{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-2933.1.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-2933.1.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-2933.1.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-2933.1.html"}],"law_id":71428,"edition_id":1,"section_id":71428,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2933.1","catch_line":"Temporary licensure of certain foreign graduates","history":"1995, c. 230; 2000, c. 788; 2024, c. 464.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Board may issue to a physician licensed in a foreign country a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed two years to practice medicine while such physician is attending advanced training in an institute for postgraduate health science operated collaboratively by a health care system having hospitals and health care facilities with residency and training programs approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board and a public institution of higher education. This temporary license shall only authorize the holder to practice medicine in the hospitals and outpatient clinics of the collaborating health care system while he is receiving training in the institute for postgraduate health science.B\n\nThe Board may issue to a physician previously licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in a foreign country a provisional license to practice medicine valid for a period not to exceed two years to an applicant if the applicant submits evidence acceptable to the Board that the applicant:1\n\nHas received a degree of doctor of medicine or its equivalent from a legally chartered medical school outside of the United States recognized by the World Health Organization, has been licensed or otherwise authorized to practice medicine in a country other than the United States, and has practiced medicine for at least five years;2\n\nHas a valid certificate issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates or other credential evaluation service approved by the Board, provided, however, that the Board may waive such certification at its discretion where the applicant is unable to obtain the required documentation from a noncooperative country;3\n\nHas achieved a passing score on both Step 1 and Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) of the United States Medical Licensing Examination;4\n\nHas entered into an agreement with a medical care facility as defined in § 32.1-3 that provides an assessment and evaluation program designed to develop, assess, and evaluate the physician’s nonclinical skills and familiarity with standards appropriate for medical practice in the Commonwealth according to criteria developed or approved by the Board;5\n\nWill enter a full-time employment relationship with such medical care facility after the Board issues a license pursuant to this subsection; and6\n\nHas satisfied any other criteria that the Board may require for issuance of a provisional license pursuant to this subsection.C\n\nAn individual who successfully obtains a license pursuant to subsection B and practices under such license until its expiration shall be eligible to apply for a renewable two-year restricted license to practice medicine in a medically underserved area in Virginia as defined in \u00a7 32.1-122.5 or a health professional shortage area designated in accordance with the criteria established in 42 C.F.R. Part 5. The Board may issue such renewable license to an applicant if the applicant submits evidence acceptable to the Board that the applicant:1\n\nHas successfully completed the participating medical care facility’s assessment and evaluation program required pursuant to subsection B;2\n\nHas achieved a passing score on Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination; and3\n\nWill enter a full-time employment relationship with a medical care facility.D\n\nAfter at least two years of practice under a renewable two-year restricted license issued pursuant to subsection C, an internationally trained physician shall be eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine.E\n\nThe Board may promulgate regulations for licenses issued pursuant to this section.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":257496,"text":"The Board may issue to a physician licensed in a foreign country a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed two years to practice medicine while such physician is attending advanced training in an institute for postgraduate health science operated collaboratively by a health care system having hospitals and health care facilities with residency and training programs approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board and a public institution of higher education. This temporary license shall only authorize the holder to practice medicine in the hospitals and outpatient clinics of the collaborating health care system while he is receiving training in the institute for postgraduate health science.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":257497,"text":"The Board may issue to a physician previously licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in a foreign country a provisional license to practice medicine valid for a period not to exceed two years to an applicant if the applicant submits evidence acceptable to the Board that the applicant:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"B1"},"2":{"id":257498,"text":"Has received a degree of doctor of medicine or its equivalent from a legally chartered medical school outside of the United States recognized by the World Health Organization, has been licensed or otherwise authorized to practice medicine in a country other than the United States, and has practiced medicine for at least five years;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"3":{"id":257499,"text":"Has a valid certificate issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates or other credential evaluation service approved by the Board, provided, however, that the Board may waive such certification at its discretion where the applicant is unable to obtain the required documentation from a noncooperative country;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"4":{"id":257500,"text":"Has achieved a passing score on both Step 1 and Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) of the United States Medical Licensing Examination;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"5":{"id":257501,"text":"Has entered into an agreement with a medical care facility as defined in § 32.1-3 that provides an assessment and evaluation program designed to develop, assess, and evaluate the physician’s nonclinical skills and familiarity with standards appropriate for medical practice in the Commonwealth according to criteria developed or approved by the Board;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"6":{"id":257502,"text":"Will enter a full-time employment relationship with such medical care facility after the Board issues a license pursuant to this subsection; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"7":{"id":257503,"text":"Has satisfied any other criteria that the Board may require for issuance of a provisional license pursuant to this subsection.