Handshake AI Eligibility: Can You Apply From Outside the US?

This is one of the most common questions we get about Handshake AI, so we're answering it directly and upfront rather than burying it in a general overview.

The Rule, Stated Plainly

The F-1 Student Exception

The one stated exception is for F-1 international students already in the US on CPT (Curricular Practical Training — US work permission tied to a degree program) or OPT (Optional Practical Training — US work permission for international students), with their school's Designated School Official approval. Note specifically that STEM OPT is explicitly not supported. This exception still requires physically being in the US on a qualifying visa status — it is not a remote-from-abroad path.

Why This Matters

A lot of remote-AI-work content online treats every AI training platform as globally open. Handshake AI genuinely isn't, and we'd rather tell you that clearly than let you spend time on an application that can't succeed due to location alone.

If You're Not Eligible

Several other platforms we've researched do explicitly support India-based applicants — TELUS Digital's AI Community has a large dedicated India pipeline (Hindi and English roles), and DataForce has confirmed India-specific project listings. Check our other vendor guides for platforms with confirmed India eligibility (the specific rules that decide who is allowed to apply).

Final Thoughts

If you're based in India or most other countries outside the US, Handshake AI Fellowship is not currently an option, based on its own stated eligibility rule. That's not TTA Academy being pessimistic — it's what Handshake AI itself states.