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What is Tulsa Remote?

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Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting and retaining remote workers to Tulsa. The program brings remote workers to the community by providing $10,000 grants and numerous community-building opportunities. Funding is primarily provided by the George Kaiser Family Foundation, and through the Oklahoma Remote Quality Jobs Incentive Act.

When did Tulsa Remote begin?

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Tulsa Remote launched in November 2018 in an effort to recruit a diverse group of remote workers across multiple industries to relocate and be a part of the existing growth happening in Tulsa.

Who is the ideal candidate for this program?

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The ideal candidate for Tulsa Remote is a fully-employed individual with the flexibility to work anywhere, who does not currently reside in Oklahoma or work for a company based in Oklahoma, and is looking for a community to call home. While the program is only a one-year commitment, the ideal candidate is open to calling Tulsa their home long-term.

If selected for the program, do I have to live in Tulsa?

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Yes. Those selected for the program must live within Tulsa city limits. The city limits do not include surrounding areas such as Bixby, Broken Arrow, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, or Jenks.

If selected for the program, do I have to live downtown?

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No. While there are many housing options available downtown, participants are free to live anywhere within the Tulsa city limits, including purchasing or renting single-family homes.

If selected for the program, how soon can I move?

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The program requires selected participants to move within 12 months of being accepted and completing the required verification steps.

Can couples/families apply?

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Absolutely. Any individual who meets the eligibility criteria is welcome to apply, even if they are members of the same family or have a relationship with one another. For application purposes, all domestic partners/family members must apply in the same two-week calendar period. For example, if John Doe applies on September 1st, his partner must apply no later than September 14th to be considered.

What exactly is remote work, anyway?

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Tulsa Remote is designed for individuals who have full-time remote employment with a company outside of Oklahoma. The term “remote employment” refers to individuals who do not have to physically travel to their place of work on a daily basis. For Tulsa Remote members, that means individuals are working for a company located outside of Oklahoma. Often, this is referred to as “working from home” or “telecommuting.”

Is Tulsa Remote offering jobs to the people who apply?

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No. Tulsa Remote does not offer employment of any kind. It is intended for individuals who are already employed outside of Oklahoma and are able to keep their position when relocating to Tulsa. If you are looking for a job, check out inTulsa.com.

Do you have media inquiries?

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If you're interested in connecting with a member of our marketing team to learn more about Tulsa Remote and our story, need access to logos, stats or photos, please contact us at [email protected].

Does Tulsa Remote assist with housing?

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Tulsa Remote provides resources to help finalists discover and secure suitable housing before they move to Tulsa. See Tulsa Resources for more information.

What is the Tulsa Remote Homeownership Initiative?

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The Homeownership Initiative is an option for new members who purchase a home upon moving to Tulsa. New members have the option to receive the full $10,000 stipend in a lump sum, following the purchase of a qualifying home in Tulsa and attending Tulsa Remote’s Member orientation.

How does the Homeownership Initiative work?

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To receive the full cash grant toward a home purchase, accepted members must purchase an owner-occupied residential property in Tulsa and will receive a single lump sum after the home purchase and after completing new member orientation.

What criteria have to be met to be eligible for the Homeownership Initiative program?

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To be eligible, accepted members must follow these general prerequisites:

  • The home purchased must be a residential property located within the City of Tulsa.
  • The home must serve as the primary residence for the applicant for a period of at least one year from the time of closing.
  • The home will not serve – in whole or in part – as an income-producing property for at least one year from the time of closing. This includes the purchase of a duplex or other multi-family product, renting a room/bed/other space in the home to a third-party (regardless of rent-rate), or an investment property of any type. Members who cannot meet this requirement will be limited to the traditional monthly disbursement option
  • The accepted applicant must be named on the deed to the property.

What is the Equitable Housing Program (EHP) and how are providers qualified for the program?

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  • Tulsa Remote’s Equitable Housing Program (EHP) offers extensive and free training to local real estate agents, mortgage lenders, and other housing professionals, including short-term rental providers, apartment complex leaders, and small-scale landlords.

