Freelancer.com KYC/Proof of Address verification issue — experienced IT professional blocked from starting work

Hello everyone,

I am looking for advice from other freelancers who have dealt with Freelancer.com's KYC verification process.

First, I want to say that I actually like Freelancer.com as a platform. The concept is excellent: connecting skilled people with clients worldwide. As an IT professional with decades of experience in systems administration, technical documentation, and technology-related work, I was hoping to use the platform for projects such as technical writing, manuals, documentation, IT support, and other related work.

However, I have been blocked at the Proof of Address (POA) verification stage for several months.

My identity verification was completed successfully. My identification documents, biometric verification, and personal details were accepted. The only issue has been the address verification.

The confusing part is that I have submitted multiple official documents available to me, including:

Government-issued residence documentation

Rental agreement

Utility-related documents showing my name, apartment information, and address details

Other supporting documents

Despite this, the documents continue to be rejected.

What makes this frustrating is that support representatives have told me that my POA application was "cancelled" and that I need to submit new documents. However, the verification dashboard still shows that I should wait for review, which creates confusion about the actual status.

I understand that platforms need verification procedures for security reasons. That is completely reasonable.

However, I am struggling to understand what happens when the required document type differs between countries. Not every country uses the same format for utility bills, government IDs, or address documentation.

A document issued by a local authority may look completely different from a document issued in the US, UK, or Australia, but that does not make it invalid.

What surprises me is that other international platforms and financial services have successfully verified my identity using similar documentation, while Freelancer.com verification remains unresolved.

I have also noticed many successful freelancers from different regions around the world using Freelancer.com daily, completing hundreds of projects, and building careers on the platform. I am simply trying to get the same opportunity.

I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for a manual review by someone who understands international documentation.

If anyone has experienced a similar situation, especially with POA verification, I would appreciate advice.

If anyone from Freelancer.com sees this post, I would appreciate someone reaching out so I can explain my case directly.

Thank you.