In June 2025, ICE released its 2024 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by the Numbers Report. This report includes data on international student enrollment at US educational institutions and work authorization for students employed by US companies.
International students are eligible to study in the US on the F-1 visa. As indicated in the report, most F-1 visa holders at universities major in computer science, information technology, and engineering fields. However, students seeking careers in healthcare may study in associate’s, bachelor’s and even master’s programs in majors like Nursing, Medical Technology, and Physical Therapy.
Both Enrollment and Employment Increased in 2024
Foreign student enrollment in the US increased once again in 2024. Over 1.5 million students held active immigration records at US schools in 2024, a 5.3% increase from 2023.
Work authorization is available to certain F-1 students. SEVIS's report states:
- 381,140 students were authorized to work for US employers in 2024.
- Work authorization participation increased by 21% for students enrolled in Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is one type of work authorization for students. OPT participation has now increased four years in a row.
- Work authorization participation increased 54% for students enrolled in STEM OPT (an extension of OPT for students studying in qualifying STEM degree fields).
In 2024, Amazon was the top employer among all F-1 students with work authorization, with tech giants Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla also among the companies employing the highest numbers of foreign students.
Conclusion
Though scrutiny of student visa issuance has increased as a result of Trump Administration policies in 2025 (as discussed in an MU blog post earlier this year), US universities and employers demonstrated heavy engagement with international students in 2024.
Student visas remain prevalent in the US, and major US employers continue to seek work-authorized foreign student employees.