    To be a part of the Equitable Housing Program, housing professionals must complete five learning modules that cover topics such as examining biases in housing, the history of housing in Tulsa, and the inequalities marginalized communities face in obtaining affordable housing. Upon completing the modules, EHP providers are connected to Tulsa Remote members through a round-robin system that ensures equal referral opportunities for all providers. Any lender/realtor who is referred out to our membership is required to have undergone EHP training.
  • If you’re a realtor or lender interested in becoming an EHP provider, please email [email protected].

How are applicants selected?

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After passing basic eligibility requirements, the Tulsa Remote team reviews all qualifying applications within four weeks of submission. If selected for the new round of reviews, applicants will be invited to a 30-minute, virtual video interview. Within two weeks of the interviews, applicants will receive an update on their application status. If selected for the next round of reviews, applicants will be asked to complete a background check and income verification, which can take up to three weeks from the time a background check is initiated. Credit checks are not included in the Tulsa Remote verification process.

I don’t currently work remotely, but I can transition to remote work in my current role. Can I apply?

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Yes. Any individual who is able to work remotely may apply. For applicants that need to transition to remote work from a non-remote position, Tulsa Remote may require confirmation that they are able to work remotely.

I don’t currently work remotely. Can Tulsa Remote help me get a remote job?

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Tulsa Remote does not help with job placement. If you’re not currently eligible to apply because you don’t have a remote job, check out Your Guide to Getting a Remote Job where Tulsa Remote alumni, Libryia Jones, gives you advice on how to land a remote job so you can apply to Tulsa Remote.

I already live in Oklahoma. May I apply?

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Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application, and have resided outside of Oklahoma for a minimum of one year.

Can I still apply if I just recently moved to Tulsa?

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No, you are not eligible to apply if you recently moved to Oklahoma. Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application.

No. Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber, and delivery services such as Grubhub and DoorDash, are not considered full-time remote employment.

I work remotely for an Oklahoma-based company. Do I still qualify?

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No. Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who work remotely for an organization that is not based in Oklahoma.

Are there any age restrictions to apply for the Tulsa Remote program?

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Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

Can I apply if I’m not a US citizen?

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Tulsa Remote applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time of application.

Will Tulsa Remote sponsor me for an H-1B?

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No, Tulsa Remote will not provide you with H-1B sponsorship. Tulsa Remote is a unique recruitment initiative aimed at attracting talented individuals to Tulsa. The program brings remote workers and digital nomads to the community by providing $10,000 grants and numerous community-building opportunities. Read more about visa eligibility and Tulsa Remote here.

I already have H-1B status, am I eligible to participate in Tulsa Remote?

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Yes! If you have secured H-1B status, and your employer supports your ability to work remotely from Tulsa, you may be eligible for the benefits Tulsa Remote offers. Read more about visa eligibility and Tulsa Remote here.

I’ve never been to Tulsa and want to visit before I make the move. What are my options?

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Once you’ve been accepted into the program and completed the required verification steps, you’ll receive information about the option to join us in Tulsa for a Hosted Visit or Self-Guided Visit.

Can I apply if I’m already in the process of buying a house/signing a lease in Tulsa?

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No. You are not eligible for the program if you’re in the process of buying a home or renting an apartment. This includes: currently working with a realtor, in escrow, about to close on your home, have closed on your home, have already purchased a property in Oklahoma, or have signed a lease prior to completing your background check and income verification and being formally accepted into the program.

I work for a rideshare or delivery service like Lyft or Doordash. Am I eligible to apply?

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No. Rideshare services such as Lyft and Uber, and delivery services such as Grubhub and DoorDash, are not considered full-time remote employment.

What types of incentives are program participants receiving?

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In addition to the $10,000 grant, participants will receive a 36-month membership at a local coworking space, resources for their housing search, access to health and wellness benefits, and regular community-building opportunities.

When will I receive the grant for my move?

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All disbursements are delivered after a lease has been signed or a qualifying home has been purchased and approved, and accepted members have completed their move to Tulsa and attended member orientation.