Employment for People with Work AuthorizationThe State of Minnesota and its partners offer many programs and services to help you find a job. Many of these services are available on the CareerForce website (Español).
Note: Work authorization may be needed to access these services and resources.
CareerForce is here to help you prepare for and find a good job. With many job openings in nearly every industry across the state, now is a great time to find the right job for you! CareerForce has professional employment counselors throughout Minnesota who can help you find a job that meets your needs and helps you reach your career goals.
They can match your skills to available jobs or connect you to short-term training opportunities that lead to a strong future job. Call 651-259-7500 for help or check out the resources online (Español).
Find the CareerForce nearest you.
If you travel to Minnesota to help with farming, food processing, or other seasonal agricultural work, there are services available to help you. Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Services can help you find work, connect you with community resources, assist you if you have a problem with an employer, and provide you with information about CareerForce services.
CareerForce Agricultural Outreach Representatives can provide services in English and Spanish:
If you are waiting to receive your work authorization, you may still be eligible for training opportunities that can help further your career while you wait.
| Type of Education or Training | Description of Education or Training | Time to Complete When Complete | When Complete, You Will: |
|---|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or high school equivalency (GED) | A diploma is earned when you graduate from high school. A GED is earned by completing an alternative to high school, usually by meeting the requirements of the Minnesota Adult Diploma or taking the GED exam. To find a program that helps adults earn their diploma, visit the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline website or call 1-800-222-1990. | Preparation for the Adult Diploma or GED takes as long as you need. Adult Basic Education (ABE) can help you prepare. |
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| Find an Adult Basic Education (ABE) location near you | This includes English as a Second Language (ESL or EL) and basic skills like work-related math, computer, reading, 1 month, or as long as needed and writing. This education is available statewide at no cost to adult learners. To find an approved ABE program to help you earn your diploma as an adult, visit the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline website or call 1-800-222-1990. | 1 month, or as long as needed |
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See these additional resources for training that may lead to gainful employment:
| Type of Education or Training | Description of Education or Training | Time to Complete when Complete | When Complete, You Will: |
|---|---|---|---|
| High school diploma or high school equivalency (GED) | A diploma is earned when you graduate from high school. A GED is earned by completing an alternative to high school, usually by meeting the requirements of the Minnesota Adult Diploma or taking the GED exam. To find a program that helps adults earn their diploma, visit the Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline website or call 1-800-222-1990. | Preparation for the Adult Diploma or GED takes as long as you need, Adult Basic Education (ABE) can help you prepare. |
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| Find an Adult Basic Education (ABE) location near you | This includes English as a Second Language (ESL or EL) and basic skills like work-related math, computer, reading and writing. This education is available statewide at no cost to adult learners. | 1 month, or as long as needed |
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| Short-term training | Classes offered through community organizations or programs at schools that last up to two years. This training helps you learn or refresh software, business, language or other skills. | Up to 2 years |
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| Certification | This is a credential that you earn by taking a test to prove your knowledge or skills. May require work experience and/or training. | Testing takes 1 day |
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| Apprenticeship | This is a formal combination of training and full-time paid job. Apprenticeships are offered for many occupations through employers, unions and associations. | 1 to 6 years |
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| Adult Career Pathways Training | Training opportunities for in-demand career pathways. To learn more, call 651-259-7500 for assistance or locate the nearest CareerForce. | 1 month or as long as needed, depending on the career path. |
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Do you have unpaid wages? Were you paid less than minimum wage or not paid overtime? That is wage theft. When an employer avoids paying or fails to pay wages earned by its employees, it is wage theft. Wage theft is against the law. It is your right to get paid. Labor Standards will help you file a wage claim to resolve cases of unpaid wages.
For free help filing a wage claim, email dli.laborstandards@state.mn.us, or call 651-284-5075 or 1-800-342-5354.
You have the right to a safe workplace. Employees have the right to file complaints about workplace safety and health hazards. If you need to file a complaint, email osha.compliance@state.mn.us or call 651-284-5050 or 1-877-470-6742.
If you have a work-related injury, Minnesota Workers' Compensation benefits may be available to you. Visit An employee's guide to the Minnesota workers' compensation system (Español) to learn more. You may also call the Help Desk for live support from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 651-284-5005 (press 3) or 1-800-342-5354 (press 3) or email helpdesk.dli@state.mn.us.
Additional employee protections and workplace rights resources:
