International Students In The Us: Can F1 Visa Holders Drive?

International students in the US on an F1 visa face restrictions on their ability to work. While they can work on-campus, off-campus work requires specific authorization. This includes working for companies like Uber, Lyft, and Doordash, which some sources say is not allowed, as it would violate immigration law. However, other sources suggest that F1 students can work for Doordash if they get authorization from their school's international student office. Before considering off-campus work, F1 students should consult with their school's Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney to ensure they are complying with visa regulations.

Can international students on F1 visas do delivery driving in the USA?

F1 students can work on-campus and off-campus, but only under certain conditions

F-1 students can work both on and off-campus, but there are several conditions that must be met. Firstly, on-campus employment must take place either at the school or at an educationally affiliated off-campus location. This includes work for an on-campus commercial business, such as a bookstore or cafeteria, as long as the work directly provides services for students. For example, an F-1 student can work for a contractually affiliated company, such as a school bookstore, but not for a construction company, even if the job site is on campus.

F-1 students automatically have permission to work on-campus (unless they are a border commuter) but must work with a Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure the job qualifies as on-campus employment. They will need certification letters from the DSO and the employer and must present these, along with other documents, to their local Social Security Administration office to obtain a Social Security number.

Regarding off-campus work, F-1 students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. After the first year, they may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and severe economic hardship off-campus employment. To qualify for the latter, students must provide proof of an adverse change in their financial situation and that the hardship is due to unforeseen circumstances. Off-campus employment is typically permitted for up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks.

It is important to note that F-1 students cannot work for just any company as independent contractors, even for gig work, as this would violate their immigration status. Before engaging in any paid activity, F-1 students should consult with their school's DSO to ensure they have the proper authorization and do not risk losing their F-1 status.

Off-campus work requires specific authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International students in the US on an F-1 visa are allowed to work, but with restrictions. On-campus employment is permitted for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. However, off-campus work requires specific authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. To qualify, the work experience must be required for your degree, or academic credit must be awarded. CPT employment can be part-time (20 hours per week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week), and it must be authorized by your school's International Student Office. The authorization will specify the approved employer and dates of employment. While in school, students can only be approved for part-time CPT. Working full-time on CPT for 12 months or more makes a student ineligible for OPT.

OPT is available to students who have been enrolled for at least 9 months and have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). OPT employment can occur anywhere in the US and does not need to be related to the student's major. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.

It is important to note that F-1 students must not work without permission, as this will invalidate their visa status. Students should consult with their school's Designated School Official (DSO) or International Student Office before engaging in any off-campus employment to ensure they have the correct authorization and are maintaining their visa status.

Delivery drivers are often considered independent contractors, which may not align with F1 visa regulations

As an international student on an F1 visa in the USA, you must not work without permission, whether for an employer or as an independent contractor. Working without permission will invalidate your F1 status and you will be required to leave the country, which may impact your ability to finish your degree. Delivery drivers are often considered independent contractors, which may not align with F1 visa regulations.

F1 visa holders are allowed to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. For off-campus work, specific authorization is required, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). This off-campus work authorization is typically granted for economic hardship or OPT purposes.

If you are considering working as a delivery driver, it is crucial to consult with an immigration attorney or your school's Designated School Official (DSO) or international student advisor to ensure compliance with visa regulations. Each employment type has specific rules that must be followed, and failure to adhere to these rules can result in severe consequences.

It is important to note that while some people believe that working as an independent contractor for companies like Uber, Lyft, or DoorDash does not violate immigration law, this is incorrect. Even a single trip as an Uber driver is sufficient to trigger a violation of your F1 status. Therefore, before engaging in any paid activity, it is essential to seek proper guidance and authorization to avoid any legal or visa-related issues.

Working without permission will invalidate your F1 status and you will have to leave the US

As an international student on an F1 visa in the US, you must not work without permission. This applies whether you are working for an employer or for yourself as an independent contractor. Working without permission will invalidate your F1 status and you will have to leave the US.

Many people incorrectly believe that, because they are not technically working for any employer, and are instead working for themselves by doing gigs here and there for companies such as Uber, Lyft, or Doordash, such work would not trigger a violation of immigration law. However, even driving for Uber for one trip is sufficient to trigger a violation of your F1 status.

F1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. For off-campus work, you need specific authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Importantly, to do food delivery, you would need to get this off-campus work authorization. Before considering food delivery, F1 students should check their work eligibility and must receive authorization from their school’s international student office and the US.

To avoid any issues with your F1 status, it is important to consult with your school's Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney before engaging in any paid activity.

Before taking on any paid work, consult with your school's Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney

As an international student on an F1 visa in the US, you must not work without permission, whether for an employer or as an independent contractor. Working without permission will invalidate your F1 status and you will be required to leave the US, which may make it difficult or impossible for you to finish your degree.

Before taking on any paid work, it is important to consult with your school's Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney. They can advise you on the specific rules and criteria for each employment type and help you understand your visa conditions. For instance, you may be able to work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. For off-campus work, specific authorization is required, usually granted for economic hardship or Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Additionally, you must also acquire a driver's license to operate a vehicle in the US. Each state has different requirements, but generally, you must apply for a license at your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and ensure your SEVIS record is in Active status.

It is always better to seek professional advice to ensure you are complying with immigration laws and maintaining your visa status.

Frequently asked questions