Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Occupational therapy assistants can secure H-1B visa sponsorship, though the role requires careful positioning as a specialty occupation. Most successful cases involve healthcare facilities willing to document the specific clinical expertise and bachelor's degree requirement for complex patient care protocols. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Exciting Career for Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in a new state of the art facility.
Come meet a tenured, compassionate, and close-knit team who provide exceptional patient care, and a caring work environment. Our occupational team supports each other, offers a flexible work environment, and creates an environment where patients of all ages and levels of care are met with a cohesive, interdisciplinary approach to care.
We evaluate and treat a variety of pediatric patients with diagnoses ranging from autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression and more. Interventions are provided via our cutting-edge sensory equipment and focused primarily on sensory processing, emotional regulation and executive functioning skills.
As a member of our team, you will play an integral role in collaborating with other professionals to help our pediatric patients reach their goals and develop new skills. Come join us and make a positive difference in the life of a child!
Our facility offers state-of-the-art equipment, a challenging work environment and a unified care team who respects the input of their colleagues with each individual diagnosis and therapeutic regimen. In addition, Acadia Hospital has a robust benefits package and competitive pay, while offering a flexible work schedule and stable work life, including PRN, part-time, and full-time work opportunities.
Our team understands the special attention it takes to provide care to pediatrics and young adults with emotional/behavioral issues. We celebrate “wins” daily and embrace the heartfelt dedication of helping a young patient develop their coping skillsets, regulate their emotions, and provide the tools and care needed for a more stable and supportive home environment.
SALARY RANGE:
- OT - $27.00 - $45.55
- OTA - $20.00 - $34.22
EXEMPT: No
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Occupational Therapist (Only): Performs and documents an initial assessment, evaluating data to identify deficits and determine necessary therapy interventions while identifying goals and anticipated progress.
-
Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants:
- Plans, prepares or carries out individually designed interventions to maintain, improve or restore functional capacity with emotional regulation, sensory processing and executive functioning skills.
- Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adapts to achieve maximum benefit.
- Performs complete, accurate and timely documentation including billing within the electronic medical record.
- Maintains and exhibits a current knowledge of profession and participates in continuing education.
- Maintains a safe environment complying with Northern Light Health policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.
- Attends appropriate team meetings and communicates/collaborates with other team members, individuals, family members or caregivers.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Credentials: Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Education: Bachelor's Degree/associate's degree
- Valid Maine OTR/COTA License
- BLS
- MOAB Training (Provided through Acadia)
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Northern Light Acadia Hospital is a regional psychiatric hospital in Bangor, Maine, providing acute mental health care and telehealth psychiatry across the state. As the behavioral health member of Northern Light Health, Acadia Hospital offers specialized care through programs like Behavioral Home Health, integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and a geriatric Mood and Memory clinic that participates in clinical trials for new Alzheimer’s treatments. Northern Light Acadia Healthcare, a subsidiary of the hospital, delivers outpatient services including substance use disorder treatment and case management. Through these programs, we serve patients from every part of Maine.
We are a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Northern Light Health offers a broad range of services, including nine hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.
Bangor, Maine is a vibrant small city with easy access to Maine’s spectacular coast, mountains, and lakes. Schools rank among New England’s best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono. Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, the arts, and commerce. Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major destinations.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT TALENT ACQUISITION:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
INTRODUCTION
Exciting Career for Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in a new state of the art facility.
Come meet a tenured, compassionate, and close-knit team who provide exceptional patient care, and a caring work environment. Our occupational team supports each other, offers a flexible work environment, and creates an environment where patients of all ages and levels of care are met with a cohesive, interdisciplinary approach to care.
We evaluate and treat a variety of pediatric patients with diagnoses ranging from autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, depression and more. Interventions are provided via our cutting-edge sensory equipment and focused primarily on sensory processing, emotional regulation and executive functioning skills.
As a member of our team, you will play an integral role in collaborating with other professionals to help our pediatric patients reach their goals and develop new skills. Come join us and make a positive difference in the life of a child!
Our facility offers state-of-the-art equipment, a challenging work environment and a unified care team who respects the input of their colleagues with each individual diagnosis and therapeutic regimen. In addition, Acadia Hospital has a robust benefits package and competitive pay, while offering a flexible work schedule and stable work life, including PRN, part-time, and full-time work opportunities.
Our team understands the special attention it takes to provide care to pediatrics and young adults with emotional/behavioral issues. We celebrate “wins” daily and embrace the heartfelt dedication of helping a young patient develop their coping skillsets, regulate their emotions, and provide the tools and care needed for a more stable and supportive home environment.
