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Can I Work on UpWork on F-1 Visa?

Last updated on September 30, 2022 @ 9:51 pm

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa that allows foreign students to study at accredited US colleges, universities, and other academic institutions. The F-1 visa holder is allowed to stay in the US for the duration of their studies, plus an additional 60 days to allow for travel.

PRO TIP: Working on Upwork on an F-1 visa is not permitted. If you are found to be working on Upwork on an F-1 visa, your account will be suspended and you may be subject to further action, including but not limited to being removed from Upwork and/or having your visa status revoked.

So, can you work on UpWork on an F-1 visa? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

The F-1 visa does not allow its holders to work in the US, except in very specific circumstances. These circumstances are:

  • On-campus employment: The F-1 visa holder can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during their studies, and full-time during their vacations.
  • Curricular practical training: This allows the F-1 visa holder to do an internship or other form of practical training that is part of their studies.
  • Optional practical training: This allows the F-1 visa holder to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation.

So, if you’re an F-1 visa holder and you want to work on UpWork, you’ll need to apply for one of the above programs. If you’re not eligible for any of them, sorry – you’ll just have to wait until you get your green card or another type of work visa.

Drew Clemente

Drew Clemente

Devops & Sysadmin engineer. I basically build infrastructure online.