Physical therapy is another US healthcare profession on the Department of Labor’s Schedule A list. That makes green card sponsorship faster for employers, which is why clinics and staffing firms actively recruit foreign-trained physical therapists (PTs).
Pay
US physical therapists commonly earn around $85,000 to $110,000 a year. Home health and skilled nursing settings often pay more than outpatient clinics.
Read also: Opportunity to Get Paid $80,000 to Relocate to USA Through the Construction Visa Program
Step-by-step licensing
- Credential evaluation. Your education is compared with US standards, usually by FCCPT or another evaluator approved by the state board.
- NPTE exam. The National Physical Therapy Examination is run by the FSBPT. Plan for serious preparation, as pass rates for foreign-educated candidates are lower.
- State licence. Apply to the state where your employer is based. Some states also require a jurisprudence (law) exam.
- VisaScreen / Type 1 certificate for visa purposes.
Visa routes
- EB-3 / EB-2 green card: the most common route for PTs recruited from abroad.
- H-1B: possible because PT is a degree-level profession, but it depends on the lottery unless the employer is cap-exempt.
Note for Nigerian applicants: since 1 January 2026, a US presidential proclamation has suspended most immigrant visas (green cards processed at an embassy) and B, F, M and J visas for Nigerian nationals who were outside the US without a valid visa on that date, with limited exceptions. Temporary work visas such as H-1B are not on the suspended list, but consulates may issue them with shorter validity. Check the latest guidance from the US Embassy in Nigeria before you pay for anything.
Finding employers
Search hospital and rehab group careers pages and PT staffing firms that state they sponsor internationally educated therapists. Confirm in writing who pays the legal and visa fees. Reputable employers pay them.
Frequently asked questions
Can PTAs (assistants) be sponsored?
Rarely. Most sponsorship goes to licensed physical therapists with degree-level education.
How many times can I take the NPTE?
The FSBPT limits attempts, currently to three per year and six in total. Prepare thoroughly before your first sitting.
Which states are easiest to start in?
Licensing requirements differ, and employers usually guide you to the state where they have the vacancy.
Information checked in October 2026. Immigration rules change often, so always confirm the latest requirements on the official government website before applying or paying any fees.
