CAN I DRIVE UBER ON AN O-1 VISA?
If you’re on an O-1 visa and considering driving for Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare services to earn extra income, you might be wondering: Is it legal? The short answer is no—unless your O-1 visa was specifically approved for being an Uber driver.
Unlike some other work visas, the O-1 visa is job-specific, meaning you can only work in the field for which your visa was granted. Let’s explore why driving for Uber is not allowed on an O-1 visa, the potential consequences, and what you can do instead.
Why Can’t You Drive for Uber on an O-1 Visa?
The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant, employment-based visa designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, education, business, athletics, and the arts. It is tied to a specific employer or agent, meaning visa holders can only engage in work that directly aligns with their O-1 petition.
O-1 Visas Are Job-Specific
Legal Consequences of Unauthorized Work
👉 Key Takeaway: You can only work in the job role specified in your O-1 petition. Any other type of employment—including Uber, Lyft, or other side jobs—is considered unauthorized work.
What If You Need Additional Income?
If you’re on an O-1 visa and looking for additional income opportunities, consider these options:
✔️ Seek More Work Within Your O-1 Visa Category
Final Thoughts: Can You Drive for Uber on an O-1 Visa?
🚫 No—unless your O-1 visa was specifically granted for Uber driving (which is highly unlikely).
⚠️ Driving for Uber would violate your visa status and could lead to deportation or future immigration issues.
✅ Stick to work within your approved O-1 visa category or seek additional opportunities that comply with your visa terms.
Unlike some other work visas, the O-1 visa is job-specific, meaning you can only work in the field for which your visa was granted. Let’s explore why driving for Uber is not allowed on an O-1 visa, the potential consequences, and what you can do instead.
Why Can’t You Drive for Uber on an O-1 Visa?
The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant, employment-based visa designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as science, education, business, athletics, and the arts. It is tied to a specific employer or agent, meaning visa holders can only engage in work that directly aligns with their O-1 petition.
O-1 Visas Are Job-Specific
- When you apply for an O-1 visa, your U.S. employer or agent must file a petition stating the specific job, field, and employment details.
- USCIS approves your visa based on your role and expertise—for example, as a scientist, musician, filmmaker, or athlete.
- Driving for Uber or any other unrelated job violates the terms of your visa.
Legal Consequences of Unauthorized Work
- If USCIS discovers that you are working outside the scope of your O-1 visa, your visa can be revoked.
- You may be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings.
- It could negatively impact future visa or green card applications, as USCIS may view it as a violation of immigration law.
👉 Key Takeaway: You can only work in the job role specified in your O-1 petition. Any other type of employment—including Uber, Lyft, or other side jobs—is considered unauthorized work.
What If You Need Additional Income?
If you’re on an O-1 visa and looking for additional income opportunities, consider these options:
✔️ Seek More Work Within Your O-1 Visa Category
- If you are a musician, artist, consultant, or expert in your field, you can take on additional projects—as long as your visa petition allows for multiple employers or contracts.
- You may need to amend your petition or have an agent-sponsored itinerary to cover multiple employers.
- Consider freelance or contract work that fits within your approved O-1 visa category.
- Check if you can work with multiple sponsors to expand your earning potential.
- If you plan to stay in the U.S. permanently, consider applying for an EB-1 green card, which allows greater work flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Can You Drive for Uber on an O-1 Visa?
🚫 No—unless your O-1 visa was specifically granted for Uber driving (which is highly unlikely).
⚠️ Driving for Uber would violate your visa status and could lead to deportation or future immigration issues.
✅ Stick to work within your approved O-1 visa category or seek additional opportunities that comply with your visa terms.
MEET YOUR NEW ATTORNEY
Marcus Yi, Esq. provides personalized immigration law representation for both employment and family based immigration matters. An artist himself, Mr. Yi understands the unique nature of the arts industry, and is fully qualified to provide the best service for artists seeking to work in the United States.
He has represented corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals, in the process of obtaining temporary visas for work, study and training, lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) and U.S. citizenship. He advises employers and individuals on all phases of immigration applications, from screening prospective hires to identifying visa strategies for new jobs and career transitions, through employment-based paths to permanent residence and naturalization.
Marcus Yi graduated from St John’s University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2011. He is a member of the New York State Bar and is licensed to practice in State and Federal court. He is also a NYC member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association New York Chapter.
CONTACT US
Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are devoted to guiding you through US immigration law so contact us today to schedule a consultation.