How to Work in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychology is a rewarding career, but there are many educational, licensing, and experience requirements before you can start your practice as a foreign-educated clinical psychologist and take advantage of the benefits this position provides, such as stable job options and decent annual pay. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical psychologists earn between $47,850 and $133,890, with an average annual pay of $81,040.

Below, we give you more information on the process of becoming a foreign-educated clinical psychologist in the U.S. and answer essential questions such as:

• What Is the Process for Working in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist?
• How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist in the U.S.?
• How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist in the U.S.?
• Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist in the U.S.?
• What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologists?
• What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologists?
• Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

What Is the Process for Working in the U.S. As a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist?

The process for working in the U.S. As a foreign-educated clinical psychologist includes a few different important steps which we have listed below..

1. Check the specific requirements of the state that you wish to work in. This is an essential first step as states have varying requirements when it comes to awarding a license; you will need to make sure that your education and work experience or internship requirements meet those of the state that you are planning to apply for your psychologist’s license in. Use the directory on the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) website to find out what specific states require of psychologist license applicants.
2. Obtain a credential evaluation of your foreign education that ensures your education and work experience or internship credits meet the U.S. equivalent required by the state you wish to work in. You will need your original academic documents, diplomas, internship records, and licenses or certificates in addition to a certified translation of these documents if they aren’t in English. Some states require that foreign doctoral degree holders interested in working as clinical psychologists in the U.S. obtain their degree evaluation from the National Register of Health Service Psychologists.

If you aren’t required to use the National Register, you may find an alternate reputable credential evaluation service via the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).

1. Most states require that license applicants achieve passing scores on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The ASPPB oversees this exam, and you can expect to spend several months preparing for it. The exam has multiple parts, and you will most likely be expected to complete them all. More information can be found in the EPPP candidate handbook.
2. If necessary, consider taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Both of these exams allow you to prove your proficiency in English and may be necessary for certain state requirements.
3. Once you have met all of the education and experience requirements for the state you wish to be licensed in, you will need to start the process of applying for a visa or a green card. Specific United States laws and state regulations dictate that only U.S. citizens, certain legal aliens, and specific individuals such as green card holders (permanent residents) may be awarded a state license. Speak with an immigration attorney about your options.

If you have any questions or concerns about the process of working as a foreign-educated clinical psychologist in the U.S., don’t hesitate to reach out to the licensing board of the state you wish to work in for clarification. The Associate of State and Provincial Psychology Boards may also provide helpful resources, as will a U.S. immigration attorney.

How Much Does It Cost to Work as a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist in the U.S.?

On average, the cost of working as a foreign-educated clinical psychologist in the U.S. ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, not including the cost of your education. This includes licensing fees, exam fees for taking the EPPP when required, the cost of credential evaluations and certified translations, and the cost of visa or green card applications. You may be required to pay additional fees if you consult with an immigration attorney or need to meet additional state requirements regarding exams and licensing applications.

How Long Does It Take To Work as a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist in the U.S.?

Not including the time it takes to obtain your clinical psychologist education and meet any minimum work experience or internship requirements for the U.S. state you wish to work in, the process may take several years. Much of the time in this process includes preparing for the EPPP which may take between 4 and 6 months depending on your preparation timeline. Green card or visa applications may also take a significant amount of time, as these applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis; you may wait between 1 and 3 years for a green card or visa to be awarded, though visa applications tend to be processed faster than green cards. You will also have to meet state licensing requirements before you can obtain your license to practice psychology in a certain jurisdiction, and this process may take several months depending on what the application requires, if you need to meet any additional educational requirements or take state-specific tests, or if you need to wait for immigration eligibility to be met. Foreign-educated clinical psychologists can expect the process to take approximately 2 to 4 years, maybe more depending on specific situations.

Are There Any Restrictions to Working as a Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologist in the U.S.?

After you have met all education requirements, passed required exams, and completed all of the requirements necessary for licensing in the state you wish to work in, you will be able to practice without restriction. However, you must keep in mind that psychologists in the United States often need to engage in mandatory reporting when necessary and meet state-specific requirements for maintaining their licenses. Additionally, you may need to obtain permanent residency in the United States to legally practice as a psychologist without restriction.

What Are the State-Specific Requirements for Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologists?

States have varying requirements. It’s important to note that many states do not award licenses to practice clinical psychology to individuals who are not U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S., or certain types of legal aliens. You must look into the basic requirements for a psychologist license in the state that you wish to work in early in the process to understand what might be required of you when it comes to immigration to the United States. Additionally, state-specific requirements do vary, but you can expect to submit an application for licensing, proof that you meet the state’s minimum education and work experience or internship requirements, licensing fees, and other important personal identifying documents. Some states also have continuing education and license renewal requirements that you need to meet in order to keep your psychologist license valid and active throughout your time practicing in that state. The Associate of State and Provincial Psychology Boards provides a directory of state psychology licensing boards that you can use to perform further research on how to obtain a license in a specific state.

What Are the Immigration Requirements for Foreign-Educated Clinical Psychologists?

Most foreign-educated clinical psychologists will be able to apply for the H-1B visa for specialty occupations. However, it’s important to note that many states require individuals to be citizens or permanent residents of the United States before a license can be legally awarded; this is done in accordance with specific U.S. legal code that pertains to non-citizens of the U.S. receiving public and state benefits, such as licensing. Because of this code, you may need to apply for a green card, otherwise known as a permanent resident card. There are several different categories of green cards you may be able to apply for depending on your specific situation. It’s important to review green card eligibility and the specific rules surrounding licensing for the state you wish to work in so you know which type of immigration applications you need to submit. Don’t hesitate to contact a U.S. immigration lawyer for more information or assistance.

Where Can I Get a Certified Translation?

Certified translations of your important documents such as academic transcripts, diplomas, certificates, licenses, and work experience or internship records are all likely to be needed during the process of becoming a practicing clinical psychologist in the United States. It’s important to receive a reliable translation of these documents so credential evaluations can be completed and any applications processed in an efficient manner. Through our online store, you can obtain certified translations of important documents such as:

• Diplomas
• Academic transcripts
• Business licenses and certifications
• Resumes and employment records
• Birth certificates

Order Your Certified Translation