SALARY RANGE:
- OT - $27.00 - $45.55
- OTA - $20.00 - $34.22
EXEMPT: No
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Occupational Therapist (Only): Performs and documents an initial assessment, evaluating data to identify deficits and determine necessary therapy interventions while identifying goals and anticipated progress.
-
Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants:
- Plans, prepares or carries out individually designed interventions to maintain, improve or restore functional capacity with emotional regulation, sensory processing and executive functioning skills.
- Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adapts to achieve maximum benefit.
- Performs complete, accurate and timely documentation including billing within the electronic medical record.
- Maintains and exhibits a current knowledge of profession and participates in continuing education.
- Maintains a safe environment complying with Northern Light Health policies and procedures; reports and directly addresses environmental hazards and violations of patient safety policy and/or protocol when involved or observed.
- Attends appropriate team meetings and communicates/collaborates with other team members, individuals, family members or caregivers.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Credentials: Occupational Therapist/Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Education: Bachelor's Degree/associate's degree
- Valid Maine OTR/COTA License
- BLS
- MOAB Training (Provided through Acadia)
COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS
- Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
- Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
- Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
- Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
Northern Light Acadia Hospital is a regional psychiatric hospital in Bangor, Maine, providing acute mental health care and telehealth psychiatry across the state. As the behavioral health member of Northern Light Health, Acadia Hospital offers specialized care through programs like Behavioral Home Health, integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and a geriatric Mood and Memory clinic that participates in clinical trials for new Alzheimer’s treatments. Northern Light Acadia Healthcare, a subsidiary of the hospital, delivers outpatient services including substance use disorder treatment and case management. Through these programs, we serve patients from every part of Maine.
We are a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Northern Light Health offers a broad range of services, including nine hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.
Bangor, Maine is a vibrant small city with easy access to Maine’s spectacular coast, mountains, and lakes. Schools rank among New England’s best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono. Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, the arts, and commerce. Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to most major destinations.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT TALENT ACQUISITION:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
See all 529+ Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Target healthcare systems over private practices
Large hospital networks and rehabilitation centers have established visa sponsorship processes and legal resources. Private practices typically lack the infrastructure for complex immigration filings.
Emphasize specialized treatment modalities
Highlight expertise in pediatric therapy, hand rehabilitation, or neurological conditions. Specialized skills strengthen the specialty occupation argument required for H-1B approval.
Document degree relevance carefully
USCIS scrutinizes whether occupational therapy assistant roles require a bachelor's degree. Your employer must demonstrate complex clinical reasoning and specialized knowledge requirements.
Consider EB-3 for permanent residency
Healthcare workers often qualify for EB-3 skilled worker category. This provides a more straightforward path than employment-based categories requiring advanced degrees.
Research state licensing requirements early
Each state has different licensing requirements for foreign-trained occupational therapy assistants. Some require additional coursework or clinical hours before you can practice.
Build relationships during clinical rotations
If you complete U.S. clinical training on a student visa, use rotations to network with facilities. Employers are more likely to sponsor candidates they know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do occupational therapy assistants qualify for H-1B visas?
Yes, but approval depends on demonstrating the role requires specialized knowledge and a bachelor's degree. USCIS has approved OTA positions when employers document complex patient care protocols, specialized treatment modalities, or supervisory responsibilities that distinguish the role from routine assistant duties.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as an OTA?
Most successful H-1B visa cases involve candidates with bachelor's degrees in occupational therapy, kinesiology, or related health sciences. An associate's degree alone typically doesn't meet specialty occupation requirements, though additional certifications in specialized areas can strengthen your case.
Which employers sponsor occupational therapy assistants for visas?
Large healthcare systems, rehabilitation hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities are most likely to sponsor. Organizations like Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, and major university medical centers have established immigration processes. Smaller private practices rarely have the resources or need.
Can I get a green card as an occupational therapy assistant?
Yes, through the EB-3 skilled worker category, which typically has shorter wait times than other employment-based categories. Healthcare workers are often prioritized, and the process doesn't require proving the role needs an advanced degree like H-1B does.
How to find Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Occupational Therapy Assistant positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search healthcare facilities, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals actively hiring international candidates. Focus on H-1B and EB-3 visa opportunities, as these are commonly offered for allied health professionals. Many large healthcare systems and specialty clinics sponsor visas for qualified OTA candidates to address staffing shortages.
Do I need U.S. clinical experience before applying for sponsored positions?
Not required, but strongly recommended. Most employers prefer candidates with U.S. clinical rotations or volunteer experience because they understand American healthcare protocols. Consider completing additional clinical hours through programs that accept international students if your foreign training needs supplementation.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Occupational Therapy Assistant 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.