Texas is rapidly becoming a top destination for F1 international students, experiencing remarkable growth in this demographic. Research from Opendoor indicates that over the past two years, the total number of international students in Texas, including those on Optional Practical Training (OPT), has surged by 15%, significantly outpacing the national average of 10% and far exceeding California’s 3.2%.
One of the primary reasons for this trend is Texas's growing popularity among Indian international students, who are poised to surpass the number of Chinese international students—the largest group over the past decade.
The migration of many tech companies to Texas, especially to the Dallas region, due to higher taxes in California, has made the state an even more attractive educational and professional hub. The top five universities in Texas, known for their focus on technology, are now leading institutions for international students. Coupled with pleasant weather and strong community support, Texas is not just a preferred study location but also a favored destination for Indian students to find employment and settle post-graduation.
Despite the recent reforms, the H1B visa selection rate remains around 25% for FY 2025, prompting many who wish to stay in the U.S. or build a career to consider Day 1 CPT programs as a viable alternative to the H1B visa.
What are the Day 1 CPT options in Texas Then?