International Students Working For Lyft: Is It Possible?

International students often seek part-time employment to support themselves while studying abroad. With the rise of ridesharing platforms like Lyft, some international students may consider driving as a potential source of income. However, there are legal considerations and visa restrictions that determine whether international students are eligible to work for ridesharing companies. In the United States, for instance, individuals on student visas (F1 or OPT) or work visas (H1B) are generally not permitted to drive for Lyft, as it violates their visa status. On the other hand, in Canada, international students with a valid study permit are authorized to work up to 20 hours per week during periods of full-time study, which may include driving for ridesharing companies as long as they meet the driver and vehicle requirements. Nonetheless, it is crucial for international students to carefully review their visa restrictions and consult with the appropriate authorities before engaging in any employment, including driving for companies like Lyft, to ensure compliance with immigration laws and avoid any potential legal consequences.

Can international students work for Lyft?

International students in Canada can work for Uber

Secondly, international students must meet certain requirements set by Uber. These include being 21 years or older, possessing a valid driver's license issued by the provincial government of the city where they will be driving, and having the necessary insurance and vehicle registration. International students may be able to use their foreign driver's license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) in some cases, but this depends on the province's regulations. It is crucial to check the specific driver's license requirements for the province in which they are studying.

Additionally, Uber has specific vehicle requirements that vary by city. Generally, the vehicle must have four doors and at least four seats, excluding the driver's seat, and be ten years old or newer. International students must also ensure they have the authority to work in Canada and undergo a criminal background check.

It is important to note that international students in Canada are legally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during periods of full-time study and full-time during holiday periods, provided they have a Canadian study permit. However, exceeding the permitted working hours can jeopardize their status and future immigration applications. Therefore, international students intending to work for Uber must carefully consider the number of hours they work and ensure they do not violate the terms of their study permit.

International students in the US on an F1 visa cannot work for Lyft

However, it is important to note that there are other ways for international students on F1 visas to work in the US. For example, F1 visa holders can work in jobs that are authorized by CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training). These jobs must be related to the student's major course of study. Additionally, F1 visa holders can work for technology companies like Lyft, as long as their occupation is not driving.

It is also worth noting that the rules for international students driving for Lyft may vary in other countries. For example, in Canada, international students can work for Uber as long as they have a valid study permit and do not exceed the number of hours worked as specified by their permit.

While it is not permitted for international students on F1 visas to drive for Lyft, there are other ways for these students to work and generate income while in the US. It is always important to follow the laws and regulations of the country you are visiting, and to consult official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

International students on an H1B visa in the US cannot drive for Lyft

Lyft is a ride-sharing platform that connects drivers with passengers seeking transportation. While it may seem that Lyft drivers are independent contractors, driving for Lyft is still considered employment and is therefore not permitted for international students on an H1B visa.

It is important to note that there are specific rules and regulations that govern the employment of international students on visas. In the US, international students on an F1 visa, for example, can only work if the job has been authorized through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) and is related to their major course of study. Driving for Lyft would not qualify as a specialty occupation and is therefore not eligible for CPT or OPT training work.

While there are some work opportunities for those on an H1B visa in the US, such as in the self-driving car technology divisions of companies like Uber and Lyft, driving for these companies is not one of them. H1B visas are tied to a specific employer, and visa holders can only work for that authorized employer. Taking up any other form of employment, including driving for Lyft, is not permitted unless a concurrent H1B visa is obtained for that specific work.

It is always advisable for international students to consult with their school's Designated School Official (DSO) or seek appropriate legal advice before engaging in any paid activity to ensure they do not inadvertently violate their visa status.

Lyft's company culture and values

International students on a student visa are not allowed to drive for Lyft. This is because the student visa specifically states that individuals cannot take up employment opportunities outside of their school or as authorized by the school (in the case of internships related to their degree).

Now, here's an overview of Lyft's company culture and values:

Lyft's company culture is centred around three core values: "Be yourself, uplift others, and make it happen." These values emphasize the importance of individuality, connection with others, and taking initiative. Lyft's culture is dynamic and ever-evolving, with the understanding that no company culture is static. As the company expands, it focuses on maintaining its values and keeping them intertwined with its core mission.

Lyft aims to foster an environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves and are motivated by a shared purpose: to serve and connect. The company encourages diversity and inclusion through its Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and various activities, such as coffee walks and Community Week volunteering. Lyft also prioritizes work-life balance, offering unlimited paid vacation for salaried US employees and generous time off for hourly employees.

The company's offices are designed to bring people together and draw on its values, featuring a mix of tech-equipped spaces, fully-stocked kitchens, and themed rooms. Lyft's flagship office in San Francisco showcases this unique design and offers top-notch amenities and city views.

While some former drivers have criticized the lack of job security, benefits, and low pay, others have praised the flexibility, enjoyable interactions with customers, and the ability to set their own schedules.

Lyft's stance on hiring people with criminal histories

International students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work for Lyft. They must not work without permission, and doing so will invalidate their F-1 status.

Lyfts's Stance on Hiring People with Criminal Histories

Lyft has a set of criteria it uses to verify drivers before allowing them on the platform. The company uses third-party background check companies such as Checkr, HireRight, and SambaSafety to perform due diligence on their drivers. However, in 2016, a lawsuit indicated that Lyft used low-cost background checking services, which failed to access databases with complete criminal histories. This led to 25 drivers being hired who had prior arrest records for offenses that should have disqualified them.

In response to pressure from the media and regulators, Lyft has since invested in improving its safety measures and partnerships. They have not, however, made significant changes to their business operations, such as requiring that cars be equipped with cameras and audio equipment.

Lyft's criteria for driver verification were established to help keep the platform safe. Any pending charges on a criminal or driving record related to the criteria will prevent a potential driver from registering on the platform until the case is resolved and may even result in a permanent ban.

To support the integration of people with criminal histories into the workforce, many states and municipalities have workforce development programs that provide training and support for this demographic. Employers may also be able to access insurance bonds, tax credits, or other incentives for hiring people with criminal histories through the Federal Bonding Program under the Department of Labor.

Frequently asked questions