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

Occupational therapy is a fulfilling career for many, and it has its benefits. In the United States, the average occupational therapist makes around $85,570 annually, with pay ranging between $60,680 and $123,840, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’ve obtained your education as an occupational therapist outside of the U.S., you may be wondering which steps you need to complete to immigrate to the United States and work as an occupational therapist. 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 Occupational Therapist?
• How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Occupational Therapist in the U.S.?
• How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Occupational Therapist in the U.S.?
• Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Occupational Therapist in the U.S.?
• What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Occupational Therapists?
• What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Occupational Therapists?
• Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

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

This process includes several important steps related to education, examination, and licensing; all occupational therapists in the U.S. must be licensed by the state they wish to work in. It’s important to have an idea of the state where you wish to practice as an occupational therapist ahead of time so you can access more detailed information about your situation when necessary. The following steps must be completed if you wish to work in the U.S. as a foreign-educated occupational therapist:

1. The first step in this process is making sure that you meet the minimum education requirements that are mandated by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) for aspiring occupational therapists. You need to meet these requirements in order to be eligible for the examination, which is required before you are eligible for licensing as an occupational therapist.

As a foreign-educated occupational therapist, you will need to apply for the Occupational Therapist Eligibility Determination process (OTED). This process will evaluate your foreign credentials, licenses, and experience to ensure you meet U.S. educational standards for occupational therapists. You will need certified translations of important documents such as transcripts, certifications, licenses, and course syllabi for this process; consult the OTED information page on the NBCOT’s website for more information.

1. Once you’ve completed the OTED process and obtained any extra education as needed, you will be eligible to take the NBCOT exam. This exam is required of all occupational therapists, and you won’t be able to obtain licensing in your chosen state without these exam results. The NBCOT exam takes a few months to prepare for on average, and once you are approved to take this exam, you will need to obtain passing scores within seven years. More information on this exam and registration procedures is provided by the NBCOT.
2. After you have passed the NBCOT exam, it’s time to obtain state licensing. Every state licenses occupational therapists differently, but you can apply to multiple states for licensing if you are undecided on which state you wish to work in. Make sure that you check each state’s requirements regarding application fees, paperwork that is required with your application, additional state examinations, and any ongoing licensing requirements. The American Occupational Therapy Association offers more information on state licensing, or you can check detailed information directly with your chosen state’s occupational therapist licensing board.
3. The final step in this process is ensuring that you meet all immigration requirements for occupational therapists. You will either need to obtain a visa that allows you to work and live in your chosen state, or you will need to apply for a green card, also known as a permanent resident card. The immigration process can be confusing and steps vary based on your specific situation, so don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer or other legal counsel if you need further assistance.

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

The costs of working as a foreign-educated occupational therapist in the U.S. include the OTED process (around $100) to evaluate your foreign credentials, the cost of obtaining any additional education in the United States, the cost of the NBCOT exam (around $515 for initial registration, $385 for re-tests), and the cost of licensing in the state that you wish to work in. You may also need to pay for ongoing education and license renewal fees as you practice as an occupational therapist in your chosen state. Additionally, you will need to factor the cost of immigration into your overall budget. Visa applications and legal counsel will typically cost a few thousand dollars, though the exact cost does depend on your specific situation. Overall, expect to pay several thousand dollars to complete every part of this process.

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

The process of working in the U.S. as a foreign-educated occupational therapist varies in length depending on your specific situation. You may find that you need to complete additional educational requirements while in the U.S., or that studying for the NBCOT exam takes you longer than average. In general, this process will take a few years. This includes the time it takes to complete the OTED process, study for and take the NBCOT (the average study time is 2 to 3 months), and apply for state licensing. You will also need to factor in the time it takes to receive a U.S. visa or green card, a process that takes an average of 13 to 24 months to fully complete.

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

Once you have met all basic education, examination, and licensing requirements for occupational therapists in your chosen state, you will be eligible to practice as an occupational therapist without restrictions. Make sure that you stay up to date with ongoing education, licensing, and immigration requirements that you may need to meet in order to continue your occupational therapist practice uninterrupted.

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

Licensing for occupational therapists is handled on a state-by-state basis, and you will need to check with the licensing board for your chosen state to see which specific requirements you may need to meet before licensing is awarded. In most cases, states will require an occupational therapist license application, a fee for licensing, proof of occupational therapist education, your NBCOT exam scores, any state-specific exams, and recommendations from individuals you’ve worked with or studied under. You will also need to pay attention to your state’s requirements regarding ongoing education that you must complete or licensing renewal procedures and fees; these also vary by state and you must meet them if you wish to keep your occupational therapist license without issue.

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

As a healthcare profession, occupational therapists have a few different types of visas to choose from. One of the most popular visas utilized for immigration by occupational therapists is the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, though employment-based visas or even direct green card applications might also be options. It’s important to meet with an immigration lawyer or other legal counsel as you embark on the process of obtaining a visa or green card, as these individuals can guide you to the correct visa option for your situation and ensure that your applications have the best chance of success with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

Obtaining a certified translation is one of the most essential steps in the process of becoming a foreign-educated occupational therapist in the United States. You will need your certified translation as you apply to educational programs, show proof of your foreign credentials, and even as you apply for a U.S. visa. Visit our online store to receive a certified translation of any of your important documents, such as:

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

Order Your Certified Translation