COTA Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when they require specialized knowledge beyond the standard associate degree. Most positions need additional certifications, specialized training, or supervisory responsibilities to meet specialty occupation requirements. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Opportunities for you!
- Comprehensive relocation package and concierge service
- Progressive sign-on incentive paid over time for eligible candidates
- Consecutively recognized as a top employer by Forbes, and in 2025 by Newsweek
- Free Continuing Education and certification including BLS, ACLS and PALS
- Tuition reimbursement, education programs and scholarships
- Vacation time starts building on Day 1, and builds with your seniority
- Free money toward retirement with a 403(b) and matching contributions
- Great food options with on-demand ordering
- Free parking and electric charging
Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our culture at Community. All are welcome as valued members of our community.
We know that our ability to provide the highest level of care is through taking care of our incredible teams. Learn more on our Benefits page.
You love what you do, now love where you do it.
Responsibilities:
Located on the Community Regional campus, Burnett Extended Care Center is our brand-new 154-bed transitional care facility. Purpose-built to serve patients transitioning from hospital to home, Burnett features specialized rehabilitation spaces — dedicated gym spaces with the latest technology, a complete simulated home-like environment, and innovative therapy programs — all designed to help patients regain independence and quality of life in a post-acute setting.
- Deliver occupational therapy services under the direction of a Licensed Occupational Therapist, supporting residents with physical or mental challenges in achieving the highest possible level of functional independence.
- Assess patient responses and progress, adapting therapeutic activities and equipment to meet evolving needs across a complex and varied caseload.
- Provide mentorship, preceptorship, and assist in onboarding new staff, students, and volunteers, serving as a resource for clinical best practices.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, technical expertise, leadership in a team-centered rehabilitation environment.
Through collaboration and research, you’ll help residents regain independence by delivering hands-on support and implementing personalized therapy plans with an interdisciplinary team that puts care first.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (HSE) or Completion of a CHS Approved Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Certificate required
- Successful completion of one of the following is required:
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program
- Sat for the national examination and received a passing score to qualify for licensures occurring before January 1, 2010 as per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- 4 years of applicable experience and ability to demonstrate required competence required
Licenses and Certifications:
- OTA - Current State of California Occupational Therapy Assistant License required
- Exception may be made for Occupational Therapy Assistant License Applicant with a requirement to obtain licensure within 180 days of hire or transfer into position
- COTA - Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) required within 90 days of hire or transfer into position
- BLS - Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers by American Heart Association (AHA) required
Disclaimers:
- Pay ranges listed are an estimate and subject to change.
- If any bonuses are noted, they are only applicable to external hires meeting criteria.
Overview:
Opportunities for you!
- Comprehensive relocation package and concierge service
- Progressive sign-on incentive paid over time for eligible candidates
- Consecutively recognized as a top employer by Forbes, and in 2025 by Newsweek
- Free Continuing Education and certification including BLS, ACLS and PALS
- Tuition reimbursement, education programs and scholarships
- Vacation time starts building on Day 1, and builds with your seniority
- Free money toward retirement with a 403(b) and matching contributions
- Great food options with on-demand ordering
- Free parking and electric charging
Commitment to diversity and inclusion is a cornerstone of our culture at Community. All are welcome as valued members of our community.
We know that our ability to provide the highest level of care is through taking care of our incredible teams. Learn more on our Benefits page.
You love what you do, now love where you do it.
Responsibilities:
Located on the Community Regional campus, Burnett Extended Care Center is our brand-new 154-bed transitional care facility. Purpose-built to serve patients transitioning from hospital to home, Burnett features specialized rehabilitation spaces — dedicated gym spaces with the latest technology, a complete simulated home-like environment, and innovative therapy programs — all designed to help patients regain independence and quality of life in a post-acute setting.
- Deliver occupational therapy services under the direction of a Licensed Occupational Therapist, supporting residents with physical or mental challenges in achieving the highest possible level of functional independence.
- Assess patient responses and progress, adapting therapeutic activities and equipment to meet evolving needs across a complex and varied caseload.
- Provide mentorship, preceptorship, and assist in onboarding new staff, students, and volunteers, serving as a resource for clinical best practices.
