Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tulsa Remote? 

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. Each grant is distributed over the course of a year to eligible remote workers or entrepreneurs living outside of Oklahoma. Funding is currently provided by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. The City of Tulsa and other community organizations lend their support to ensure program participants are fully immersed and engaged in the community. 

When did Tulsa Remote begin? 

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

How are applicants selected?

The Tulsa Remote team reviews each application. Video interviews are conducted with each finalist selected. If the finalist has no previous experience with Tulsa, an in-person visit may be scheduled.

Who is the ideal candidate for this program? 

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.

What types of incentives are program participants receiving? 

In addition to the $10,000 grant, participants will receive a 36-month membership at a local co-working space, support in identifying housing, and regular community-building opportunities.

Is Tulsa Remote offering jobs to the people who apply?

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.

Can couples/families apply?

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.

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

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 already live in Oklahoma. May I apply?

Tulsa Remote is intended for individuals who reside outside of Oklahoma at the time of application.

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

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. 

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

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?

Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to apply. In 2019, Tulsa Remote participants’ ages ranged from 22 to 64.

Can I apply if I’m not a US citizen?

Individuals from outside the U.S. are eligible to apply, so long as they are permanent residents who possess a green card. Tulsa Remote is not able to aid in the acquisition or approval of such credentials (work visas, etc.).

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

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?

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.

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

Check out the Visit Tulsa page of our website. 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 Hosted Visit or Self-Guided Visit.

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

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

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

No. You are not eligible for the program if you’re in 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.

Does Tulsa Remote assist with housing?

Tulsa Remote provides resources to help finalists discover and secure suitable housing before they move to Tulsa, including a new housing portal.

What exactly is remote work, anyway?

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 into 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.”

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

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