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 Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs16,511+
Work Type96% On-site
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsRehab Employee Services, LLC

Showing 5 of 16,511+ Physical Therapist jobs

Preferred Therapy Solutions
Physical Therapist
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Preferred Therapy Solutions
New 26m ago
Physical Therapist
Preferred Therapy Solutions
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
On-Site
None
1,001-5,000

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Essentia Health
Physical Therapist
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Essentia Health
New 38m ago
Physical Therapist
Essentia Health
Superior, Wisconsin
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Ivy Rehab Network
Physical Therapist
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Ivy Rehab Network
New 39m ago
Physical Therapist
Ivy Rehab Network
Lakewood, New Jersey
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$80k - $100k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Functional Pathways
Physical Therapist
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Functional Pathways
New 50m ago
Physical Therapist
Functional Pathways
Martinsburg, Pennsylvania
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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University of Maryland Medical System
Physical Therapist
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University of Maryland Medical System
New 1h ago
Physical Therapist
University of Maryland Medical System
Baltimore, Maryland
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Physical Therapy
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Tips 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.