- Demonstrate critical thinking, technical expertise, leadership in a team-centered rehabilitation environment.
Through collaboration and research, you’ll help residents regain independence by delivering hands-on support and implementing personalized therapy plans with an interdisciplinary team that puts care first.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- High School Diploma, High School Equivalency (HSE) or Completion of a CHS Approved Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Certificate required
- Successful completion of one of the following is required:
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant degree program
- Sat for the national examination and received a passing score to qualify for licensures occurring before January 1, 2010 as per Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- 4 years of applicable experience and ability to demonstrate required competence required
Licenses and Certifications:
- OTA - Current State of California Occupational Therapy Assistant License required
- Exception may be made for Occupational Therapy Assistant License Applicant with a requirement to obtain licensure within 180 days of hire or transfer into position
- COTA - Current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) required within 90 days of hire or transfer into position
- BLS - Current Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers by American Heart Association (AHA) required
Disclaimers:
- Pay ranges listed are an estimate and subject to change.
- If any bonuses are noted, they are only applicable to external hires meeting criteria.
See all 48+ COTA Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new COTA roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding COTA Jobs
Emphasize specialized certifications beyond basic COTA credentials
Highlight advanced certifications in pediatrics, hand therapy, or neurological rehabilitation. These specialized credentials help demonstrate the role requires knowledge beyond standard occupational therapy assistant training.
Target positions with supervisory or training responsibilities
COTA roles involving supervision of other assistants, student mentoring, or program coordination are more likely to qualify as specialty occupations requiring bachelor's-level knowledge and skills.
Focus on clinical specializations that require advanced knowledge
Positions in specialized settings like burn units, spinal cord rehabilitation, or pediatric developmental centers often require expertise that goes beyond general occupational therapy assistant duties.
Document complex equipment expertise and technical skills
Experience with advanced rehabilitation technology, custom orthotic fabrication, or specialized assessment tools can strengthen the case that the position requires specialized theoretical and practical application.
Consider healthcare employers with established H-1B programs
Large hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, and academic medical centers typically have more experience with visa sponsorship processes and understand how to structure qualifying COTA positions.
Highlight research involvement or quality improvement initiatives
COTA positions that include participation in clinical research, outcome measurement, or quality improvement programs demonstrate the specialized analytical skills that support H-1B eligibility arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do COTA positions qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
COTA positions can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship, but it's challenging since most require only an associate degree. The role must demonstrate it needs specialized knowledge beyond standard COTA training, typically through advanced certifications, supervisory duties, or work in highly specialized clinical areas like pediatric neurology or hand therapy rehabilitation.
What degree requirements do employers set for sponsored COTA roles?
While COTA certification requires only an associate degree, H-1B sponsored positions typically require additional qualifications like a bachelor's in health sciences, specialized certifications, or equivalent experience. Employers must demonstrate the specific position requires knowledge that goes beyond standard occupational therapy assistant education and training.
Which healthcare settings are most likely to sponsor COTA visas?
Large hospital systems, academic medical centers, specialized rehabilitation facilities, and research institutions are most likely to sponsor COTAs. These employers typically have established visa programs and can structure positions with specialized requirements that support H-1B petitions, such as research involvement or advanced clinical specializations.
How do COTA H-1B approval rates compare to other healthcare roles?
COTA H-1B petitions face higher scrutiny than traditional healthcare roles because the occupation typically requires an associate degree rather than a bachelor's. Success rates improve significantly when positions involve specialized certifications, supervisory responsibilities, or work in complex clinical settings that require advanced theoretical knowledge and practical application.
How to find COTA jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find COTA jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international healthcare professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient clinics, and healthcare systems that commonly sponsor H-1B and EB-3 visas for occupational therapy assistants. Many large healthcare networks actively recruit international COTAs to address staffing shortages.
Can international students transition from OPT to H-1B in COTA roles?
International students can transition from OPT to H-1B in COTA roles, but they need positions that clearly require specialized knowledge beyond basic occupational therapy assistant training. Students should focus on gaining advanced certifications during OPT and target employers who can demonstrate the role requires bachelor's-level expertise in specialized areas.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored COTA jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.