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":257504,"text":"An individual who successfully obtains a license pursuant to subsection B and practices under such license until its expiration shall be eligible to apply for a renewable two-year restricted license to practice medicine in a medically underserved area in Virginia as defined in \u00a7 32.1-122.5 or a health professional shortage area designated in accordance with the criteria established in 42 C.F.R. Part 5. The Board may issue such renewable license to an applicant if the applicant submits evidence acceptable to the Board that the applicant:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"C1"},"9":{"id":257505,"text":"Has successfully completed the participating medical care facility’s assessment and evaluation program required pursuant to subsection B;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"10":{"id":257506,"text":"Has achieved a passing score on Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"11":{"id":257507,"text":"Will enter a full-time employment relationship with a medical care facility.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"D"},"12":{"id":257508,"text":"After at least two years of practice under a renewable two-year restricted license issued pursuant to subsection C, an internationally trained physician shall be eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"E"},"13":{"id":257509,"text":"The Board may promulgate regulations for licenses issued pursuant to this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13568,"edition_id":1,"name":"Licensure of Physicians of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine, Chiropractors, and Podiatrists","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12759,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:16","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:16","permalink":{"id":242129,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13568,"identifier":"3","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12759,"edition_id":1,"name":"Medicine and Other Healing Arts","identifier":"29","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241933,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12759,"identifier":"29","token":"54.1\/III\/29","url":"\/54.1\/III\/29\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":54531,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2929","catch_line":"Licenses required","url":"\/54.1-2929\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2929","metadata":false},{"id":76962,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2930","catch_line":"Requirements for licensure","url":"\/54.1-2930\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2930","metadata":false},{"id":61046,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2931","catch_line":"Examinations; passing grade","url":"\/54.1-2931\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2931","metadata":false},{"id":76301,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2932","catch_line":"Issuance of licenses to practice","url":"\/54.1-2932\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2932","metadata":false},{"id":77251,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2933","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2933\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2933","metadata":false},{"id":71428,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2933.1","catch_line":"Temporary licensure of certain foreign graduates","url":"\/54.1-2933.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2933.1","metadata":false},{"id":59996,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2934","catch_line":"Evidence of right to practice required of certain foreign graduates","url":"\/54.1-2934\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2934","metadata":false},{"id":60325,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2935","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2935\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2935","metadata":false},{"id":77498,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2936","catch_line":"Limited licenses to certain graduates of foreign medical schools","url":"\/54.1-2936\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2936","metadata":false},{"id":82580,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2937","catch_line":"Temporary licenses to interns and residents in hospitals and other organizations","url":"\/54.1-2937\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2937","metadata":false},{"id":67305,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2937.1","catch_line":"Retiree license","url":"\/54.1-2937.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2937.1","metadata":false},{"id":64732,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2938","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2938\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2938","metadata":false},{"id":75444,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2939","catch_line":"Surgery by podiatrists on patients under general anesthesia limited","url":"\/54.1-2939\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2939","metadata":false},{"id":56031,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2940","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2940\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2940","metadata":false},{"id":83572,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2941","catch_line":"Contracts of practitioners with approved colleges and certain state agencies not prohibited","url":"\/54.1-2941\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2941","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77251,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2933","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-2933\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2933","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":59996,"structure_id":13568,"section_number":"54.1-2934","catch_line":"Evidence of right to practice required of certain foreign graduates","url":"\/54.1-2934\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2934","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-2933.1\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1995. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 230<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2000, chapter 788<\/a>; in 2024, chapter 464<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":65429,"section_number":"54.1-2910.1","catch_line":"Certain data required","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-2910.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":80347,"section_number":"32.1-122.5","catch_line":"Criteria to identify underserved areas","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-122.5\/"},{"id":77454,"section_number":"32.1-3","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-3\/"}],"permalink":{"id":242151,"object_type":"law","relational_id":71428,"identifier":"54.1-2933.1","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2933.1","url":"\/54.1-2933.