Recruiting Services Worldwide

US Visa Information

Professional working visas

Temporary Workers (H1B non-immigrant visas):

An H1B non-immigrant visa is available to eligible Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and certain Registered Nurses. The H1B visa (specialty occupation) is available to temporary workers coming to the United States to perform services in a prearranged professional job.

To qualify, the Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Registered Nurse must hold a bachelor's or higher degree (or equivalent) in the specific specialty for which employment authorisation is being sought. In order to obtain the H1B visa, a specific United States employer must file and have approved an I-129 petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. It is the responsibility of the USCIS to determine whether the employment constitutes a specialty occupation and whether the Physical Therapist or Registered Nurse is qualified to perform the services. Once the USCIS has approved the I-129 petition, the Physical Therapist of Nurse may apply for the H1B visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy. The maximum authorized stay in the US in H1B status is six years, but the initial H1B will be limited to a maximum of 3 years, or for the period of employment if less than 3 years. Under certain circumstances this can be increased in 1 or 3 year increments until permanent residency is granted.

Visa is dual intent which means you can file for or continue the Green-Card Process (Permanent Residency) while you continue to work in the USA.

Special Considerations for Physical Therapists & Occupational Therapists:

As part of the H1B non-immigrant petition process, Individuals applying for an H1B as a Physical or Occupational Therapist must also have a state license. Because state license examinations are given only in the United States, the Physical Therapist must complete all steps required for licensing except taking the actual licensing test and, in many states, may be eligible for a temporary license. The U.S. employer must include a letter from a U.S. State licensing authority or an actual license with the I-129 Petition when filed at the USCIS. These H1B visas are issued on the assumption that the Physical Therapist  will be coming to the U.S. for further licensing examinations and/or for the issuance of a Social Security number. Once you enter the United States on the H1B visa, you will have to take the state licensing exam.

Special Considerations for Nurses:

While general RN positions are not H1B eligible, nurses in the following positions are eligible for H1B visa classification: (1) Advanced practice nurses, (2) Nurses in administrative positions, and (3) Nurses in certain nursing specialties. An H1B eligible Nurse will hold at least a Bachelors degree in nursing (e.g. BSN), and the position in the United States must normally require a Bachelors degree.

In general, the following RN positions may qualify in the H-1B category:

• Clinical nurse specialist (CNS), Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Certified nurse-midwife (CNM), or a Certified nurse practitioner (APRN-certified) Critical care and the nurse holds the certification;
• A nurse working in an Administrative position ordinarily associated with a Bachelors degree, such as Charge Nurse or Nurse Manager;
• Or a nurse working in one of these specialties: peri-operative, school health, occupational health, rehabilitation nursing, emergency room nursing, critical care, operating room, oncology and pediatrics.

Add credentialing and license requirements here

care, operating room, oncology and pediatrics.

Add credentialing and license requirements here

Australian Citizens only

E-3 Non-Immigrant Visas for Temporary Workers includes specialty occupations for Australian Citizens, including certain Registered Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Pharmacists, Physicians, Medical Techs and Nutritionists. The E-3 visa has several advantages over the H-1B, including employment eligibility for spouses of E-3 primary recipients, who may apply for work authorization after arrival in the United States. While the E-3 non-immigrant visa requires an offer of employment from a US employer, no pre-approvals are required from the USCIS. Australian citizens may apply directly for the E-3 visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in the area in which they reside. The position offered must require a minimum of a 4-year bachelor's degree

E-3 applicants must also provide evidence of a license to practice in the state of intended employment along with VisaScreen or FCCPT Certification. E-3 non-immigrants are generally granted a 2-year duration of stay, that may be extended indefinitely in 2-year increments

Green-Card Process (Permanent Residency): Is available and would be the same 3-part process as outlined above for H-1B status

Permanent Immigration

I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker with ETA 9089 PERM Application is filed with the Department of Homeland Security/USCIS, along with the Nurse or PTs current and home country licensure, educational credentials and healthcare certification (CGFNS, NCLEX or state licensure documentation for the nurse, and a letter signed by an authorized state physical therapy licensing official in the state of intended employment for the PT, indicating they are qualified to take the written licensing exam).

Processing of Immigrant Visa Applications with US Embassy for Nurse/PT and dependent family members residing outside the USA. Visa Screen Certification is required for this process.

For qualified applicants residing in the USA, the process can be accomplished while remaining in the USA by filing the Adjustment of Status I-485 Permanent Residency Application with the I-765 Employment Authorization Application (can be filed concurrently with the I-140 Immigrant Petition if the quota is available). VisaScreen or FCCPT Certification is required for this process.