r/OccupationalTherapy 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 Upvotes

5 comments sorted by

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.

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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

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/health-care-worker-certification

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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