It has become a tradition for international students to search for avenues to earn extra money to either remove so much pressure on their tuition or to cater to their personal needs.
As a result of this, they seek out either full-time or part-time jobs, however, having a knowledge of jobs to take is of utmost importance, and it is no longer news that driving an Uber is one of the ways of making good money, but the question is: can an F1 visa holder drive an Uber?
If you are an F1 visa holder and the idea of driving an Uber has ever crossed your mind, then you need to find out what the requirements for driving an Uber in the United States are and if you are permitted to drive uber with an F1 visa.
What is the meaning of Uber?
Uber is best described as a top taxi/cab service provider, and they are known to operate the biggest taxi network in the United States.
What are the requirements for driving an Uber?
For you to be qualified to drive an uber, you have to meet certain requirements ranging from age restrictions, licensing norms, work permit requirements, and insurance policy requirements.
Below is the list of comprehensive requirements for you to be qualified.
- The minimum required age is 21 years.
- You must be a resident of the United States or possess the correct work permit to be legally employed in the U.S.
- You must possess a US driver’s license issued at least one year ago while it should be at least 3 years old for drivers below the age of 23 years.
- You must have a 4-door car that is not older than 10 years but in case you don’t possess a car, Uber can assist you to get one from one of its vehicle partners.
- The vehicle must possess an in-state license plate.
- You must possess auto insurance in your name.
- Your driver’s license has to belong to the state where you are searching for work.
- You must possess a number known as Social Security Number (SSN).
- You must have passed a background validation check, your driving record inclusive.
What is the meaning of an F1 Visa?
The F1 visa is defined as a non-immigrant visa designed for students who desire to register for higher studies in the U.S and issued by foreign nationals. This means that you must obtain an F1 visa to be able to enter the United States.
Is it possible for an F1 Student to Obtain an SSN?
People who are employable in the United States are assigned Social Security Numbers (SSN). Although a foreign student on an F1 visa doesn’t need SSN to register in an education program, however, they need one to be permitted to drive an Uber.
The purpose of an F1 visa is majorly about education and it doesn’t have any intentions that are connected to a work permit. However, an F1 student who works inside the campus or has been authorized to work outside the campus on CPT or OPT is qualified to apply for SSN is exempted from this.
Please don’t forget that just having SSN doesn’t automatically make you qualified to work, you still require a work permit for you to be legally allowed to work in the United States.
All About Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
The purpose of this training is to give experiences that are industry-specific and real to students as long as it is within their field of study. It is safe to call it an internship or practicum with a partnering employer, and most times can be full-time employment devoid of a limit to weekly working hours.
Interestingly, students are permitted to have more than one CPT authorization at the same time as you can automatically qualify for one if you are a graduate student, whereas a non-graduate is required to have completed one full academic year to be eligible for CPT offers.
All About Optional Practical Training (OPT)
This training is considered to be temporary employment that brings you in connection to the field of your studies. As we earlier stated, qualified students, are permitted to get up to 12 months of OPT employment.
Also, Pre-completion OPT makes you qualified to work for a maximum of 20 hours weekly. In Post-completion OPT, you are entitled to decide to work full-time. Whichever way, F1 students are expected to get approval from their respective Designated School Official (DSO) for confirming their OPT application.
What are the Work Restrictions for F1 Visas?
At this point, you should know that a work permit doesn’t come with an F1 visa, therefore, you are not allowed to work under the F1 student visa. Nevertheless, there are certain steps you should take if you want to get a good legal job while being an F1 student.
You also know that is essential that you obtain a Social Security number before you start your job hunting as an international student. Feel free to contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to put you through the process of obtaining your Social Security Number.
Is An F1 Visa Holder Permitted To Drive Uber?
Irrespective of the fact that students (applicant) need additional money for whatever reason best known to them, they must follow the laws made for them because engaging in driving an Uber if not duly authorized is unlawful.
Finally, the answer to the question is: A student with an F1 visa can’t drive Uber in the United States simply because F1 students are not issued automatic SSN which you now know is needed for you to be qualified to drive an Uber.
