Can You Drive for Uber with H1-B or F1 Visa?

Driving for Uber on an H-1B Work Visa

If you're on an H-1B visa, you are authorized to work in the U.S. only for the employer who sponsored your visa and for the job specified in the petition. Uber driving is considered self-employment, which is not allowed under the terms of an H-1B visa because it doesn't align with the restrictions of the visa that ties you to a specific employer and role.

• Conclusion: You cannot legally drive for Uber or any rideshare service on an H-1B visa, as this would be considered unauthorized work.

Driving for Uber on an F-1 Student Visa

An F-1 student visa is also quite restrictive regarding employment:

1. On-Campus Employment: You can work on-campus without additional authorization, but that does not include Uber driving.

2. Off-Campus Employment: To work off-campus (like driving for Uber), you must have Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization.

o During OPT: If you are working under OPT in a field related to your major, driving for Uber is typically not allowed since it is not related to your field of study.

o During CPT: Driving for Uber would not be permissible unless the job is directly related to your course of study.

• Conclusion: You cannot drive for Uber on an F-1 visa unless you have the appropriate work authorization, such as OPT or CPT, and the work is directly related to your field of study.

Summary:

• H-1B Visa: No, you cannot drive for Uber because it violates the terms of your employment.

• F-1 Visa: No, unless you are authorized to work through OPT/CPT and the job is related to your field of study.