International Students F1 Visa

Can I Drive an Uber on F1 Visa?

2 min read

8/18/2025

For many international students in the U.S., driving for Uber seems like an easier way to earn extra income. The hours are flexible, it’s quick to start, and you can fit it in between classes or during breaks. In expensive cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco, the idea of making extra cash through rideshare driving can be tempting.

Can F-1 Students Work as Independent Contractors?
Should F-1 Students Drive for Uber in 2025?
Conclusion: Why the Risk Isn’t Worth It

1. Can F-1 Students Work as Independent Contractors?

F1 visa rules are very strict when it comes to employment. In most cases, F1 students are only allowed to work:

On-campus: for up to 20 hours per week during the semester
Off-campus: only if they have specific work authorization such as CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training), and those jobs need to be directly related to student's field of study

F1 students is allowed to work as an independent contractor using CPT, and first year of OPT. However, during their OPT-extension, or STEM OPT, students are required to work for an E-verified company.

2. Should F-1 Students Drive for Uber in 2025?

The short answer is no. But the bigger issue in 2025 is that the environment has changed, making it more important than ever to stay compliant.

The current administration has put new emphasis on monitoring international students, not just for immigration violations, but also for online behavior and peaceful political expression. Students have faced visa revocations or even detentions because of minor infractions: from traffic tickets to social media posts, without transparent questioning or warnings.

One of the Key F1 student programs and benefits, OPT, which allows work opportunities while studying or right after graduation, is now under potential changes and challenges. Recent proposals aim to shut them down or restrict their use, which puts F1 students under even more pressure to stay within the strict definitions of allowed work.

3. Conclusion: Why the Risk Isn’t Worth It

While Uber driving and its earnings may seem attractive to international students, the reality for F1 visa holders in 2025 is that any unauthorized work can jeopardize your status, and future visa applications.

Even a small misstep, like working without proper authorization, can snowball into severe consequences: termination of SEVIS records, loss of OPT eligibility, or multi-year reentry bans.

If you’ve graduated and are using OPT, instead of working as a contractor for Uber, consider other legal self-employment options. This could include starting your own business, freelancing in your field of study, or working for a startup. These routes still require you to follow F1 regulations, but they give you more control over your career while staying compliant with immigration rules.