H-1B Visa Physical Therapist Jobs
Physical therapist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under USCIS, requiring a master's degree and active state licensure. Hospitals, rehabilitation networks, and outpatient clinics regularly file H-1B visa petitions for PTs, making this one of the more accessible paths to U.S. sponsorship for internationally trained physical therapists.
Find H-1B Visa Physical Therapist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14,751+ Physical Therapist jobs










See all 14,751+ Physical Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Physical Therapist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Description
Summary:
Provides Physical Therapy Services to patients referred, including assessment, treatment plan development and implementation with the follow-up and discharge planning. Actively assists with clinical aspects of the department, including program development, department operations and Performance Improvement activities. Assists with supervising and coordinating the Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant student programs. In addition, supervises Licensed Physical Therapy Assistants, Rehab Technicians, and Volunteers.
Responsibilities:
- Performs comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to determine the status of the physical, cognitive abilities of inpatients and outpatients, considering diagnosis and age specific needs.
- Develops and implements, with patient/family participation, individualized treatment plans, as indicated, considering diagnosis and age specific needs, with measurable goals and methods to achieve goals.
- Adheres consistently to the P&Ps relating to documentation, to include: Initial Patient Evaluations, Daily and Weekly Progress notes as required, Discharge Summaries and other notations as appropriate.
- Participates in patient care conferences, family conferences, in-service programs, and departmental and interdepartmental meetings.
- Counsels both patient (if appropriate), family, and other involved individuals regarding patient evaluation, care, and treatment. Initiates and completes discharge planning in a timely manner and provides effective education and training.
- Assists with coordination and supervision of the Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant student programs, as well as the volunteer program.
- Actively assists with clinical aspects of the department including orientation of new associates, scheduling of patients to assure quality patient coverage and appropriate staff supervision, as necessary.
- Demonstrates adherence to the CORE values of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Health System.
- Understands, supports, and participates in Performance Improvement activities.
- Complies with and develops efficient and creative ways to maintain departmental productivity standards.
- Maintains an awareness of other agencies within the community in order to make appropriate referrals, when indicated, to network and to increase knowledge of community resources.
- Identifies and provides educational opportunities for self, department, and community. Participates in research activities as appropriate.
- Demonstrates competence to perform assigned patient care responsibilities in a manner that meets the age-specific and developmental, and population specific needs of patients served by the department.
- Appropriately adapts assigned patient assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the unique physical, psychological, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs of each patient served.
- Fosters and promotes positive and professional relationships with members of the medical staff, physicians, and referral sources.
- Performs other related duties as directed.
Requirements
Education/Skills
- Bachelor’s, Master’s, or entry level Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited college or university in the area of Physical Therapy is required.
- All modalities/equipment used by a Physical Therapist as outlined by the Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners.
Experience
- None required.
Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications
- Licensed as a Physical Therapist by the Texas Executive Council of Physical and Occupational Therapy Examiners.
- BLS certification is required.
- Must also successfully complete the pre-employment/post job offer health screening examination and the annual screening, each year thereafter as an employee.
Work Schedule:
5 Days - 8 Hours
Work Type:
Full Time
See all 14,751+ H-1B Visa Physical Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Physical Therapist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Physical Therapist
Verify your degree meets USCIS standards
USCIS requires a U.S. master's degree in physical therapy or a foreign equivalent evaluated by a credential assessment agency. Get a course-by-course evaluation before applying to roles, since employers often request it before filing.
Secure state licensure before the interview stage
Most PT employers won't sponsor an H-1B until you hold an active state license. Pass the NPTE and complete any state-specific requirements early so licensure doesn't delay your offer or petition filing timeline.
Target employers in high-demand clinical settings
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and hospital systems file H-1B petitions for PTs more consistently than small private practices. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified H-1B filing history in physical therapy roles.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Your employer must file a Labor Condition Application certifying your salary meets the DOL prevailing wage for your role and location. Run your offer through the OFLC Wage Search by SOC code 29-1123 to confirm it clears the threshold before signing.
Ask about cap-exempt employer status upfront
Nonprofit hospitals, university health systems, and research-affiliated clinics may qualify as cap-exempt employers, letting them file your H-1B petition outside the annual lottery. Confirm cap-exempt status directly with HR before investing time in the application process.
Plan for the 60-day grace period between roles
If you leave a sponsoring employer, you have 60 days to secure a new H-1B sponsor or change status. Line up your next employer early and confirm they'll file a transfer petition so your authorization doesn't lapse during the transition.
H-1B Visa Physical Therapist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a physical therapist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS recognizes physical therapy as a specialty occupation because the role normally requires a master's degree in physical therapy or a directly related field. You'll also need an active state license to practice, which employers typically confirm before filing the H-1B petition on your behalf.
Do physical therapist employers sponsor H-1B visas regularly?
Hospital systems, inpatient rehabilitation centers, and large outpatient networks file H-1B petitions for PTs with regularity, partly because domestic shortages persist in many states. Small private practices rarely sponsor due to cost and administrative burden. Migrate Mate filters employers by verified H-1B filing history so you can focus on settings that have actually sponsored PT roles.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new physical therapy employer?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can begin working for a new PT employer as soon as they file a transfer petition, without waiting for USCIS approval, provided you're maintaining valid H-1B status. Confirm the new employer will file promptly and that your role still qualifies as a specialty occupation under the same SOC code.
What documents does my employer need to file my H-1B petition?
Your employer will need your credential evaluation confirming degree equivalency, your active state PT license, a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL, and Form I-129. You'll supply transcripts, your passport, any prior immigration documents, and proof of licensure. Some employers also request your NPTE score report during the offer stage.
How does the H-1B lottery affect physical therapists specifically?
If your employer is cap-subject, your petition enters the annual lottery each April for an October 1 start date. Nonprofit hospitals and university health systems are often cap-exempt, bypassing the lottery entirely. Registering with a cap-exempt employer is a practical way to avoid lottery uncertainty, and USCIS publishes the list of qualifying institution types on its H-1B cap exemption guidance.