United States Location Verification - Unable to do

[Ryan K]

Thank you very much.

[Amandha G]

Hello!

I'm a recent graduate in the US on an F-1 visa, and have received an OPT (Optional Practical Training) permit that allows me to work within the US until June. Accordingly, I have an SSN as well. 

My issue is that Upwork needs me to verify my identity, but the ID I have is an OPT Permit (EAD Card), and that doesn't fall under any of the four options listed under ID verification- state ID, green card, US passport, or govt-issued license.

I have cross-checked with my university as well, and I'm allowed to freelance using sites like Upwork. Is there a way to verify my identity using my OPT permit?

Any help is appreciated!  

[Bojan S]

Hi Amandha,

If the person has a legal permit or a type of visa needed to legally work in the U.S., they can register and work on Upwork as a freelancer. To be able to verify your location and submit proposals to those jobs with US location requirement, you will need either of the following - a driver’s license, state ID card, US passport, Green Card. People located in the U.S. will need to complete their W-9 form in their Settings in order to access their earnings. We do suggest talking to a legal adviser about completing W-9 form and the information/documents necessary for it. Unfortunately, we won't be able to legally advise about it. 

Thank you!

[Amandha G]

Hi Bojan, 

Thanks for reaching out. I am not looking for legal advice. 

My question– I don't have any of the forms of ID you listed. Can I submit my US Visa and my OPT EAD card instead? Who can I talk to about this? 

[Bojan S]

Hi Amandha,

In order to verify their location, a freelancer needs to provide a state ID, driver's license, U.S. passport or greencard. Unfortunately, it's not possible to verify location without one of those documents but you can still have access to all the jobs in the marketplace that don't have U.S.-only requirement.

Thank you!

[Sharmila A]

I uploaded my id 2 times. It got rejected. How can I verify my id?

[Goran V]

Hi Sharmila,

One of our team members will reach out to you via ticket as soon as possible and assist you further with your verification. Thank you.

[Sandra M]

I have attempted to verify my Identification and it would not allow me to do so. I got an email saying it was on hold because I tried too many times. Now I cannot figure out how to get the hold off. I cave attempted checking notifications and there is not one. I also do not have an option to go to verify identification on the settings menu. At this point I am completely stuck, please help. Thank you. 

[Antun M]

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Sandra M wrote:

I have attempted to verify my Identification and it would not allow me to do so. I got an email saying it was on hold because I tried too many times. Now I cannot figure out how to get the hold off. I cave attempted checking notifications and there is not one. I also do not have an option to go to verify identification on the settings menu. At this point I am completely stuck, please help. Thank you. 

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Most often when one tries too many times without success, solution is waiting.

I'd give it couple of days and await response from official UpWork representative.

There IS a lot you CAN do while waiting. Involves lot of reading, lot of preparation for YOUR own business on UpWork.

We all have done that, some of us (myself, probably some others) still do that. We read most popular links about working on UpWork, read TOS, read some inspiring stories about freelancing, read some bad ones. Learned a bit.

Make sure you are willing to be patient (no matter how fast this particular obstacle is solved).

[Sandra M]

Thank you so much, at least for the peace of mind and ideas of what to do in the mean time. I was mainly confused that it instructed me to contact customer support, but nothing after that. I was basically just confused at what steps I needed to take, and excited to start a new journey.