Can I drive for Uber on an L-1?

No. The L-1 visa authorizes you to work only for the company that sponsored your transfer and in the role described in the petition. Driving for Uber, or engaging in any compensated activity outside that scope, is treated as unauthorized employment and can create serious issues with U.S. immigration.

The L-1 exists to transfer, within the same organization, professionals in executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge roles. The authorization is tied to the sponsoring employer: it is not an open work permit and does not follow the visa holder to side gigs, self-employment, or app-based platforms.

Working outside the scope of your visa can have significant consequences, ranging from complications in future applications to risk to your immigration status itself. Any additional income should therefore be carefully evaluated before making any decision.

If you want to supplement your income or change activities, the safe path is to review the current rules with USCIS and consult a specialist to determine whether a proper authorization pathway exists for your situation, rather than taking risks with unpermitted work.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.