Puerto Rico Working

As with volunteering, work opportunities tend to fall into two categories. Some travelers want long-term jobs that allow them to integrate into a community, while others seek out short-term jobs to finance the next leg of their travels. Note that working abroad often requires a special work visa; see the box below for information about obtaining one.

Visa Information. Admission as a visitor to Puerto Rico does not include the right to work, which is authorized only by a work permit. US citizens can work in Puerto Rico without any type of work permit or visa. If you are not a US Citizen, you need a work permit or “green card” to work in Puerto Rico. Normally you must have a job offer before you can obtain the permit; your employer will fill out the appropriate forms enabling you to apply for a temporary work visa (for more details).

Travelers seeking both short-term or long-term work in Puerto Rico should be advised that because of the island’s high unemployment rates they may be taking much-needed jobs away from locals. However, foreigners with multiple language skills may find luck in the island’s highly developed tourist industry. Jobs range from working at a seaside restaurant to leading adventure tours. The island has a large American expat population (especially concentrated in Rincón, Vieques, and Culebra) that works largely in tourist-related fields; try looking in these areas as well as major cities like San Juan and Ponce for work.

Further Reading On Beyond Tourism
Alternatives to the Peace Corps: A Guide of Global Volunteer Opportunities, by Paul Backhurst. Food First Books, 2005 (US$12).
The Back Door Guide to Short-Term Job Adventures: Internships, Summer Jobs, Seasonal Work, Volunteer Vacations, and Transitions Abroad, by Michael Landes. Ten Speed Press, 2005 (US$22).
Green Volunteers: The World Guide to Voluntary Work in Nature Conservation, ed. Fabio Ausenda. Universe, 2007 (US$15).
How to Get a Job in Europe, by Cheryl Matherly and Robert Sanborn. Planning Communications, 2003 (US$23).
How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas, by Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. Penguin Books, 2002 (US$20).
International Job Finder: Where the Jobs Are Worldwide, by Daniel Lauber and Kraig Rice. Planning Communications, 2002 (US$20).
Live and Work Abroad: A Guide for Modern Nomads, by Huw Francis and Michelyne Callan. Vacation-Work Publications, 2001 (US$16).
Overseas Summer Jobs 2002. Peterson’s Guides and Vacation Work, 2002 (US$18).
Volunteer Vacations: Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others, by Doug Cutchins, Anne Geissinger, and Bill McMillon. Chicago Review Press, 2006 (US$18).
Work Abroad: The Complete Guide to Finding a Job Overseas, by Clayton Hubbs. Transitions Abroad Publishing, 2002 (US$16).
Work Your Way Around the World, by Susan Griffith. Vacation-Work Publications, 2007 (US$22).