Passport USA provides a comprehensive program for international occupational therapists.  We will assist you with everything you need in order to prepare for and take your licensing exam, obtain US credentials, secure a visa, relocate and establish a new home in the United States. 

Passport USA will sponsor your visa and provide you with the security of long term employment and give you the opportunity to gain valuable experience with some of the finest healthcare facilities in the U.S.  

Passport USA provides qualifying occupational therapists with: 

• Financial assistance / support for your English exam, Credential Evaluation (CES), VisaScreen, and Licensure;
• U.S. H-1B (cap or non-cap) or EB-2 visa sponsorship;
• A generous salary; 
• A relocation package; and
• An excellent benefits package.

Our comprehensive program is designed to address both the professional and personal aspects of your move to America. Let us explain the major steps:

The Application Process — If you are a licensed occupational therapist with a minimum of one year of clinical experience including 1,000 of supervised field work in your profession (which may be obtained during your education), your skills are in great demand in America. Once you send us your resume by clicking Send Resume and completing our complete Application, we will review your education and experience to determine the best path for you to take to work as an OT in the United States.

Education Requirements - We require graduation with a Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy (OT) from an accredited OT school. Please review the following link for a list of accredited schools. www.wfot.org. You may also be required to present your thesis as part of the process. If you hold a Master's Degree from an accredited school this will make your process easier and shorter.

English Proficiency — The first hurdle to relocating to the U.S. is passing the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  This is required for all applicants who are not from Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand and the UK.  You must receive a passing score on this exam in order to work as a therapist in America.  Passing scores are:

• TOEFL: 560 (paper-based) or 220 (computer-based); and
• TWE: 4.5; and
• TSE: 50; or
• TOEFL IBT: 89 (each section must meet the following scaled scores):
• Reading: 18
• Listening: 21
• Speaking: 26
• Writing: 24

Credentialing — You must have your education credentials evaluated by an authorized Credential Evaluation Service (CES). NBCOT is the only authorized CES organization for OTs (except for New York, which requires CES from both NBCOT and CGFNS).  Once you have passed the TOEFL examinantion, we will assist you with credentialing for your destination state. 

Licensure Examination — The next priority is to prepare you for the U.S. licensing examination (NBCOT®). The NBCOT is the National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy. The NBCOT exam is a standardized, computerized exam that tests a Occupational Therapist’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the safe practice of occupational therapy.  The results are used by the U.S. licensing boards when making licensure decisions. The NBCOT examination can be taken in several countries around the world including: The Philippines, Canada, Australia and others. You can locate a test center at: http://www.prometric.com/default.htm If you are not in a location where the examination is available then Passport USA can assist you in preparing the documentation for the visa petition but the cost of the visa is paid by you. We will provide guidance in identifying quality test preparation materials and courses.

VisaScreen Certificate - Visa Credential Verification Certificate (VCVC) from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) which can be obtained upon satisfactory demonstration of the following:

• Education is comparable to US Education
• All licenses are valid and unencumbered
• Unless exempt, passing scored on English language exams, (TOEFL, TWE, & TSE or TOEFL-iBT)
• Passing scores on the Occupational Therapist Registered Certification Exam

Job Placement — Our placement team works hard to ensure that your assignment in the United States is a great fit for you and your employer. Many factors are considered regarding your U.S. placement. These factors include, but are not limited to, your clinical skills and experience, job opportunities at the time of your relocation and, of course, your own personal location preferences. Because of the strong relationships that we have with built with healthcare facilities all across the U.S. and the quality of our healthcare professionals, Passport USA has more job opportunities at more healthcare facilities than ever before.

Visa Sponsorship — Upon client selection we will begin the visa sponsorship process. Typically, Passport USA's parent corporation, Health Carousel, will be your visa sposnor. The type of visa used may vary based on several factors including your educational background, your profession, and the position you will be accepting.

Preparing for the USA — Before you pack your bags for America, we will ensure that you know what to expect when you arrive at your destination. Passport USA and our clinical partner facilities will assist you with your traisition to living and working in the United States.

Support — A Passport USA representative will be assigned to you and will be available throughout the duration of your time with us. We will give you the support you need to ease into your new environment and to feel confident in your workplace and personal life.

Long-Term Career Opportunities - Once your initial Passport USA assignment has been completed you have unrestricted career opportunities. You will be eligible for a variety of clinical settings around the country as a traveling therapist or accept another long-term assignment in a new part of the country.  You may even be invited to work as directly for your assigned clinical partner facility indefinitely.