In order to work in the United States as a licensed physical therapist, you should first pass the National Physical Therapy Examination . This exam can only be taken in the United States.
You have two options:
1. apply for a tourist visa and take the exam in the United States or
2. get a sponsor for a green card and take the exam in the United States
It is preferable to take the exam first in the United States. Agencies usually require physical therapists to pass the exam first before they sponsor them for H1b or Green Card. However, passing the NPTE is not required for H1b or Green Card sponsorship. Also, USCIS usually approves a tourist visa for a PT applicant to take the NPTE.
There are numerous ways to legally work in the U.S. We will cover the most common ones. We will not discuss obtaining visas through marriage or family. Also, Canada and Mexico PTs are covered under the NAFTA Free Trade Agreement and can be issued TN Visa right at the border. We will also not cover TN Visa. There are four ways a physical therapist can work in the United States legally:
- tourist visa (not the one valid for NPTE only)--find a sponsor and apply for an H1b or Green Card
- TN visa (for physical therapist in Canada and Mexico)
- H1b Visa
- Green Card
Remember, anything that requires a notary must be done at the U.S. Embassy where you are. It does not need to be done in your home country. If you are in the U.S., then a local notary is acceptable .
Disclaimer: This column is provided for educational purposes only. The accuracy or timeliness of the information presented is not warranted. The information is not presented as legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is established. The author is not engaged in rendering tax, legal, or accounting advice. Please consult your professional advisor about issues related to your profession.
