Temporary Work Options:
Physical Therapists are eligible for the H-1B visa for specialty occupations.
Canadian and Mexican Physical Therapists can apply for the TN visa under the USMCA (formerly NAFTA). Note: Residency status in Canada or Mexico alone does not qualify for TN eligibility.
Licensing Requirements: Physical Therapists are required to hold a valid license to practice in the state where they will be working. The licensing requirements can vary by state, and foreign-educated Physical Therapists must meet the state’s specific criteria. This often includes passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and potentially completing additional state-specific requirements.
Green Card Options:
As Physical Therapists are designated by the U.S. Department of Labor as a “Schedule A occupation,” they are exempt from the labor certification process (PERM) required for most employment-based immigrant visas.
Petitions for Physical Therapists are typically filed under the EB-2 category. The Green Card process involves filing an I-140 petition, followed by either Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing.