Green Card Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
Occupational Therapy Assistant roles qualify for EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process, which requires your employer to document that no qualified U.S. workers are available. State licensure, NBCOT certification, and an accredited associate degree are the credentials that anchor a strong PERM filing for this role.
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School/College School of Health Professions
Title School of Health Professions-Open Rank-Occupational Therapy
Assignment Category Full-Time
Rank Open Rank
Tenure Status Open Tenure
Payroll Status Faculty 12
Job Description
The University of Alabama at Birmingham invites nominations and applications for a full-time, twelve-month faculty position, with administrative responsibility as the Program Director for the Graduate Certificate in Vision Rehabilitation program, within the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions. This is an opportunity to lead a nationally recognized program at one of the country’s premier academic health centers. Faculty rank and tenure status are commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The UAB Department of Occupational Therapy seeks a dynamic scholar-practitioner to join a collaborative faculty community committed to teaching, scholarship, program development, and service. Candidates with experience in Vision Rehabilitation (adults and/or pediatric low vision, blindness, neurological impairment) are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will lead and advance the quality, growth, and sustainability of the certificate program.
Primary Responsibilities
For this position, candidates will be required to:
Teaching & curriculum
- Deliver graduate and post-professional courses in vision rehabilitation and other areas of content expertise in both online and in-person formats.
- Develop innovative evidence-based content reflecting best practices to prepare students for safe, effective service delivery.
- Ensure curriculum quality and monitor student progression.
- Continuously update instructional materials to meet evolving program needs.
- Demonstrate competence in neuro-visual conditions (hemianopia, neglect, TBI-related vision changes), including screening, intervention, and referral across acute-to-outpatient settings.
- Collaborate with driver rehabilitation specialists, including functional training, safety, and referral pathways for driving with low vision (including bioptic systems).
- Teach and lead in interprofessional contexts (OD, ophthalmology, rehab disciplines, O&M), including shared curricula and clinical training models.
Student mentoring & advising
- Provide academic advisement, career mentoring, and guidance on capstone and independent scholarly work.
- Empower students nationally and internationally to advance scholarship in low vision and blindness.
- Foster a supportive learning environment that encourages students to develop their professional identities and contribute to the field.
- Engage with traditional and non-traditional learners to ensure equitable access to mentorship and academic support.
Scholarship
- Maintain an active research agenda through peer-reviewed publications, grant development, professional presentations, and approved projects.
- Pursue external funding opportunities and contribute original knowledge to the fields of occupational therapy and vision rehabilitation.
- Sustain a productive scholarly record consistent with department and school expectations.
Service
- Contribute to department, school, university, and professional service.
- Support student recruitment and retention.
- Actively engage with professional organizations and communities of practice relevant to vision rehabilitation.
- Build and maintain clinical, interprofessional, and community partnerships; translate opportunities into education through referral pathways, service models, and co-management.
- Build enrollment pipelines through continuing education offerings, partnerships, and thought leadership (webinars, conference programming, alumni engagement, interprofessional outreach).
- Demonstrate commitment to the broader advancement of the profession and university through service.
Program administration
- Lead all aspects of the Vision Rehabilitation Certificate Program, including strategic planning, admissions, marketing, outreach, and outcome assessment.
- Expand program reach by recruiting interdisciplinary professionals and non-traditional students.
- Develop and sustain international vision rehabilitation programming.
- Oversee admissions in collaboration with university offices; manage program resources and ensure timely completion of student-related administrative processes.
- Maintain and grow engagement with a network of 500+ alumni to strengthen the program’s professional community and long-term impact.
Required Qualifications
Candidates will have:
- An earned research doctorate (e.g., PhD, DSc, ScD) from an accredited university.
+ Consideration will be given to candidates with a clinical doctorate (OTD) or a relevant master’s degree with current enrollment in a research doctoral program.
+ Note: only candidates who are occupational therapy practitioners and who hold a doctoral degree may teach occupational therapy content within the department’s Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program, in line with ACOTE accreditation standards.
- A degree in Occupational Therapy from a program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).
- Occupational therapy licensure in the state of Alabama or eligibility to secure a license.
- An active research program or demonstrated potential for scholarship, including pursuit of external funding and publications.
- Teaching experience in higher education focused on vision rehabilitation (adult and/or pediatric low vision, blindness, neurological impairment) and its implementation within occupational therapy practice.
- Experience in the development and delivery of online and in-person higher education programs.
The department is seeking candidates with demonstrated success in working with diverse populations of students and experience with a variety of teaching methods and/or curricular perspectives. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service to the excellence of the academic community. The successful candidate should be committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring our diverse student population and to working effectively with faculty, staff and clinical partners across a wide range of disciplines and settings.
About the Department of Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy, part of the UAB School of Health Professions, offers nationally recognized, graduate-level education for both aspiring and licensed occupational therapists. The department’s principles, mission, and values drive how they teach, conduct research, and engage with communities, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared and purpose-driven. Learn more: uab.edu/ot
About the School of Health Professions (SHP)
The School of Health Professions is home to nearly 30 programs and more than 40 offerings at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. As one of the six schools comprising the renowned UAB Academic Health Center, our students are exposed to vast resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and progressive research during their academic and clinical education. Learn more at https://uab.edu/shp.
About UAB
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an internationally recognized research university and academic medical center known for interdisciplinary innovation in education and discovery. With more than $780 million in annual research expenditures and an estimated $12.1 billion annual economic impact on Alabama, UAB is the state’s largest employer, with approximately 28,000 employees. UAB was named Forbes’ No. 1 Large Employer and continues to be a national leader in research, healthcare, and education.
Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate will have proven leadership abilities to enhance current programs and foster future collaborations throughout the UAB community, nationally and internationally.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number F2878P
Open Date 07/10/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Nondiscrimination Statement
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity institution. The university is committed to providing equal opportunities and access for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. Title IX information: uab.edu/titleix
Special Instructions to Applicants
Pre-employment Background Check
A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
Drug/Nicotine Screen (if applicable)
Position Information
School/College School of Health Professions
Title School of Health Professions-Open Rank-Occupational Therapy
Assignment Category Full-Time
Rank Open Rank
Tenure Status Open Tenure
Payroll Status Faculty 12
Job Description
The University of Alabama at Birmingham invites nominations and applications for a full-time, twelve-month faculty position, with administrative responsibility as the Program Director for the Graduate Certificate in Vision Rehabilitation program, within the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Professions. This is an opportunity to lead a nationally recognized program at one of the country’s premier academic health centers. Faculty rank and tenure status are commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The UAB Department of Occupational Therapy seeks a dynamic scholar-practitioner to join a collaborative faculty community committed to teaching, scholarship, program development, and service. Candidates with experience in Vision Rehabilitation (adults and/or pediatric low vision, blindness, neurological impairment) are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will lead and advance the quality, growth, and sustainability of the certificate program.
Primary Responsibilities
For this position, candidates will be required to:
Teaching & curriculum
- Deliver graduate and post-professional courses in vision rehabilitation and other areas of content expertise in both online and in-person formats.
- Develop innovative evidence-based content reflecting best practices to prepare students for safe, effective service delivery.
- Ensure curriculum quality and monitor student progression.
- Continuously update instructional materials to meet evolving program needs.
- Demonstrate competence in neuro-visual conditions (hemianopia, neglect, TBI-related vision changes), including screening, intervention, and referral across acute-to-outpatient settings.
- Collaborate with driver rehabilitation specialists, including functional training, safety, and referral pathways for driving with low vision (including bioptic systems).
- Teach and lead in interprofessional contexts (OD, ophthalmology, rehab disciplines, O&M), including shared curricula and clinical training models.
Student mentoring & advising
- Provide academic advisement, career mentoring, and guidance on capstone and independent scholarly work.
- Empower students nationally and internationally to advance scholarship in low vision and blindness.
- Foster a supportive learning environment that encourages students to develop their professional identities and contribute to the field.
- Engage with traditional and non-traditional learners to ensure equitable access to mentorship and academic support.
Scholarship
- Maintain an active research agenda through peer-reviewed publications, grant development, professional presentations, and approved projects.
- Pursue external funding opportunities and contribute original knowledge to the fields of occupational therapy and vision rehabilitation.
- Sustain a productive scholarly record consistent with department and school expectations.
Service
- Contribute to department, school, university, and professional service.
- Support student recruitment and retention.
- Actively engage with professional organizations and communities of practice relevant to vision rehabilitation.
- Build and maintain clinical, interprofessional, and community partnerships; translate opportunities into education through referral pathways, service models, and co-management.
- Build enrollment pipelines through continuing education offerings, partnerships, and thought leadership (webinars, conference programming, alumni engagement, interprofessional outreach).
- Demonstrate commitment to the broader advancement of the profession and university through service.
Program administration
- Lead all aspects of the Vision Rehabilitation Certificate Program, including strategic planning, admissions, marketing, outreach, and outcome assessment.
- Expand program reach by recruiting interdisciplinary professionals and non-traditional students.
- Develop and sustain international vision rehabilitation programming.
- Oversee admissions in collaboration with university offices; manage program resources and ensure timely completion of student-related administrative processes.
- Maintain and grow engagement with a network of 500+ alumni to strengthen the program’s professional community and long-term impact.
Required Qualifications
Candidates will have:
- An earned research doctorate (e.g., PhD, DSc, ScD) from an accredited university.
+ Consideration will be given to candidates with a clinical doctorate (OTD) or a relevant master’s degree with current enrollment in a research doctoral program.
+ Note: only candidates who are occupational therapy practitioners and who hold a doctoral degree may teach occupational therapy content within the department’s Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy program, in line with ACOTE accreditation standards.
- A degree in Occupational Therapy from a program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT).
- Occupational therapy licensure in the state of Alabama or eligibility to secure a license.
- An active research program or demonstrated potential for scholarship, including pursuit of external funding and publications.
- Teaching experience in higher education focused on vision rehabilitation (adult and/or pediatric low vision, blindness, neurological impairment) and its implementation within occupational therapy practice.
- Experience in the development and delivery of online and in-person higher education programs.
