International Students: Can They Drive For Uber?

International students often seek part-time employment to earn some extra money or gain work experience. Driving for Uber is a popular choice due to its flexibility and income potential. However, the eligibility requirements for international students to become Uber drivers vary by country and visa status. In Canada, international students with a study permit can work up to 20 hours per week during full-time study and full-time during holidays. They can become Uber drivers if they meet the general and city-specific requirements, such as possessing a valid driver's license and registration. In the United States, F1 visa holders cannot legally drive for Uber as it does not grant work authorization. Students on other visas, such as the H-1B visa, may be eligible if their employment is not restricted. In the United Kingdom, the eligibility for international students to drive for Uber is unclear and may depend on their visa type. It is crucial for international students to carefully research their specific situation and consult with relevant authorities before applying to drive for Uber.

International students with an F1 visa in the US

The F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa for studying in the US, and it does not grant work authorization, making it illegal for F1 students to drive for Uber. Violating the employment terms of your F1 visa, such as working without authorization, can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of visa status, denial of re-entry into the US, and potential bars on future visas.

To work for Uber, drivers must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being at least 21 years old, having a US driver's license, owning a 4-door car less than 10 years old, and passing a background check. F1 students do not automatically qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN), which is another mandatory requirement to drive for Uber.

There are, however, a few legal ways for F1 visa holders to earn income. These include on-campus employment, authorized internships under CPT, and jobs related to their field of study under OPT. It is crucial to explore these options and never try to circumvent the rules, as it can lead to legal troubles and jeopardize your career and future visa applications.

If you change your visa status to a type that allows unrestricted employment, such as an H-1B visa, you can then legally drive for Uber or engage in other forms of employment.

Driving licence requirements

In the United Kingdom, Uber drivers are required to possess a private-hire licence from a council that Uber is licensed by. This entails obtaining a licence from a licensing authority, such as a council. An EU driving licence must be converted to a UK driving licence before onboarding. Additionally, the number of years of driving experience required varies depending on the city.

For international students in Canada, the eligibility to drive for Uber depends on the province of study, the type of vehicle, and driving history. Generally, Uber requires a driver's licence issued by the provincial government of the city where the driving will take place. Therefore, an international driving permit or a foreign driver's licence may not be sufficient. Additionally, all drivers in Canada must obtain proper insurance, which can be costly, and factor in expenses such as gas and parking.

In the United States, Uber drivers are required to have at least one year of licensed driving experience, or three years if the driver is under 25 years old. Additionally, specific regions, like Washington, D.C., require a driver's license from Virginia, Maryland, or D.C. Proof of residency, vehicle insurance, and a passing vehicle inspection form are also necessary.

In Australia, Uber has specific requirements for driver-partners. They must have a citizenship, residency, or visa status that allows them to work. During the sign-up process, a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) check is conducted for those who cannot provide an Australian passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate.

Work permit requirements

International students in the United States on an F1 visa are not allowed to work for Uber as this type of visa does not grant work authorization. F1 students also do not automatically qualify for a Social Security Number (SSN), which is a mandatory requirement to drive for Uber in the US.

However, international students in Canada may be able to drive for Uber, provided they meet certain requirements. These include having a valid driver's license, a study permit (which serves as a work permit), and limiting their working hours to 20 per week.

In the United Kingdom, students on a Tier 4 visa are not allowed to be self-employed or an independent contractor, which would include working for Uber. Uber also has its own set of requirements for their UK drivers, including being at least 21 years old, having a private hire license, a valid UK driver's license, private hire insurance, and a vehicle that meets their requirements.

Therefore, it is important for international students to carefully research the work permit requirements and applicable visa restrictions in their specific country or region before applying for any job, including Uber. Consulting with a university employee or a designated school official is recommended to understand one's work situation and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Vehicle requirements

As an international student, the requirements to drive for Uber vary depending on the country and city in which you plan to operate. For example, in Canada, you may be able to drive for Uber as an international student, depending on your province of study, your vehicle, and your driving history. However, in the United States, most international students cannot drive for Uber, as they typically do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or a work permit.

Regardless of your location, to drive for Uber, you must meet the company's vehicle requirements, which are determined by Uber for each city in which they operate. Here are the general vehicle requirements for Uber:

• Insurance: The driver's name must appear on the insurance document for the vehicle to be approved for use on the Uber platform. Additionally, all partners must maintain their own insurance policies in accordance with local laws.
• Doors and Passenger Capacity: The vehicle must have four doors and be capable of transporting a minimum of four passengers.
• Title Condition: The vehicle's title cannot be salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt.
• Rental Vehicle Policy: Only vehicles from approved Uber rental companies are permitted.
• Vehicle Appearance: The vehicle cannot exhibit any cosmetic damage, missing pieces, or have commercial branding or taxi paint jobs.
• Vehicle Age: The minimum age of the vehicle varies depending on the region. For example, in Virginia, the vehicle must be 16 years old or newer, while in the District of Columbia, it must be 10 years old or newer.
• Vehicle Registration: Uber accepts both official and temporary registration documents. The vehicle does not need to be registered in the driver's name to qualify.
• Specific Models: Certain Uber services, such as UberX, Select, UberXL, Uber Black, or Uber Black SUV, may have specific vehicle model requirements.

Cost of driving

The requirements to drive for Uber vary depending on the country and city in which you plan to operate. For example, in the United States, most international students cannot drive for Uber. F1 students, for instance, do not have work authorization and do not qualify for a social security number, which is required to drive for Uber in the US. In the United Kingdom, students on a Tier 4 visa are not allowed to be self-employed or independent contractors, which would include driving for Uber.

In Canada, international students may be eligible to drive for Uber, depending on their province of study, vehicle, and driving history. However, it is important to consider the costs of driving in Canada. Here are some of the costs to consider:

Insurance

All drivers in Canada must obtain proper insurance, which can be expensive. Uber maintains government-mandated commercial auto insurance on behalf of its drivers, but this is not provided for commercially licensed or insured drivers, such as those driving black cars, limousines, or taxis.

Gas

The cost of gas should also be factored in when considering the costs of driving for Uber.

Parking

Depending on where you live, parking may be costly and time-consuming.

Vehicle Requirements

Uber has specific vehicle requirements that drivers must meet. These may include the age and type of vehicle, as well as any necessary permits or licenses. Ensuring that your vehicle meets these requirements can incur additional costs.

Uber Service Fee

Uber charges a service fee, which is a percentage of the customer price that varies from trip to trip. This fee is used to cover the cost of promotions, marketing, and tech improvements to the app.

Before signing up to drive for Uber, it is essential to research the specific requirements and costs associated with your location.

Frequently asked questions