Additional PER Information for International Students

NYU Wagner requires all MPA and MUP international students to fulfill the Professional Experience Requirement (PER). The main PER page has information applicable to all students and this page walks you through some of the most commonly asked questions from international students with an F1 visa. For additional support and guidance visit the NYU Wagner Office of Career Services.

  1. What resources are available to me as I search for a PER position?
  2. Do I need to find a paid position to fulfill PER?
  3. I found a paid, off-campus, degree relevant position in the U.S to use for my PER. What do I do next?
  4. How many opportunities do I have to use CPT?
  5. How soon can I use my CPT?
  6. Can I accept a remote job based outside the United States?
  7. How many hours a week am I allowed to work as an international student?
     

  1. What resources are available to me as I search for a PER position?

NYU has resources to help you navigate your US employment. The NYU Office of Global Services (OGS) is your primary visa and immigration resource. They should be your first stop for any questions related to visas, status changes, social security numbers, and taxes. They offer walk-ins, appointments, and workshops focused on issues relevant to international students.

The NYU Wagner Office of Career Services (OCS) can assist you in your US job search. Our staff can meet with you to help plan your job search, discuss your US resume, and practice for interviews. OCS offers individual appointments throughout the year.

  2. Do I need to find a paid position to fulfill PER?

No. PER positions can be paid or unpaid. 

Please note, the NYU Office of Global Services (OGS) recommends that ALL students who have an internship that is UNPAID 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.

  3. I found a paid, off-campus, degree relevant position in the U.S to use for my PER. What do I do next?

  1. Check with the Office of Global Services to ensure that you’re eligible to accept paid off-campus employment in the U.S. 
  2. Submit your PER position for approval on the NYU Wagner Career Directory. 
  3. Once you receive confirmation of your PER approval via email you can start the CPT approval process.

You are NOT allowed to start working in a paid, off-campus position until you have received CPT approval and authorization from the Office of Global Services.

  4. How many opportunities do I have to use CPT?

You may use CPT up to three times in connection with PER.

  5. How soon can I use my CPT?

Students must complete one academic year (2 semesters) before being eligible to begin CPT.

  6. Can I accept a remote job based outside the United States?

Students working for a foreign employer while physically inside of the US is a violation of F-1 and J-1 student status. The student loses their immigration status and must pursue reinspection or reinstatement to regain their status in the US. For any question regarding work eligibility, authorization, and visa status, please contact Office of Global Services.

  7. How many hours a week am I allowed to work as an international student?

Students can work no more than 20 hours a week during the fall and spring semester and up to 40 hours a week during the winter break and summer session.