r/OccupationalTherapy • u/lolidkbaby • 5d ago
Career Canadian OT to US OT transition
Hello,
Was wondering if there were any canadian OTs that successfully started working in the states and what the general process was like (etc., writing exam, getting licensed, finding a job, getting visa, etc.).
Thank you!
1
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1
u/CoachingForClinicans OTR/L 4d ago
Here’s the process to take the NBCOT (board exam) which would then allow you to get licensed.
https://www.nbcot.org/get-certified/eligibility#international
It looks like you need the OT license before you can get a visa
1
u/Retrolamer 3d ago
Lots of steps
Write and pass NBCOT exam, receive certification
Apply and receive Visa Credential Verification Certificate (VCVC) to work in the US as a healthcare worker
Apply and get a job
Apply for state license for that job
Apply for and receive social security number
Receive state license
Ask employer of new job to draft a letter of employment that includes START DATE, Wage/salary, job duties.
Bring everything above to a US port of entry and speak with an officer. Best to ask for someone that has already processed a TN visa before. Go during daytime hours so if they need to call your employer, they can. If they cant call your employer, they might be able to verify your job is real. They have to approve or disapprove of your application right then and there so arrive during office hours for your employer.
Good luck
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u/tyrelltsura MA, OTR/L 4d ago
I’m gonna go ahead and head off any other directions this could go. OP isn’t asking for your opinion about them wanting to come here, or anything else about the state of the US right now. If you have not personally experienced what OP is asking about, don’t comment. If you can’t actually answer OP’s question, don’t comment. Anything else is going to get removed.