Duke F-1 Student OPT Employment Data

This data shows where Duke F-1 students have worked on OPT in recent years, a useful starting point for identifying employers open to hiring international students.

What is OPT? Optional Practical Training (OPT) lets F-1 students work in the U.S. for up to one year after graduation in a job related to their major. STEM graduates may qualify for a two-year extension. [Learn more on Duke Visa Services’ Website.]

About this data: This dataset includes self-reported OPT employment from Duke F-1 visa holders between 2018 and early 2026. Before using it, keep a few things in mind:

• It’s incomplete. A significant number of OPT outcomes are not represented here, and many employers who hire international students don’t appear in this data.
• It may not reflect current hiring. Employer policies change frequently. Being in this dataset doesn’t mean a company is currently hiring F-1 students on OPT.
• Some entries may be inaccurate. Students self-reported this information, and some may have listed an intended employer they never actually started with.
• Hiring can be role-specific. Some companies only make certain positions or teams eligible for OPT employment.
• Absence isn’t disqualifying. A company with no OPT history may still be open to hiring you.

For the most current information, research employers directly, attend info sessions, and connect with alumni and recruiters at your target companies.

For more information and support, visit the Career Center’s International Affinity Page or schedule a career advising appointment on Handshake.