1B petitions. Use public government data to build that list, apply early, and ask about sponsorship before the final round.
Every job is from an employer that filed H1Bs in 2025. See which ones fit your resume.
Why OPT is easier to hire for than H-1B
On OPT, the employer files nothing with USCIS. It completes Form I-9 with your EAD like any other hire.
Many recruiters still say no because they think ahead to H-1B. Explain that you can work now with no cost to them, and give your OPT end date.
If your degree is on the STEM list, mention that you may qualify for 24 more months on STEM OPT. That needs an E-Verify employer.
Which employers hire OPT workers
ICE publishes a yearly list of the top 200 OPT and STEM OPT employers. In 2024, Amazon led with 10,167 students. The University of California, Google, Microsoft and Meta followed.
Universities appear often on that list. That matters because universities are cap-exempt and can file H-1B petitions at any time of year. See cap-exempt employers.
Banks, consultancies, chip makers and IT services firms also rank high. Our OPT employers and STEM OPT employers pages show these counts next to each company's H-1B record.
| Employer | H-1B filings | Transfers | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.Com Services LLC | 14,047 | 2,382 | $155k |
| Cognizant Technology Solutions US CorpGC frozen | 10,209 | 872 | $110k |
| Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 9,808 | 269 | $143k |
| Google LLC | 7,899 | 844 | $186k |
| Microsoft CorporationGC frozen | 7,840 | 879 | $173k |
| Tata Consultancy Services LimitedGC frozen | 7,287 | 353 | $86k |
A search plan that works
- Pick two or three job titles that clearly match your major.
- Build a target list from H1B jobs by role and H1B sponsors, so you focus on employers that sponsor later.
- If you are STEM, check each company against E-Verify employers.
- Apply within a few days of a posting. Tailor your resume to the job's skills. You can match sponsor jobs to your resume to see the best fits first.
- Ask alumni and former classmates who are on OPT or H-1B at the company for referrals.
- Ask about sponsorship once there is real interest. Our guide on asking about H-1B sponsorship has wording.
Entry-level, remote and local roles
With little experience, look at new-grad programs, research and lab roles at universities, and roles at large employers with steady OPT hiring.
Remote jobs are allowed on OPT if the work relates to your major and meets the hour rules. Report the employer and its address like any other job.
For local roles, filter employer lists by state and city, then check each one's sponsorship history.
Red flags to avoid
Some firms advertise OPT jobs but charge fees, ask you to pay for training, or have no real office. In March 2026, SEVP warned schools about STEM OPT fraud at some IT recruitment, consulting and staffing firms.
Warning signs it listed include vague websites, empty offices, and job duties that do not match what the school was told. A fake employer can cost you your status. See staffing agencies on STEM OPT.
Plan for the end of OPT now
Most OPT workers need an H-1B lottery registration in March to stay. The lottery is now weighted by wage level, so a higher offered salary improves your odds. See the wage-based lottery.
If time is short, read OPT running out and keep track of your unemployment days.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with your DSO or an immigration attorney.
Questions
Do employers need to sponsor me to hire me on OPT?
No. OPT work permission comes from USCIS. The employer only completes Form I-9 with your EAD, as it would for any worker.
Which companies hire the most OPT students?
ICE's 2024 list was led by Amazon, the University of California, Google, Microsoft and Meta. The full top 200 list is public.
Can I work remotely on OPT?
Yes, if the work relates to your major and meets the hour rules. Report the employer and work address to your DSO or the SEVP Portal.
Do startups hire OPT students?
Yes. Any employer can hire you on OPT if the job relates to your major. For STEM OPT later, the startup must be enrolled in E-Verify.
When should I tell an employer I am on OPT?
Be honest if asked about work authorization. Many candidates raise future H-1B needs once the employer shows real interest.
Sources
- ICE SEVP: 2024 Top 200 Employers for OPT and STEM OPT Students (PDF)
- Study in the States: Read the 2024 SEVIS by the Numbers Report
- Study in the States: Learn About the Types of Practical Training for F-1 Students
- ICE SEVP Broadcast Message 2603-02: STEM OPT Employer Fraud (Mar. 23, 2026)
- USCIS: H-1B Specialty Occupations
- Federal Register: Weighted Selection Process for Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions (Dec. 29, 2025)