The department is seeking candidates with demonstrated success in working with diverse populations of students and experience with a variety of teaching methods and/or curricular perspectives. The department is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching and/or service to the excellence of the academic community. The successful candidate should be committed to excellence in teaching and mentoring our diverse student population and to working effectively with faculty, staff and clinical partners across a wide range of disciplines and settings.
About the Department of Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy, part of the UAB School of Health Professions, offers nationally recognized, graduate-level education for both aspiring and licensed occupational therapists. The department’s principles, mission, and values drive how they teach, conduct research, and engage with communities, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared and purpose-driven. Learn more: uab.edu/ot
About the School of Health Professions (SHP)
The School of Health Professions is home to nearly 30 programs and more than 40 offerings at the bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. As one of the six schools comprising the renowned UAB Academic Health Center, our students are exposed to vast resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and progressive research during their academic and clinical education. Learn more at https://uab.edu/shp.
About UAB
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an internationally recognized research university and academic medical center known for interdisciplinary innovation in education and discovery. With more than $780 million in annual research expenditures and an estimated $12.1 billion annual economic impact on Alabama, UAB is the state’s largest employer, with approximately 28,000 employees. UAB was named Forbes’ No. 1 Large Employer and continues to be a national leader in research, healthcare, and education.
Preferred Qualifications
The successful candidate will have proven leadership abilities to enhance current programs and foster future collaborations throughout the UAB community, nationally and internationally.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number F2878P
Open Date 07/10/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Nondiscrimination Statement
UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity institution. The university is committed to providing equal opportunities and access for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status. In accordance with Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity. Questions or concerns may be directed to the Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. Title IX information: uab.edu/titleix
Special Instructions to Applicants
Pre-employment Background Check
A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.
Drug/Nicotine Screen (if applicable)
See all 50+ Green Card Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Verify your NBCOT certification before applying
Most employers filing PERM for OTA roles list NBCOT certification as a minimum requirement in the job description. If your certification lapses or is pending, USCIS and DOL will treat you as unqualified, stalling the entire sponsorship process.
Target healthcare systems with established PERM programs
Large hospital networks and rehabilitation chains have HR and legal teams experienced in PERM filings. Ask recruiters directly whether their legal team has filed PERM for OTA roles before, not just for nurses or physicians.
Use OFLC Wage Search to understand prevailing wage tiers
Your employer must pay at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your location and job zone. Look up the OTA wage level for your target metro on OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer to confirm compliance.
Confirm your state license is transferable across jurisdictions
If your employer later needs to transfer your green card filing to a different state location before your priority date becomes current, your OTA license must be valid there too. Compact licensure states ease this process significantly.
Search Migrate Mate to find employers with green card filing history
Many OTA job postings don't mention sponsorship upfront. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers who have filed employment-based green card petitions for this role, saving time you'd otherwise spend cold-contacting HR teams.
File I-140 concurrently once your PERM is certified
Once DOL certifies the PERM application, your employer submits the I-140 immigrant petition to USCIS. Request concurrent filing rather than waiting, as it locks in your priority date sooner and protects your place in the EB-3 queue.
Green Card Occupational Therapy Assistant: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Occupational Therapy Assistant role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3?
OTA positions typically qualify under EB-3 as skilled workers, since the role requires an accredited associate degree and state licensure rather than a bachelor's or advanced degree. EB-2 requires a baccalaureate or higher plus progressive experience, which the standard OTA credential path doesn't meet. A few employers have structured senior OTA roles with additional supervisory requirements to explore EB-2 eligibility, but EB-3 is the standard pathway for this occupation.
How does PERM green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
H-1B visas are temporary, subject to an annual lottery cap, and require the role to qualify as a specialty occupation, which OTA positions often struggle to meet. PERM-based EB-3 sponsorship leads to permanent residency, has no annual lottery, and is designed for skilled roles like OTA that require specific credentials. The tradeoff is time: PERM involves a DOL audit period and I-140 processing before your priority date becomes current, so the full process typically takes longer than an H-1B approval.
What credentials do I need before an employer can file PERM for me?
You need an associate degree from a CAATE-accredited OTA program, active NBCOT certification, and a valid state license in the state where you'll be working. DOL will review the employer's job requirements against your qualifications, so any gap in licensure or certification at the time of filing creates a compliance risk. Your employer's immigration counsel will typically request copies of all three before starting the PERM recruitment steps.
How do I find OTA employers that actively sponsor green cards?
Most job postings for OTA roles don't advertise green card sponsorship directly, which makes it hard to identify willing employers through standard searches. Migrate Mate lets you filter OTA positions specifically by employers with employment-based green card filing history, so you can focus your applications on healthcare systems and rehab providers that have already navigated the PERM process for this role.
How long does the EB-3 green card process take for an OTA role?
The PERM recruitment and DOL review stage alone takes roughly six to eighteen months depending on whether the DOL conducts an audit. After DOL certification, your employer files the I-140 with USCIS, which takes several additional months. If you're from a country without significant EB-3 backlogs, adjustment of status or consular processing can begin relatively soon after I-140 approval. Indian and Chinese nationals typically face longer waits due to per-country annual limits in the EB-3 category.