H-1b Non-Immigrant Work Visa

for Therapists to the US

Requirements and Processes

  • The healthcare professional must fulfill initial visa filing requirements-

    • The PT/OT must:
  • Meet the definition of a “Specialty Occupation”
  • Hold at least a baccalaureate degree or the required equivalent
  • Possess a diploma from an appropriate professional school in his/her country
  • Hold a valid PT/OT license in his/her country
  • Have documentation of passing scores on the appropriate English language exam
  • Meet one of the following requirements:
  • Have a license to practice in the state of intended employment
  • Have evidence that he/she passed licensing examination
  • Possess a letter from the licensing board of the state of intended employment proving eligibility to take the state licensing exam
  • Possess an approved Labor Condition Application (LCA) from the Department of Labor
  • Have a job offer and a copy of the written contract between the employer and candidate
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              The Sponsor/Employer must:

  • Submit a “Non-Immigrant Work Visa Petition” (Form I-129) and other supporting documents to the designated BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) service center.
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  • Healthcare Worker Certification must be obtained-

    • The Foreign Educated therapist must:
  • Obtain one of the following:
  • For OT or PT: Visa Screen from CGFNS which can be obtained upon demonstration of the following:
  • Education is comparable to US Education ( Credentials Evaluation)
  • All licenses are valid and unencumbered
  • Unless exempt, passing scores on English language exams (TOEFL, TWE, & TSE or TOEFL-iBT)
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  • For PT only: Certificate from FCCPT (Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy) which can be obtained upon demonstration of the following:
  • Education is comparable to US Education
  • All licenses are valid and unencumbered
  • Unless exempt, passing scores on English language exams (TOEFL, TWE, TSE or TOEFL-iBT)
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  • For OT only: Visa Credential Verification Certificate (VCVC) from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) which can be obtained upon demonstration of the following:
  • Education is comparable to US Education
  • All licenses are valid and unencumbered
  • Unless exempt, passing scored on English language exams, (TOEFL, TWE, & TSSE or TODFL-iBT)
  • Passing scores on the Occupational Therapist Registered Certification Exam
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  • After the petition is approved and notice is received by the attorney or therapist, he/she then makes an appointment at a US consulate for an interview.
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  • Consulate Interview Requirements
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  • Medical Exam by Consulate designated doctor designated
  • Bring to Interview:
  • Copy of approval notice
  • Copy of petition (Form I-129)
  • Visa fees and visa application form
  • A healthcare certification certificate
  • A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage license (if married)
  • Police certificates (if any)
  • Court and prison records (if any)
  • 2 Recent Passport-size photos
  • Current contract with employer/sponsor
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  • After the Visa is approved, the worker is eligible to enter and work in the United States.
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  • Notes and provisions:
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  • In the event that the employer terminates the employment of the candidate prior to the expiration of the visa, the employer is responsible for providing return transportation of candidate to foreign residence.
  • The petition will be approved for the period the license is valid (up to 3 years) and is renewable for up to 6 years.
  • Spouse and children can come with the H-1b holder, but cannot work.

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    HealthStar's Staff