Can I drive for Uber/Lyft on F1 OPT?

[jalenrose 0]

I am currently on my F1 OTP and working without pay. My employer has assured me that he will add me to the company's payroll and sponsor my H1B next year. At the moment, I do not have an income and in dire need of money.

My research tells me that if I make more than $600, I'll have to file taxes and it will be on record. I am looking for a way to bypass the system because not all part time jobs pay in cash. I am looking at multiple options such as driving for lyft/uber or working as a mechanic over the weekends.

What are the consequences of working at a job that is "not related to field of study" and what type of part time job is my safest bet? Would it be possible to work as a mechanic if my field of study was Mechanical Engineering? Or can I work as an IT technician based on two computer science courses I have completed during my masters.

I'd appreciate your advice on this topic. Thanks in advance.

[Merrytooth 5,748]

Here is what I found online:

https://iss.washington.edu/employment/f1-employment/opt/after-approval

OPT authorizes employment/practical training that is related to your major area of study and commensurate with your level of education.

OPT does NOT authorize employment unrelated to your major area of study.

If you work in a job unrelated to your major area of study, you are in violation of your F-1 status. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can terminate a student’s F-1 SEVIS record if a student works in a position unrelated to their studies. A terminated SEVIS record cancels OPT authorization and invalidates F-1 status in the U.S.

It is your responsibility to evaluate how a job relates to your major area of study. ISS advisers CANNOT review job descriptions to assess if they are related to your studies. ISS advisers will update your SEVIS record with the job information you provide in this webform.

[Ontarkie 14,552]

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