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To help you understand our Passport USA™ and all that it entails, we have compiled a list of questions that we hear most frequently from international physical therapists around the world.
----- Getting Started -----
----- Licenses and Visas -----
----- Healthcare in America -----
----- Living in America -----
----- Getting Started -----
What qualifications do I need? You must:
- Be a graduate from an accredited university program recognized as comparable to a U.S. Occupational Therapy degree. (Note that effective January 1, 2007, candidates must have a minimum of a master's degree in Occupational Therapy, unless they have previous applied with NBCOT.)
- Have completed at least 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork internship; this experience may be attained during university studies.
- Have a valid occupational therapist license or registration in your home country.
- Have a minimum of one recent year of post-graduate therapy experience in a hospital or large rehab center.
- You must be fluent in English. Within 2 years of the filing of the visa screen application, you must obtain the following examination scores:
- 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
*Exemptions for the English Exams: graduates of entry-level occupational therapy programs in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand and the UK.
How do I apply to Passport USA?
- To get started, you need to complete an employment application and send us your updated resume. This will help us determine whether you have the skills and experience to work in a healthcare setting in the United States.
Do I have to sign a contract?
- Yes, we require a signed agreement that confirms your commitment to fulfill your obligations to Passport USA.
How long is my commitment to Passport USA?
- Typically, your commitment to work with Passport USA will be 36 months or a minimum of 6240 service hours.
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----- Licenses and Visas -----
What type of visas or licenses do I need to work in America?
- We usually sponsor physical therapists for H1B, EB2, or TN visas. During periods of visa retrogression, such as now, this provides the fastest route to the United States for OTs.
How do I get a H1B visa and a OT license?
- Once you have been accepted into the Passport USA program, you will need to pass TOEFL-IBT, secure your VisaScreen certificate, and obtain your U.S. occupational therapy license (NBCOT). We can provide provide you professional assistance to help you navigate the complexities of these processes and financial assistance to help you with filing fees and legal costs. We even provide financial assistance for visa filings for you and your family members.
Do I need credentialing?
- Applicants will be required to have completed credentialing through NBCOT (or CGFNS)
What type of training do I need for the OT license?
- In order to get your U.S. OT license, you will need to pass the NBCOT examination. Passport USA will assist you in identifying training programs and study materials to help prepare you for this exam.
Where do I take the NBCOT exam?
- NBCOT exam centers are located in the United States and also various other locations around the world. 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.
How does the visa process work?
- When you pass the NBCOT exam, we will meet with you to discuss the process of applying for your H1-B, EB2, or TN visa, including the VisaScreen certificate. Passport USA will pay for the initial filing fee for your visa and will help you each step of the way with the necessary visa requirements and paperwork.
Can I bring my family?
- If you are married, your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 can legally come to the United States with you.
What is a VisaScreen?
- A VisaScreen is a process to ensure you have the necessary qualifications to work in America. During the screening, your skills will be compared to the minimal skills required in education, licensing and English language. Healthcare professionals who have graduated from a college or university in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, don’t have to meet the English language requirement. Once you have passed the VisaScreen, you will be given a certificate which we will submit to the American embassy or consular office as part of your U.S. visa application.
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----- Physical Therapy in America -----
Can I choose where I work and live?
- Absolutely. There are many options for you to choose from, ranging from the biggest cities in the nation to quieter, rural areas. Think about where you would like to live and we will help to match your skills and expertise with a hospital in your desired region.
How do you match me to a healthcare facility?
- We consider your skills, experience, needs, personality and goals and make the closest match possible with the hospital. Both your wishes and the requirements of the healthcare facility will be taken into consideration.
When does my assignment in America begin?
- For candidates with NBCOT and TOEFL it can take as little as about 3 to 6 months from the time you are accepted into the program until you begin your assignment in America.
What do American hospitals expect from their Healthcare professionals?
- Healthcare professionals are treated as professionals in America and as an OT you will have more autonomy than perhaps you are used to in your home country. The role of the OT is one of educator and decision-maker. Passport USA will help you prepare for the differences you are likely to encounter when you begin working in an American hospital. You will be well prepared for what to expect and we will ensure that your decisions are grounded in excellent assessment skills and clinical knowledge.
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----- Living in America -----
How much does it cost to live in America?
- The cost of living largely depends on the region where you are working, the housing options you choose and your own personal tastes. There is no set standard of living cost but once we know your personal situation, we can help you find out what your costs will be. Many things in America are cheaper than other countries, including cars, petrol, household goods, clothing and food.
Is the pay better in America?
- American Healthcare professionals’ salaries are among the most competitive in the world. Your compensation will depend on your experience, your clinical specialty and the location of your assignment. Based on the cost of living, some regions of the country pay more than other areas.
Does Passport USA offer benefits?
- Yes, Passport USA offers all its healthcare professionals a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package. Our benefits include the following:
- Transportation to your assignment location
- Transitional housing
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Professional liability insurance
- Referral bonuses
How do I find accommodations in America?
- Once you have accepted a job at a healthcare facility in the United States, your international relocation specialist will help you set up your housing, arrange for furniture delivery and ensure that everything is ready for you once you arrive at your new destination. We will work with you on finding the best housing for your needs and help set up your home so that it is ready when you arrive.
What happens after I complete my contract with Passport USA?
- You have many choices and we will help you with your decision. Here are some of the options you will have:
- Begin a new assignment with Pasport USA.
- Join our exciting travel staffing program and accept 13-week or longer assignments anywhere in the United States.
- Become a permanent employee of your assigned healthcare facility.
- Return home, where we will help you with a job placement in your country.
- Arrange for your own employment at a hospital of your choice anywhere in the United States.
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