Handshake AI: pay, countries & is it hiring? (Oct 2026)
The career network's paid, part-time, remote AI-training fellowship (MOVE) for students, grad students and professionals.
What it pays
$30–$125/hr, project-specific, shown before joining
Basis: advertised. Sources: themodernwallet.com · support.joinhandshake.com
Is it hiring now?
170 open roles on a third-party tracker (Oct 17, 2026).
Sources: aitraining.jobs
Who can join
US persons need an SSN/ITIN and a supported work authorization (F-1 CPT/OPT may qualify; H-1B, J-1, TN not supported). International participation is invite-only.
| United States | Accepted |
|---|---|
| India | Limited |
| Nigeria | Limited |
| Kenya | Limited |
| Philippines | Limited |
Sources: support.joinhandshake.com
How you get paid
- Stripe
Weekly (Mon–Sun Pacific), sent by Wednesday afternoon.
Sources: support.joinhandshake.com · aitraining.jobs
How to apply
Apply to the Handshake AI Fellowship through Handshake; complete onboarding, Stripe and tax setup when matched.
Official domains: joinhandshake.com. Anything else is not them.
Health & legitimacy
Business Insider (Mar 4, 2026) reported contractors suspended without warning, four unpaid for completed work, no appeal process. Trustpilot 1.8/5 (28 reviews). Handshake warns of lookalike domains (e.g. joinhandhsake.com).
Sources: aitraining.jobs
Referral program
Exists: Yes. For fellows in the US, India and Canada: 10% of the referral's first-project hourly rate for each hour they work, unlocked at 10 hours, capped at 40 hours, 6-month window.
Sources: support.joinhandshake.com
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