There are two types of visas that are used most often with healthcare professionals: the H-1b visa and the “Third Preference Employment Based Immigrant Visa”, also known as the EB-3 Visa or Green Card.

In 2005, there were 50,000 EB-3 visas authorized for use with “Schedule A” occupations, which include Registered Nurses and Physical Therapists. These are permanent visas which allow for the professional to bring their family with them to the United States and allow the spouse to work in the US as well.

Occupational Therapists are not listed as a “Schedule A” occupation; therefore, EB-3 visas take several years depending on their country of origin and the backlog of visas available from that country. Occupational Therapists do qualify for the H-1b work visa which allows them to work for no longer than 3 years with extensions not to exceed a total of 6 years. Their spouses and children can also come with them but are not authorized to work.

HealthStar processes all Registered Nurses under the EB-3 Immigrant Visas. Physical Therapists can be processed for either visa depending on visa availability and Occupational Therapists are usually processed for H-1b work visas.