Optional Practical Training (OPT) is generally granted to an international student who has pursued or completed a degree in the United States.  Typically, it is used for post-degree employment in the student’s degree field and is granted for a total of 12 months.  The University of Vermont is not an E-Verify employer except for positions tied to specific federal contracts and as such, the STEM OPT 24-month extension is not available to most UVM F-1 employees.  UVM students pursuing degrees may also be granted OPT employment authorization to pursue practical work experience off campus.  This work authorization is granted by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Proof of valid employment authorization is found on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card with beginning and end dates of employment eligibility.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is temporary work authorization issued by an institution’s immigration officer for a short-term curricular-based employment opportunity. It would likely be used when hiring an international student from another institution for a research project, for example. Proof of valid employment authorization is found on Page 2 of the student's I-20 with beginning and end dates of employment as well as the employer’s name.