Canada’s international students as Uber drivers, does it sound possible? Over the past few years, Uber has become immensely popular among university students to acquire a bit of additional income. However, as an international student in Canada, several underlying factors might determine its possibility. This could be their province of study, driving record and vehicle, etc.
Working process of Uber in Canada
Uber offers a platform to users so that they can ask the driver to pick up or drop them off at and from a given location. Additionally, the Uber platform has led to expansion through various services, including carpooling, food delivery, and deluxe driving services. The eligibility for becoming an Uber driver is mandatory so they can officially pick up and drop off people. This is a great way for them to get some earnings by moving from one location to another.
However, to become an Uber driver, the person must reside in the location where the company operates. International students in Canada will also have to fulfill other specific conditions related to the vehicle and driver’s position. Also, Uber determines these conditions for each city where the company functions, and they’re all different for every city.
Canada’s international students as Uber drivers- their eligibility
However, there are a few general Uber driver requirements:
The following will be the requirements for a driver:
- The driver must be either 21 years or above this age.
- They must hold a valid driver’s license issued through a province.
- Must demonstrate that they have the authority to work in Canada.
- They will require to submit their criminal background verification outcome.
- Gain official Uber training for the respective city.
The following are the general vehicle requirements:
- They must demonstrate the availability of at least 4 doors and 4 seats apart from the driver.
- The vehicle must either be ten years older or newer.
- There must not be any physical destruction evident in the car.
- The vehicle must get a clear pass in terms of a vehicle inspection.
- The food delivery service, UberEats, displays lesser strict requirements for the vehicle.
International students meeting all these conditions will be eligible to become Uber drivers in Canada. However, the foremost thing for them to do will be to sign up for Uber Website and become familiar with the driving checklist of the city.
Availability of Uber within the city
Canada hasn’t entirely accepted Uber to operate in all its cities. While Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Edmonton, and Calgary all consist of Uber services, cities like Vancouver and Halifax don’t offer any Uber-related services.
Since the Uber riding platform is forever in the mode of expansion, it is best to verify the Uber website for the updated city.
Accessing proper licensing and registration
Driving over here implies that they must possess a proper driver’s license and registration. However, for international students, the driver’s license requirements will rely on the specific provinces in which they’re studying. Generally, Uber demands a provincial license through the government concerning the city where they might be driving. Therefore, they will have to submit more besides the foreign license or the International Driving Permit.
Study Permit and its significant restrictions
Those with Canadian study permit will be able to work in Canada for around twenty hours a week legally. This will apply to the full-time study periods; they could work full-time during holidays. The legal authority is certainly there for Uber. However, one will need to be careful about the working hours.
They must remember that number of hours exceeded per their study permit will cost them their future status in Canadian immigration.
Canada’s international students as Uber drivers and the cost of driving
International students must also consider the financial part when choosing to be Uber drivers in Canada. Furthermore, it implies they must acquire proper insurance, which might be costly. They will also have to analyze the gas cost. Based on their location, parking could be expensive and time-consuming. Hence, they must consider all revenues and expenditures before they decide to work as Uber drivers in Canada.
