Grandison Experience: A Filipino PT’s Honest Review on US Visa Sponsorship

A True Testament of "No DPT, No Worries!"

For many Filipino physical therapists aspiring to work in the United States, choosing the right agency can define the success—or failure—of their international career.

Beyond passing the NPTE and meeting state licensure requirements, visa sponsorship, financial support, and deployment safety are often the biggest concerns.

Quick Summary: A Grand Grandison Experience : PT Ferolaign’s US Journey

In this in-depth interview, we explore the real Grandison experience through the journey of PT Ferolene, a Grandison Scholar and alumnus of Cebu Doctors’ University.

Her story offers real-world insight into how Grandison supports internationally educated Physical Therapists through exam funding, visa processing, and deployment to PT jobs in the USA.

This article also includes her actual interview responses, providing an unfiltered look at what working with Grandison is truly like.

I am Ferolaign, an alumni from Cebu Doctor's University and graduated last April 2019. I am a proud Grandison scholar and a proud Grandison physical therapist.

PT Ferolaign

Here is the transcription of the interview with PT Ferolaign’s USA journey.

When did you begin pursuing your dream of working in the USA?

I didn't really work immediately because after I graduated it was the pandemic, but I joined around 2021. Um, so I think kind of there was some space between like, uh, me graduating and then joining.

What do you think are the advantages of starting your U.S. journey early, right after passing the boards?

The advantages of starting early is that there is some time. It takes a while talaga (really) to finish your NPTE and then get your visa and be approved to work in the US, so it's best to start early. So while you're waiting like you can also manage a lot of things before you leave.

Among all other agencies, why did you choose Grandison?

I chose Grandison because of hearing that you get funded. Like they fund your NPTE journey and then also your processing for your visa because that's the money that you don't really have uh readily. So I chose Grandison for that reason. One, like it is free, your journey is free, and you get to work immediately. You know that when you get there you have a center or a hospital that they will assign you in, and you know that uh you will be safe working in the US, especially for me who's like a first-time OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker) if you would say.

Aside from USA, are there other countries that you considered? What made you choose USA among others?

For one, because that time uh for New York they weren't requiring a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) and that time I didn't—I still do not have a DPT now. So that's one reason. Aside from that, uh Grandison is hiring uh physical therapists with not much experience. Especially from where I come from, there isn't a rehab center like properly based, so I can't really say I have experience in a hospital working as a physical therapist. So that's one good factor why I chose USA.

What would you say to other Physical Therapists who are losing hope or having doubts about pursuing their American Dream?

I think you should weigh your pros and cons. Also, include your dreams and your goals of what you want to attain and what you've been dreaming to attain. And if those pros outweigh the cons, then pursue, pursue your American dream.

How was your experience with Grandison Employees, the recruitment and deployment team who assisted you?

It's been pleasant working with them. Like they are approachable and they easily can be contacted during reasonable times naman (indeed). And yeah, like the process is smooth so if you have any questions immediately you get your answers.

What message would you like to share with your alumni and aspiring Physical Therapists

If you have the heart for the work as a physical therapist and you want to apply those learnings or gain learnings, then I think working abroad, in the US in a bigger medical environment and where there's more innovation—then follow your dreams and then work in the US.

What message do you have for the upcoming local boards takers? Any tips or advice for them before and during the exam?

Study well and study smart. You already know what you know during your years in university, so start there and then build up the day and continue from there. Um, any tips? I think always, as I said, basic knowledge is important during your in when you take the local boards because context clues—if you're not familiar with the questions, context clues will help.

What suggestions do you have for Grandison that could help make the process easier for future physical therapists who want to work in the United States?

Well so far as to anything to improve with Grandison, I can't say that there is, because as I said we were well handled talaga (really) like during our journey. And now even now it's very helpful because I was picked for the H1B visa, which without it I would have been waiting longer to be deployed uh waiting for the EB3, especially with the retrogression for the visas of EB3. So that's a very helpful step.

How do you personally define "Live with purpose, Lead with Passion" as a Filipino Physical Therapist?

You start with your core values: your kindness, how if you care for um other people. And I think that will translate that you're living your purpose, that you serve other people, that you want to make their lives better. And then living that you become passionate and that will translate to your work as a Filipino. Being a physical therapist, be grand with Grandison.

Look: PT Ferolaign in the USA together with Grandison CEO and Skilled Rehab Director

Breaking the Financial Barrier: Why US Visa Sponsorship Matters

One of the most consistent themes in any discussion about the Grandison experience is the removal of financial barriers that typically prevent foreign-educated PTs from pursuing work in the United States.

For many applicants, the cost of:

NPTE review programs
NPTE exam fees
Credential evaluation
Visa filing and legal fees

can be overwhelming—especially for newly graduated PTs.

This confirms what many aspiring applicants want to know when researching the Grandison experience: the “free journey” is not just a marketing line, but a real, structured sponsorship program designed to help PTs move forward without upfront costs.

Navigating Visa Retrogression: The H-1B Advantage

Visa processing is one of the most complex—and stressful—parts of working in the USA as a healthcare professional.

Many agencies rely solely on the EB-3 immigrant visa, which is highly affected by retrogression, causing deployment delays that can stretch into years.

A major highlight of Ferolaign’s Grandison experience was the agency’s ability to utilize the H-1B visa pathway.

“I was picked for the H-1B visa. Without it, I would have been waiting longer to be deployed—especially with the retrogression for EB-3 visas.”

This strategic use of H-1B visas demonstrates Grandison’s proactive approach to immigration.

Instead of waiting passively for visa availability, the agency explores faster, legally compliant options that allow PTs to begin working in the USA sooner.

For internationally educated PTs eager to start their American careers, this is a critical advantage.

Support for New Graduates and Non-DPT Physical Therapists

Another common concern among Filipino PTs is whether they need:

A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree
Extensive hospital or rehabilitation experience

Ferolaign’s story offers reassurance.

She was able to take the NPTE without DPT, and she shared that she still does not hold one today.

Despite this, she was successfully hired and deployed.

She also candidly discussed her limited clinical exposure:

“From where I come from, there isn’t a rehab center that’s properly based, so I can’t really say I had hospital experience working as a physical therapist.”

This highlights an important aspect of the Grandison experience: the agency evaluates candidates based on potential, trainability, and professional values, not just credentials on paper.

For many Filipino PTs—especially fresh graduates—this inclusive approach opens doors that might otherwise feel closed.

Communication, Safety, and Support During Deployment

Beyond exams and visas, the human side of the Grandison experience consistently stands out in reviews.

As a first-time Overseas Filipino Worker, PT Ferolaign emphasized the importance of safety and guidance:

“You know that you will be safe working in the US.”

She also highlighted the agency’s strong communication practices, noting that the team is responsive, approachable, and supportive throughout the process.

In an environment as high-stakes as US immigration, this level of reliability provides peace of mind for both PTs and their families.

Conclusion: What the Grandison Experience Truly Offers

Ferolaign’s journey reflects what many Filipino Physical Therapists are looking for when searching for honest Grandison reviews—real support, real funding, and real opportunities.

Her experience shows that Grandison delivers through:

Fully funded NPTE and visa sponsorship
Strategic use of H-1B and EB-3 visas
Opportunities for non-DPT and newly graduated PTs
Strong communication and deployment safety

For internationally educated Physical Therapists who want a structured, ethical, and supportive pathway to PT jobs in the USA, the Grandison experience stands out as a proven and trusted option.

Apply now and be the next Grandison success story.