For international students: As an F-1 student, can I obtain authorization to accept an off-campus paid position to fulfill my Professional Experience Requirement (PER)?
Wagner requires all MPA and MUP students to graduate with professional experience that is directly related to their degree program, specialization, and career goals. Degree-relevant work experience to fulfill the Professional Experience Requirement (PER) is approved by Wagner’s Office of Career Services.
Students typically fulfill the PER via a relevant work experience over one semester (i.e. 15-20 hours per week during a semester, or 20-35 hours per week in the summer). Students may request up to three semesters of work experience relevant to the PER, approved by Wagner’s Office of Career Services.
F-1 international students, pursuing paid off campus opportunities for the PER must apply for Curricular Practical Training with the Office of Global Services (OGS). F-1 International students may apply for CPT to complete up to three paid, off-campus internships and must apply for CPT work authorization prior to starting each PER-fulfilling internship. The CPT request process (via Wagner Student Services) typically takes 5 business days and the authorization process may take 10 business days (via Office of Global Services (OGS).
To request CPT authorization:
- Please read through the PER requirements and CPT Process before submitting your request.
- Submit your internship for PER approval in the Career Directory. Please allow 5-10 business days for review of your submission.
- Once you receive approval for your PER, follow the step-by-step CPT request process as outlined by OGS.
F-1 International students pursuing unpaid opportunities for the PER are recommended to get authorization for practical training if any of the criteria listed on the New York State wage requirements for interns in for-profit businesses are unmet. If you intend to intern at a not-for-profit business, refer to the New York State wage requirements for interns in not-for-profit businesses to determine if your proposed position is truly volunteer work. If you'll be working elsewhere in the US, please refer to the US Department of Labor guide on unpaid interns. If at all possible, OGS advises students to seek work authorization for any prospective experiential opportunity to be safe, and for assurance, if there is any doubt in whether your prospective experience meets the criteria for unpaid internships.
J-1 International Students sponsored by NYU pursuing off-campus paid or unpaid opportunities for the PER must speak with an OGS advisor regarding needed work authorization prior to starting the PER.
Additionally, F-1 and J-1 International students must speak with an OGS advisor for authorization of any further work after the PER. Students who wish to pursue off-campus paid positions in addition to the PER may consider Optional Practical Training (OPT) in consultation with NYU's OGS. [up]