Can TaskRabbit or Lyft drivers work without US visa?

No, it is not possible to become a TaskRabbit or Lyft driver in the U.S. without a valid U.S. work visa or work authorization. Here’s why:

Why You Cannot Work Without a Visa:

1. U.S. Law Requires Legal Work Authorization

• Any kind of paid work — including gig economy jobs like driving for Lyft or doing tasks on TaskRabbit — is considered employment under U.S. immigration law.

• You must have one of the following:

o Work visa (e.g. H-1B, O-1, etc.)

o Green Card (Permanent Resident)

o DACA or TPS with EAD

o Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under F-1 OPT/CPT, asylum, spouse of H-1B, etc.

2. Gig Platforms Require Proof

Both TaskRabbit and Lyft will ask for:

• Social Security Number (SSN)

• Proof of work eligibility

• U.S. driver’s license (in Lyft’s case)

• Background check, which verifies legal status

Without these, you cannot be onboarded.

What You Can Do Instead (If Outside the U.S. or on Tourist Visa):

• Work remotely for international clients as a freelancer (writing, design, coding, etc.)

• Apply for a U.S. work visa legally if you get a job offer

• Explore programs like O-1 Visa (for people with exceptional ability) or P-visa (for artists/performers)

Warning:

Working without authorization in the U.S. is illegal and may result in:

• Visa cancellation

• Future entry bans

• Deportation

Summary:

Platform                                                         Legal Work Authorization                                         Required Notes

Lyft                                                                            ✅ Yes                                                          U.S. license + SSN needed

TaskRabbit                                                                ✅ Yes                                                          Must pass ID & eligibility check