Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

The F-1 student visa is for students who are enrolled in a full program of study. It does not allow off-campus work, except in limited situations that are usually related to your studies.

*** Please be advised that working off-campus without authorization is illegal. ***

The information below are general guidelines. There are specific reasons that International Education may not be able to approve Practical Training and eligibility is at the discretion of International Education and your International Advisor.

• Students in the Intensive English Language Program are not eligible for practical training.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work option to gain practical experience directly related to your major area of study while you are studying at Bellevue College.

• An International Advisor must approve your CPT before you can start working.
• You must coordinate with your internship/practicum instructor and your internship employer to make sure all requirements are met.  
• Your major listed on your I-20 must match the program you are pursuing. 

The amount of time your International Advisor can authorize varies and depends on the work required to complete your program.

• All required internship hours must be completed before the end of your academic program. 
• CPT is usually part-time and does not reduce your one year of full-time Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
  • If you participate in a total of 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you will become ineligible for OPT (8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)). 
• Full-time CPT is granted only in very limited circumstances, typically during an approved vacation quarter.
  • Unless you are on an approved vacation quarter, you must maintain full-time enrollment, which generally prevents you from participating in a full-time internship. 

CPT Eligibility

Students must meet all of the following requirements in order to be eligible to apply for Curricular Practical Training:

1. You have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis in the college-level program for at least one full academic year (i.e. three consecutive quarters).  
2. An internship or practicum course is an integral part of your program’s graduation requirements and is directly related to your major area of study. 
   • Note: Associate in Arts and Sciences Transfer Degree and Certificates may not be eligible for CPT.  
3. You have or will be enrolled in the internship or practicum course to earn credits.  
4. You will or have received a detailed internship offer letter from your employer on a company’s letterhead that clearly states the internship is for practical training purposes.
   • The letter needs to include the date, the employer’s physical U.S. address, your name, your position, start and end date, part or full-time and the hiring official’s name and signature.  

How to Apply for Curricular Practical Training

If you meet all the above criteria, then you may begin searching for your internship site. If you have any questions about eligibility, make an appointment with your International Advisor.  

Once you have received an internship offer, contact your International Advisor for a Curricular Practical Training Request form and begin the process outlined on the form:  

1. Complete the Student Section and attach a copy of your internship offer letter.  
2. Meet with the Academic Advisor/Program Manager for your major to confirm the internship relates directly to your major area of studies. If not, you may be ineligible.  
3. Meet with an Experiential Learning Coordinator in the Center for Career Connections to confirm the Exprl class enrollment process and timing. 
4. Submit your completed Internship Request Form to your International Advisor at least two weeks before your internship’s starting date.   
5. Pick up your new I-20 from International Education and review page two to confirm your internship details.  

Important Information about CPT:

• Your internship offer letter must clearly state that it is a temporary internship and must provide starting and ending dates that correspond to the quarter in which you are registered for the internship/practicum course.
  • CPT approval does not transfer to another employer or any other employment authorization. Your approval is for the specific employer for the specified time periods stated on your I-20.
  • You cannot work beyond your CPT approval dates. If your program requires more than one internship/practicum course for graduation, you must apply for another CPT.  
• You must register for your program’s internship/practicum course or an EXPRL to earn credits towards your graduation requirements.  
• If you are approved for part-time CPT, you must keep your weekly hours under 20 throughout the approved CPT period.   
• CPT can be paid or unpaid. 
  • A paid internship will require you to apply for a social security number.  
• You must not start your internship/CPT (paid or unpaid) until your International Advisor properly approves your CPT request.  

Last Updated April 10, 2026