Here are the steps that must be taken in order for a foreign-trained therapist to get work in the U.S.A. The whole process can take 4 to 12 months.

1. Credential Evaluation. Foreign-trained therapists must have the equivalent of a master’s degree. An approved credentialing association must certify that your educational background meets these requirements.

Foreign-trained speech- language pathologists must be educated in a program approved by the American Speech- Language -Hearing Association (ASHA) and certify that your educational background meets the requirements needed to obtain licensure.

2.  Temporary license. Foreign-trained speech therapists must apply as a clinical fellowship (CF) for their first year before being issued a certificate of clinical competence (CCC) from ASHA. 

3. VisaScreen/TOEFL/TWE/TWE. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that speech- language pathologists must obtain a CGFNS/ICHP VisaScreen Certificate as part of the visa process.

Applicants educated in countries not designated as being English exempt, must take the following English examinations: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of Written English (TWE), and the Test of Spoken English (TSE).

4.  Finding a sponsor. Before you can apply for a work permit, you must have accepted a job offer. MyTherapyCompany.com requires a three (3) year employment commitment.

5. Work permit (H-1B Visa). After completing steps 1through 4, the next step is to file a work visa (H-1B). This is done through the USCIS and can take up to 3 months.

MyTherapyCompany.com (MTC) can help you through all these steps. A candidate needs to submit to MTC certified copies of all original educational credentials and a completed application form (available from MTC). MTC will do the rest.

MTCs’ experienced immigration lawyer will apply for your work visa on behalf of you and the school. And either MTC or the school will cover your airfare to the U.S.A.