How to Work in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is a popular career choice in the United States as it often allows individuals to start their own businesses or work in a fulfilling health-related career. If you’ve received your massage therapist education in a foreign country, you may be wondering what it takes to work in this profession in the U.S., as moving your profession here has its benefits, such as decent pay.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapists make between $24,450 and $77,600, with the average pay being around $46,910. To take advantage of these benefits you will need to complete the process of becoming a licensed massage therapist in the U.S. Our guide helps you understand this process and answers important questions such as:

• What Is the Process for Working in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist?
• How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist in the U.S.?
• How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist in the U.S.?
• Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist in the U.S.?
• What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Massage Therapists?
• What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Massage Therapists?
• Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

What Is the Process for Working in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist?

The process for working in the U.S. as a massage therapist includes several different steps. Licensing for massage therapists is handled on a state level, and states do have specific regulations when it comes to the education and experience required before licensing is awarded. Make sure to check with the state you wish to work in as you review these general steps for more detailed information about your situation.

The following steps are part of the process for working in the U.S. as a foreign-educated massage therapist:

1. One of the most important first steps of this process is making sure that you have the proper education required by your chosen state to be eligible to apply for licensing. It’s important to check with your state’s licensing board ahead of time, as some states allow you to show proof of foreign credentials along with an accurate credential evaluation that proves you meet the education requirements. Other states don’t allow any type of foreign education and you will need to attend a U.S.-based massage therapist program to obtain all of the educational credits you need.
   If you do need to obtain a credential evaluation, you should check with your state’s licensing board to see if they have a service they prefer you to use. If they don’t you may want to select a reliable service from either the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) to ensure you receive an accurate evaluation of your foreign credentials. As part of obtaining a credential evaluation, you will likely need a certified translation of your original documents.
2. After you have met all education requirements for your state, you will need to take and pass the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx). This test is regulated by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) and is required in every state as part of basic licensing requirements. Check with your state licensing board to determine if you will also need to take other exams, such as state-specific law and ethics exams, or if you will need to obtain additional certifications for certain types of massage therapy.
3. Apply for licensing in the state that you wish to work in. Double-check that you have met all of the education, experience, and examination requirements, and then gather your paperwork, submit your application, and pay for the licensing fee. Make sure that you take note of any ongoing education and licensing renewal requirements that are set by your chosen state.
4. Once you are licensed in your chosen state, you will need to make sure that you have met the correct immigration requirements in order to travel and work in the U.S. You may be able to choose from a few different visa types, including student visas and permanent worker visas, to complete this process. Consult an immigration lawyer if you have any questions about the U.S. immigration process.

How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist in the U.S.?

The cost of working as a foreign-educated massage therapist in the U.S. includes important items such as education to meet specific state requirements, the cost of preparing for and taking the MBLEx, and the cost of licensing. You will also need to factor in the cost of your visa or green card application, and any legal fees if you are working with an immigration lawyer.

On average, this process will cost several thousand dollars. Depending on the type of education program you attend, you may pay between $3,000 and $15,000 for a one-year program, but this cost could be less if you only need to complete a few classes. The cost of the MBLEx is $265, not including preparation materials, and state licensing fees are usually a few hundred dollars. You may also need to pay for continuing education credits and license renewal fees every few years.

In general, immigration will be one of your biggest costs, with visa or green card applications ranging from around $400 to several thousand dollars depending on your situation and the type of visa. Immigration legal assistance may add another few hundred to a few thousand dollars to this overall cost.

How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist in the U.S.?

Depending on if you need to obtain a significant amount of education to meet your chosen state’s requirements, the process for working as a foreign-educated massage therapist in the U.S. can take several years to complete. Meeting education and experience requirements might take between 1 and 3 years, on average, and then you will need to study for and pass the MBLEx; the average studying time for this exam is around 2 to 3 months.

After those steps are complete, you will need to apply for state licensing, a process that might take a few months as you gather everything you need and the state processes your application. From there, you will need to ensure you have met all immigration requirements, which is likely to be the longest part of this process. Visa or green card applications typically take between 13 and 24 months, depending on your specific situation.

Overall, this process may take between 2 and 4 years to complete on average.

Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Massage Therapist in the U.S.?

Once you have met all education and experience requirements that your chosen state says you must meet to be eligible for licensing, you have passed the MBLEx, you have applied for and received a state massage therapist license, and you have obtained any additional certificates you wish to have, you will be able to practice as a foreign-educated massage therapist in the U.S. without issue.

Make sure that you keep up to date with any immigration or visa requirements you may have, and that you meet all continuing education or license renewal requirements put out by your state so you can continue practicing as a massage therapist in the U.S. without issue.

What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Massage Therapists?

Massage therapist licensing is handled on a state-by-state basis, and states will have varying requirements on what you need to do in order to be eligible to obtain a license. States will often determine how much education and experience is required before you can test for your massage therapist license, which exams in addition to the MBLEx might be required (states often require a specific state law and regulation exam), and the application process for massage licensing.

States also set the fees associated with obtaining a license and individually determine if continuing education and ongoing license renewal fees are required. States also set regulations regarding additional certificates that may be required for different types of massage therapy or bodywork, such as an esthetician’s license.

You can browse state massage therapy licensing boards and view their requirements, or access additional state-based information, by utilizing the interactive map provided on the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website.

What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Massage Therapists?

Individuals that are looking to travel to the U.S. as massage therapists have a few options to choose from when it comes to immigration. If you are planning on starting your own business as a massage therapist in the U.S., you may be able to take advantage of the E-2 treaty investor visa. Other visa options include the H-1B visa for specialty occupations or employment-based visas.

Keep in mind that employment-based visas typically require sponsorship from an employer in the United States, and you will most likely need to obtain an offer of employment at a U.S.-based company. Some individuals may be eligible to apply for a green card, also known as a permanent resident card, in certain situations.

For more information on this or assistance selecting the best immigration option for your situation, contact an immigration lawyer.

Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

Certified translations of your original documents are an important part of the process when it comes to becoming a massage therapist in the U.S. You will need certified translations if you are seeking out a credential evaluation and you will often need to submit these documents while you apply for state licensing and visas or green cards. You can visit our online store to receive certified translations of your important documents such as:

• Diplomas
• Academic transcripts
• Business licenses and certifications
• Resumes and employment records
• Birth certificates

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