Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in America. With forests, mountains, and lakes, it has a lot to offer.
But what about getting an Oregon work permit? That can be difficult for some people who are not US citizens – but that doesn’t mean there’s no way!
Read on to learn How to Get a Work Permit in Oregon, what jobs qualify as well as looking at any countries or people who may be exempted from needing one.
Contents
- What Is A Work Permit?
- What Countries Can Apply For A Work Permit In Oregon?
- How To Get A Work Permit In Oregon?
- How Much Do You Need To Earn To Get A Work Permit in Oregon?
- What Jobs Qualify In Oregon?
- How Long Do You Need To Live In Oregon Before You Can Get A Work Permit?
- Who Is Exempt From A Work Permit In Oregon?
- Looking For More Great Teen Career Advice?
- Final Thoughts
What Is A Work Permit?
A work permit, in the most general sense, is a document that proves you are allowed to do a certain type of job in a specific location. For people who want to work in Oregon, it is an essential part of the process – but what if you’re not a US citizen? Don’t worry; there is still a way to get a work permit in Oregon!
What Countries Can Apply For A Work Permit In Oregon?
Most people know that they need a work permit if they’re not a US citizen – but did you know how different the process is depending on where in the world you’re from? Here are some general guidelines:
People from the EU
If you are a citizen of any European Union country, then you can apply for a work permit in Oregon. The process is relatively straightforward – just make sure you have all the required documentation.
People from Non-EU countries
If you are not from an EU country, then the process of getting a work permit is slightly more involved. If your home country does have any treaties with the USA or if there’s no visa policy at all, then it will be easier to get a work permit. If your home country doesn’t have any treaties with the USA, then you will need to go through the regular visa application process.
How To Get A Work Permit In Oregon?
The process of getting a work permit in Oregon can be difficult – but it’s not impossible. The steps you need to take depend on your citizenship and residency status.
Firstly, you have to get all your documentation together. You don’t need any surprises during the application process. This includes your passport, birth certificate, proof of address, and a valid visa (if required).
Get your work permit sponsored…
The next step is to find an employer who is willing to sponsor you for a work permit. Not all jobs qualify – but most white-collar jobs do. Your employer will need to fill out a form called an I-129, which is available from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
The employer will also need to provide documentation proving that you have the qualifications for the job they are trying to fill – this could be a degree, diploma, or proof of past employment.
It’s a 6-month process!
Finally, it’s time to file your application! You’ll do this online directly with the US Citizenship and Immigration Service – it’s quick, easy and you can even schedule your interview at the same time.
The application process usually takes around six months to complete, so don’t leave things until the last minute! If everything goes smoothly, you’ll have a work permit in no time! And for more information on working conditions abroad, look at the US Department of Labor website.
How Much Do You Need To Earn To Get A Work Permit in Oregon?
There’s no clear answer to this question because it will depend on your qualifications and experience. If you’re an EU citizen, the minimum salary requirement is set by each state – in Oregon, that number is $49k. You’ll also need to get paid at least $15 per hour for any work done during your stay in the USA.
If you’re not from the EU, then the minimum salary requirement is usually higher – it can be anywhere from $55k to $100k (again, this will depend on your qualifications and experience).
How much does a work permit cost?
A work permit will cost around $165 to file. You’ll also need to pay for the visa application fee, which varies depending on your nationality and where you’re applying from.
What Jobs Qualify In Oregon?
There are a lot of jobs that qualify, including most office jobs. A few of the most popular jobs include:
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Doctors
- IT professionals
- Engineers
- Accountants… and more!
If you’re not sure if your job qualifies, look at the list of non-immigrant visas on the US Citizen and Immigration Service website. If you want to find out more about working in the USA, look at the US Department of State website.
What jobs do not qualify?
Unfortunately, some professions won’t qualify. This includes hospitality and manual labor – if you’re applying for a work permit in Oregon as an EU citizen, you can list any job on your application.
How Long Do You Need To Live In Oregon Before You Can Get A Work Permit?
You need to live in the state of Oregon for at least six months before your application will be processed. If you’re applying as an EU citizen, then there is no time limit on how long you must stay living in the USA – however, you will need to renew your work permit every year.
How is applying for a work permit in Oregon different from other states?
Oregon is different from other states because it has a two-tier system. You can apply for either an intracompany or intercompany transferee visa. This will depend on your job and qualifications.
The other states only have one option, so it’s worth checking the list of non-immigrant visas on the US Citizen and Immigration Service website to see which one applies to you.
Who Is Exempt From A Work Permit In Oregon?
Some people are exempt from the work permit requirement, including:
- Family members of US citizens or permanent residents. This includes spouses, children, and parents of the US citizen or permanent resident.
- People who are applying for a work permit as an intracompany transferee (this means they’re transferring to a company in the USA from a branch or subsidiary overseas).
- Anyone who is applying for a religious worker visa.
- People who are applying for a student visa.
- Those who are in the USA on a tourist visa and want to do some paid work (this is usually limited to 20 hours per week).
- People who are in the USA as a refugee or asylees.
If you’re not sure if you’re exempt from the work permit requirement, look at this list of non-immigrant visas on the US Citizen and Immigration Service website.
Looking For More Great Teen Career Advice?
Moving to a new state for work, but not sure about the regulations? Then, take a look at our in-depth guides on How to Get a Work Permit in Maryland, How to Get a Work Permit in California, and How to Get a Work Permit in Massachusetts, or maybe How to Get a Work Permit in Arizona, and How To Get A Work Permit in New York if the ‘Big Apple’ is your new adventure!
In addition, we also have superb career advice with our How to Become a Teenage Dog Walker, Can Teens Work at Two Jobs, as well as Good Jobs for Teens, and the Best Fast Food Jobs for Teens, along with How Much Can a Teenager Work in a Week, and finally How to Become a Teenage Survey Taker to earn some extra cash online.
We’ve also found these awesome online handbooks such as the What Color Is Your Parachute? for Teens: Discover Yourself, Design Your Future, and Plan for Your Dream Job, and Life Skills and Career Coaching for Teens, or how about Soft Skills Training: How to Develop Skills for Employment, or the Road Map to Your Job. and lastly, the interactive Life Skills Activity Workbook all available in 2023.
Final Thoughts
Oregon is among the most beautiful states in the USA and with its relaxed atmosphere and abundance of jobs. It’s no wonder so many people are moving here!
If you’re looking for work, make sure to check out our website for all the latest job postings, descriptions, and career advice.
Good luck with getting your very first job in Oregon!
