Occupational Therapist Registration Information
The most successful category for occupational therapists wishing to work in the U.S is the H1B visa, most occupational therapists who wish to remain permanently within the United States obtain an immigrant visa also (green card) through adjustment of status. The registration process can be confusing - however we can help. The difficulty is understanding the licensing requirements that each State imposes on foreign graduates. Before you can qualify for a H1B visa the physical therapist must be able to provide evidence that he or she is appropriately licensed within the State they intend to work. To simplify the process we have set out a step by step guide.
Step 1.
Pre-screening/Agreement Terms – 1 month
A candidate must graduate with the degree in Occupational Therapy from a WFOT or ACOTE accredited school no earlier than 4 years prior the time of the school’s certification by the National Associations. The candidate provides his/her contact information and a resume to RSW. A RSW recruiter contacts the candidate, conducts interview, and familiarizes him/her with the RSW model, benefits, and employment terms. If the candidate is accepted, RSW emails the acceptance letter and the contract for review and signature. The signed contract must be returned within 30 days. Note: “WFOT” approved programs and “ACOTE” accredited degrees refers to the approval/accreditation status of these programs at the time of an applicant’s graduation. An applicant’s program is considered WFOT approved if either of the following apply: The applicant’s program was WFOT approved at the time he/she graduated, or the applicant graduated no more than four (4) years before the year his/her program became WFOT approved. For more information about WFOT approved programs, visit the WFOT website at www.wfot.org
Step 2.
TOEFL iBT Training – 1 month
For graduates of non English speaking schools ONLY.Once the candidate returns the signed employment contract, he/she must enroll in the TOEFL iBT training course in a local area in order to prepare for the examination. The course must include training in reading, listening, speaking, and writing in English. The prep-courses cost may vary by location.
Step 3.
TOEFL iBT Examination – 1 month
After the candidate completes the review for the TOEFL iBT exam, he/she must visit www.ETS.org, create an online account with the username and a password, register for the TOEFL iBT exam the earliest day at the test center in the nearest area, and indicate NBCOT as an exam score report recipient (Institutional Code is 9953). The examination cost varies by country. The candidate must bring valid identification and the registration number to the test center on a test day. Once a candidate takes the exam, the scores will be posted online two weeks later. In case of failure, the candidate must schedule an additional review before re-taking the TOEFL iBT test.
Step 4.
Occupational Therapist Eligibility Determination (OTED) – 2 months
After successful passing of English exam, the candidate must apply to NBCOT for Occupational Therapy Eligibility Determination (OTED). The OTED service will take 8-10 weeks from the day NBCOT receives all necessary documents. Click Here for instructions, required documents, and detailed overview of each step of OTED process. When it has been determined that all requirements and criteria have been met, the application is approved by NBCOT and the applicant will receive an approval letter within 10 business days. If OTED application is denied, the applicant will be notified in writing with the statement of the deficiencies.
Step 5.
NBCOT Certification Examination Application – 1-2 months
Once OTED approved, the candidate must submit an application for Certification for Examination. The candidate should read NBCOT Exam Handbook for detailed instructions, required documents, and step by step process of the service. Once the candidate is familiar with the requirements, he/she must apply for the service. Click Here for online exam application. The candidate may also apply for the service via regular mail by submitting a paper certification examination application. Click Here for the paper form.
Step 6.
NBCOT Examination – 1 month
Once eligibility for the NBCOT exam is confirmed, the candidate will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) which is active for 90 days. If the candidate is not ready to take the exam during this period, he/she may re-activate the ATT for additional 90 days within 1-year period. The new examination application must be submitted after one year. If the candidate is ready to take the exam, he/she must visit www.prometric.com and schedule the NBCOT exam at the local test site.
Step 7.
Application for Visa Credentials Verification Certification – 1 month
Only if an OT has successfully passed the certification examination for Occupational Therapy, is he/she eligible to apply through the Visa Credential Verification Certification (VCVC) Program. The candidate must access VCVC Handbook & Application for detailed instructions, required documents, and step by step process of the service.
Note: If the candidate is the NBCOT Certificate holder within the last 5 years, he/she only needs to complete Steps 2 and 6. (Complete Step 3 if the English exams were taken over two years ago)
Step 8.
State Licensure – 1 month
Once the candidate is NBCOT Certified, he/she must apply for a state licensure. The US OT boards’ applications and boards’ requirements for licensure by state can be found here US OT Boards. The licensing cost varies by state from $100 to $300.
NBCOT Contact Information:
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, INC. (NBCOT)
12 South Summit Avenue
Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
(301) 990-7979
Fax (301) 869-8492
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Why consider Recruiting Services Worldwide?
- Professional Salaries
- Full HMO & PPO Medical Insurance
- 401K Pension
- All visa costs paid
- Air travel, registration fees, licensing paid *
- Access to managed low cost accommodation
* terms and conditions apply
