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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 have a valid physical therapist / physiotherapist license or registration.
- A minimum of six months of post-graduate therapy experience in the United States, United Kingdom, Philippines, or similar healthcare environment.
- Strong English language communication skills, including comprehension, speaking, and writing.
How do I apply to Passport USA?
- To get started, you need to complete and submit an application. 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 contract to confirm that you will work for Passport USA for a predetermined amount of time in the United States.
How long is my commitment to Passport USA?
- Typically, your commitment to work with Passport USA will be 36 months.
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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 visas. During periods of visa retrogression, such as now, this provides the fastest route to the United States for PTs. We may also offer EB2 and TN visas where appropriate for qualifying therapists.
How do I get a PT license?
- Once you have been accepted into the Passport USA program, we will help you study for and obtain your U.S. physical therapy license. Sometimes you can receive a temporary PT license and work in the United States under the supervision of licensed PT while studying towards the NPTE exam. Passport USA will pursue this option when it is possible for well-qualified candidates.
How do I get a work visa?
- After you have passed TOEFL and the appropriate CES for your destination state, and secure your VisaScreen, and been selected by a client facility, we will either file your work visa. PassportUSA will pay for and filing and legal fees and manage the filing process. Depending upon the situation, we may file a CAP or a Non-CAP H1B visa, a TN visa (Canadian citizens), or an EB2 visa.
Do I need credentialing?
- Applicants will be required to have completed credentialing prior to joining the Passport USA program. We will accept the following types of credentialing:
- FCCPT -Type 1 (Combined credential evaluation and VisaScreen)
- FCCPT - Credentials Evaluation
- ICD
- ICA
- NYSED - in this case, you will be required to re-credential through FCCPT.
- Passport USA will re-credential you if required for your placement location.
What are the different services offered by FCCPT?
- The Type I Certificate is a comprehensive credentials review to determine substantial equivalency to the first professional degree in physical therapy in the United States, plus certifies the requirements for a Healthcare Worker Certificate. This includes VisaScreen certification.
The Type I process is intended for those individuals who have never been licensed in the U.S. and need to apply for both licensure and the Healthcare Worker Certificate. A small number of U.S. States require the Type I certification for licensure.
- The Type II Certificate is used only for Immigration purposes and is intended for foreign-educated physical therapists who:
- Hold a current license to practice in the U.S.;
- Have graduated from a recognized program;
- Meet the English language proficiency requirement; and
- Meet the licensure requirements set forth in the federal regulations specified above.
The Type II service does not include a credentials evaluation and it cannot be used to apply for a license in the U.S.
- An Educational Credentials Review (CES) determines whether your education is substantially equivalent to an accredited physical therapy degree program in the U.S. and may be used for licensure purposes; however, it cannot be used for Immigration purposes.
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.
What type of training do I need for the PT license?
- In order to get your PT license, you will need to pass the NPTE 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 NPTE exam?
- NPTE exam centers are only located in the United States. As such, Passport USA will help you coordinate a short trip to the US to sit for the exam. Depending upon the circumstances, we will either pay for or reimburse you for the costs of this trip.
How does the visa process work?
- Prior to applying for your visa, you will need to have passed TOEFL and CES for your destination state(s), secured either an ATT or a temporary or permanent license, and applied for a VisaScreen certificate. When you have all the credentialing you need, we will meet with you to discuss the process of applying for your H1-B visa. 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. Sometimes you can receive a temporary PT license and work in the United States under the supervision of licensed PT while studying towards the NPTE exam. Passport USA will pursue this option when it is possible for well-qualified candidates.
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. PassportUSA will assist you with these filings, and may provide some financial assistance as well.
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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?
- The assignment begins once you have secured your U.S. credentialing, been accepted by a PassportUSA client, secured a U.S. visa and have secured an authorized start date from PassportUSA. Depending upon the time of year, visa availability, and the credentials you already posses, it can take as little as 3 to 6 months from the time you are accepted into the program by PassportUSA and our client facility 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 PT you will have more autonomy than perhaps you are used to in your home country. The role of the PT 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.
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:
- Medical / Dental / Vision
- Professional Liability and Disability Insurance
- Financial Assistance / Reimbursement for Credentials (TOEFL, CES, VisaScreen, NPTE)
- U.S. Licensure and endorsement for approved states
- Free Premium Processing for H1B work visa
- H-4 visa filings and legal fees for qualifying family members
- Interest free Car Loan Downpayment
- Petition for Green Card after working 2080 service hours
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 provide $1500 of financial assistance to help you pay for rent, deposits, and initial household goods. 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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