Disclaimer: We are not attorneys. This article is our interpretation of Uber’s policies and immigration law. You should speak to an attorney if you’re a non-US citizen looking to drive for Uber or any other gig economy app.
Are you eligible to become an Uber driver if you’re not a citizen of the US? We’ve seen this question from international students looking to make extra money and visa workers who want a second job.
Do you have to have a green card (permanent residency status), or can you work for Uber while you hold other types of visas?
And as a noncitizen, you might not want to risk your residency status by applying for a job that could cause issues with immigration officials.
To get to the bottom of this, here is the latest information from Uber and general US employment law.
Article summary
- You need an SSN to qualify for Uber. It is required for the background check
- F1, H1B and H2B visas may prohibit driving for Uber
- Permanent residents (green card) can drive for Uber
- Always consult an attorney!
Uber says: You need a social security number to become a driver
Here’s what Uber support says about the SSN requirement: “The background check requires a Social Security number, and all drivers must undergo background screening. If the potential partner has a Social Security number, then that would work.”
Uber reps would not explain further about the rules surrounding visa workers and other nonresidents.
You qualify for Uber if you have a social security number, but an SSN doesn’t always authorize you to work
All you need to drive for Uber is a Social Security number (along with all the other Uber driver requirements). The SSN is used for the background check and tax reporting.
But is it a good idea for noncitizens to drive for Uber? Can driving for Uber affect your working visa status or residency status?
Uber doesn’t acknowledge that there are special circumstances that allow a person to have a Social Security number without having legal permission to work for Uber.
Uber says you can drive, but the US government might not agree.
Which non-US citizens can get a Social Security number?
- Permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, people granted political asylum
- Work visa holders (H1B, H2B)
- International students
- People who aren’t permitted to work in the US, but need an SSN to apply for other government benefits
All of the above SSN holders could theoretically qualify for Uber, but the terms of residency for many visas would prohibit working with Uber.
An SSN is not always a work authorization!
Which non-US citizens can drive for Uber?
If you have an SSN and there are no restrictions on your ability to work in the US, you can drive for Uber.
Nonresidents that typically don’t have work restrictions include:
- Permanent residents (green card holders)
- Refugees and those granted political asylum
You can’t drive for Uber if your immigration status or visa prohibits you from working outside of a specific field, you can’t drive for Uber.
Types of non-US citizens who can NOT drive for Uber
If your visa prohibits you from working outside a specified field, you can’t drive for Uber. Don’t risk your residency status by working for Uber.
- International students (F1 visa) — Your work must relate to your studies
- Non-resident workers (H1B, H2B visa) — You can only do the job specified in your visa
- Undocumented immigrants — You don’t have the SSN or legal status needed to work for Uber
An SSN is not always a work authorization
Can you drive for Uber with an international driver’s license?
No. You must have a US driver’s license for at least one year. Uber does not consider international driving experience.
Can you drive for Uber with an ITIN?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a number issued to some noncitizens for tax processing purposes.
You can’t drive for Uber with only an ITIN. You won’t be able to complete the background check with only an ITIN, and it would be against the law to work as a nonresident without permission to work in the US.
California: Can you drive for Uber with an AB-60 license?
Most likely not. AB-60 licenses are for undocumented immigrants who do not have a social security number.
You need a social security number to drive for Uber, and if you have a social security number, you can get a regular CA license.
I asked Uber if drivers with an AB-60 are qualified to drive, but they never gave me a direct answer. From our research, I’ve found that the AB-60 license won’t qualify you for Uber.
A problem: Uber might accept you even if it violates your visa!
You may be able to get a Social Security number as a non-US citizen and begin driving for Uber, but you may be violating the terms of your visa or residency by doing work outside the scope of your visa.
If you have an F1, H1B, or H2B visa, driving for Uber most likely violates the terms of your visa.
Don’t depend on Uber to figure out your unique immigration status or protect you from immigration problems! Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to figure out whether or not you can drive for Uber.
What about the other apps? Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, etc
All the gig apps have similar requirements: You must have an SSN to apply and pass the background screening.
If you’re on a work visa and you have an SSN, you may be able to apply for gig apps like Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart, but working for those apps may violate the terms of your visa.
Talk to an immigration lawyer first!
Immigration law is complicated. Mistakes can have an irreversible effect on your residency status and your visa, so you should consult with an immigration attorney before you apply to drive for Uber.
More about Uber driver requirements
Keith mills says
how do I apply for a job with your organization. I am a retiree….looking to make some extra money on a part-time basis
DougH says
Hello Keith. Take a look on this page and you’ll see ‘click here to apply now’ links. By using my link, I will be your referrer. If you earn a new-driver bonus, I will get a bonus too.
roman says
Hi there. Is it possible to work in uber holding I-visa (journalism)? Just interested
DougH says
I don’t think so. If the visa is specific to a job, then that means you can’t do any other job.
falna says
hey i realy appreaciated ze way u r explained.to come to my point i have workpermit and my licensd age is no more than one month despite of this am well exprienced for four years. why dont you try to do test to know weather that persons is good or bad.
DougH says
Uber just doesn’t do it that way. They don’t make exceptions.
David Manunulatao says
Hi Dough what you have here is very informative, there is one type of visa though that you haven’t mention the H4 VISA, that is the visa that i have its a spouse of an H1B I was given an EAD by the DHS, and I’m interested to work for uber as a courier of sorts. Do you think i can legally do that?
DougH says
Thanks for letting me know about the H4. I’ll do some more research and see if you can drive for Uber with that visa. For your specific question about being a courier — that job doesn’t exist with Uber. With Uber, all you can be is a regular driver. If you’re looking for delivery jobs you could try Postmates or DoorDash, and if you’re looking to be a courier you’ll have to find a local company.
Ameer says
Indeed Uber and Lyft for that matter do not check work eligibility in the US and I can personally attest to that. I have a work permit that I must renew every year as my permanent residency is pending but no one from Uber ever asked me to produce proof of work eligibility or legal presence. Many international students drive for Uber or Lyft during the weekend. Your license does have to be 1 year old with Lyft friends of mine got hired with Uber and their license were all less than a year old.
DougH says
Thank you for writing in Ameer. It’s interesting to hear what’s actually happening in the real world. I didn’t know that some people were getting around the 1 year license requirement!
Lyn says
And How they were accepted by uber without 1 year license ? What they did?
Rob Curtis says
Hi. If I have a Social security number, a DHS end card that authorizes me to work for any employer, have held us in-state driving Permit for a year and have no criminal or driving offences, I should be ok to drive for Uber
Would you say that in your opinion that should be correct as of March 2016? Thanks for your input. Good site by the way.
DougH says
Hi Rob, I’m glad you found my article. It sounds like you’ve covered all the necessary requirements for non citizens who want to drive for Uber. As I say in the article, make sure your residency status allows this type of employment. If it does, go ahead and apply.
Steve Du says
Hi Dough, you have a good explanation. But I am wondering that for a F1 student, is it lawful for him/her to get referral rewards from Uber by referring others? It is not like working for Uber, but not sure if that is allowed.
Thanks and I look forward to your reply.