Oregon Guide for Canadians

Quick Facts

State Income Tax	Progressive 4.75% to 9.9% (4 brackets)
Sales Tax	No state or local sales tax
Driver's License Grace Period	30 days for residents
Residency Requirement for Tax	183+ days or domicile in Oregon
Vehicle Registration Deadline	30 days for residents
REAL ID Deadline	May 7, 2025 for domestic flights
Property Tax	0.77% effective rate on owner-occupied housing

First 90 Days Checklist

Week 1-2: Essential Documents & Registration

• Register with USCIS if staying 30+ days (required by April 11, 2025)
• Gather required documents for driver's license
• Open US bank account
• Set up Oregon mailing address

Week 3-4: Official Registration

• Apply for Oregon driver's license (within 30 days of residency)
• Pass written knowledge test and road skills test
• Register vehicle if brought from Canada (within 30 days)
• Register to vote (if eligible)

Month 2-3: Establishing Residency

• Update address with Canadian financial institutions
• Establish Oregon ties and connections
• Research healthcare options and insurance
• Note: 183+ days establishes Oregon tax residency

Driver's License & Vehicle Requirements

For Canadian Citizens

Required Documents:

• Valid Canadian passport with valid U.S. visa and I-94
• Birth certificate or citizenship documents
• Two proofs of Oregon residential address
• Social Security Number documentation (if applicable)

Testing Requirements:

• Written knowledge test required for foreign license holders
• Road skills test required - Oregon does not waive tests for Canadians
• Vision screening required
• Foreign license can be used temporarily for visitors

License Options:

• Standard Class C license (most common)
• REAL ID compliant license available
• Enhanced license not available in Oregon
• Standard license valid for 8 years

Important Notes:

• 30-day limit to get Oregon license after establishing residency
• Foreign license surrendered upon Oregon license issuance
• REAL ID required by May 7, 2025 for air travel
• Visitors can drive with valid foreign license temporarily

Vehicle Registration

• Register within 30 days of establishing residency
• DEQ emissions testing required in Portland metro area
• Oregon insurance required for registration
• Biennial registration renewal required

Tax & Residency Considerations

Oregon State Tax Structure

• **Progressive income tax** 4.75% to 9.9% (4 brackets)
• **No state sales tax** - major advantage
• **Estate tax** on estates over $1 million
• **Property taxes** 0.77% effective rate
• **Portland Arts Tax** $35 annual fee for residents

Establishing Oregon Tax Residency

Oregon residency is based on domicile and statutory presence:

• Domiciled in Oregon (intent to make permanent home)
• Statutory resident: 183+ days in tax year
• Maintaining permanent place of abode in Oregon

Documentation to Establish Residency

• Oregon driver's license and voter registration
• Bank accounts and utility bills in Oregon
• Employment or business activities in Oregon
• Professional licenses, club memberships
• Property ownership or long-term lease

Tax Advantages

Oregon's lack of sales tax provides significant savings on purchases, though this is offset by higher income tax rates. Property taxes are moderate compared to other western states.

US Federal Tax Implications for Canadians

Important: Under the Substantial Presence Test, you may be considered a U.S. resident for tax purposes.
New Requirement: Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS by April 11, 2025.
Recommendation: Consult a cross-border tax professional.

Healthcare Considerations

Insurance Options

• Oregon has expanded Medicaid (Oregon Health Plan)
• HealthCare.gov marketplace for health insurance
• Travel insurance strongly recommended for visitors
• Excellent medical facilities in Portland, Eugene, Bend

Prescription Medications

• Bring adequate supply from Canada
• Understand prescription transfer requirements
• Oregon allows prescription importation programs
• Research pharmacy options and discount programs

Special Considerations for Snowbirds

New US Registration Requirements (2025)

• Canadians staying 30+ days must register with USCIS
• Registration required by April 11, 2025
• Print and carry latest I-94 as proof of legal entry
• Failure to register may affect future US travel

Maintaining Canadian Ties

• Keep principal residence in Canada
• Monitor days in U.S. for tax reasons (183-day rule)
• Maintain Canadian insurance & banking relationships
• Oregon's 183-day rule for tax residency

Property Considerations

• High property values, especially in Portland metro
• Moderate property tax rates (0.77% effective)
• Coastal and mountain recreational properties available
• Impact on Canada's principal residence exemption

Climate & Lifestyle Factors

• Mild oceanic climate west of Cascades, continental east
• Outstanding outdoor recreation - coast, mountains, forests
• Progressive culture and environmental consciousness
• Growing Canadian communities, especially in Portland

Border Proximity

• Easy access to British Columbia via I-5 corridor
• Enhanced Driver's License not available in Oregon
• NEXUS/Global Entry beneficial for frequent crossings
• Close proximity to Vancouver and Victoria

Travel Documentation

• Ensure passport validity (6+ months remaining)
• Consider Global Entry/NEXUS for easier border crossings
• Enhanced Driver's License not available in Oregon
• I-94 registration now required for 30+ day stays

Pacific Northwest Advantage

Oregon offers exceptional natural beauty, no sales tax, progressive values, and easy access to Canada. The state provides excellent quality of life with diverse landscapes from coast to mountains to high desert.

Key Contacts & Resources