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-2933.1\/","token":"54.1\/III\/29\/3\/54.1-2933.1","dublin_core":{"Title":"Temporary licensure of certain foreign graduates","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-2933.1","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Board<\/span> may issue<\/span> to a physician licensed in a foreign country a nonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed two years to practice medicine while such physician is attending advanced training in an institute for postgraduate health science operated collaboratively by a health care system having hospitals and health care facilities with residency and training programs approved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board<\/span> and a public institution of higher education. This temporary license shall only authorize the holder to practice medicine in the hospitals and outpatient clinics of the collaborating health care system while he is receiving training in the institute for postgraduate health science. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Board<\/span> may issue<\/span> to a physician previously licensed or otherwise authorized to practice in a foreign country a provisional license to practice medicine valid for a period not to exceed two years to an applicant if the applicant submits evidence<\/span> acceptable to the Board<\/span> that the applicant: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Has received a degree of doctor of medicine or its equivalent from a legally chartered medical school outside of the United States recognized by the World Health Organization, has been licensed or otherwise authorized to practice medicine in a country other than the United States, and has practiced medicine for at least five years; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Has a valid certificate issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates or other credential evaluation service approved by the Board<\/span>, provided, however, that the Board<\/span> may waive<\/span> such certification at its discretion where the applicant is unable to obtain the required documentation from a noncooperative country; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Has achieved a passing score on both Step 1 and Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge) of the United States Medical Licensing Examination; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Has entered into an agreement with a medical care facility as defined in § 32.1-3<\/a> that provides an assessment and evaluation program designed to develop, assess, and evaluate the physician’s nonclinical skills and familiarity with standards appropriate for medical practice in the Commonwealth according to criteria developed or approved by the Board<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Will enter a full-time employment relationship with such medical care facility after the Board<\/span> issues<\/span> a license pursuant to this subsection; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Has satisfied any other criteria that the Board<\/span> may require for issuance of a provisional license pursuant to this subsection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> An individual who successfully obtains a license pursuant to subsection B and practices under such license until its expiration shall be eligible to apply for a renewable two-year restricted license to practice medicine in a medically underserved area in Virginia as defined in \u00a7 32.1-122.5<\/a> or a health professional shortage area designated in accordance with the criteria established in 42 C.F.R. Part 5. The Board<\/span> may issue<\/span> such renewable license to an applicant if the applicant submits evidence<\/span> acceptable to the Board<\/span> that the applicant: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Has successfully completed the participating medical care facility’s assessment and evaluation program required pursuant to subsection B; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Has achieved a passing score on Step 3 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Will enter a full-time employment relationship with a medical care facility. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> After at least two years of practice under a renewable two-year restricted license issued pursuant to subsection C, an internationally trained physician shall be eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Board<\/span> may promulgate regulations for licenses issued pursuant to this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nTEMPORARY LICENSURE OF CERTAIN FOREIGN GRADUATES (\u00a7 54.1-2933.1)\n\nA. The Board may issue to a physician licensed in a foreign country a\nnonrenewable license valid for a period not to exceed two years to practice\nmedicine while such physician is attending advanced training in an institute for\npostgraduate health science operated collaboratively by a health care system\nhaving hospitals and health care facilities with residency and training programs\napproved by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board and a public\ninstitution of higher education. This temporary license shall only authorize the\nholder to practice medicine in the hospitals and outpatient clinics of the\ncollaborating health care system while he is receiving training in the institute\nfor postgraduate health science.\n\nB. The Board may issue to a physician previously licensed or otherwise\nauthorized to practice in a foreign country a provisional license to practice\nmedicine valid for a period not to exceed two years to an applicant if the\napplicant submits evidence acceptable to the Board that the applicant:\n\n 1. Has received a degree of doctor of medicine or its equivalent from a\n legally chartered medical school outside of the United States recognized by\n the World Health Organization, has been licensed or otherwise authorized to\n practice medicine in a country other than the United States, and has practiced\n medicine for at least five years;\n\n 2. Has a valid certificate issued by the Educational Commission for Foreign\n Medical Graduates or other credential evaluation service approved by the\n Board, provided, however, that the Board may waive such certification at its\n discretion where the applicant is unable to obtain the required documentation\n from a noncooperative country;\n\n 3. Has achieved a passing score on both Step 1 and Step 2 (Clinical Knowledge)\n of the United States Medical Licensing Examination;\n\n 4. Has entered into an agreement with a medical care facility as defined in\n § 32.1-3 that provides an assessment and evaluation program designed to\n develop, assess, and evaluate the physician’s nonclinical skills and\n familiarity with standards appropriate for medical practice in the\n Commonwealth according to criteria developed or approved by the Board;\n\n 5. Will enter a full-time employment relationship with such medical care\n facility after the Board issues a license pursuant to this subsection; and\n\n 6. Has satisfied any other criteria that the Board may require for issuance of\n a provisional license pursuant to this subsection.\n\nC. An individual who successfully obtains a license pursuant to subsection B and\npractices under such license until its expiration shall be eligible to apply for\na renewable two-year restricted license to practice medicine in a medically\nunderserved area in Virginia as defined in \u00a7 32.1-122.5 or a health\nprofessional shortage area designated in accordance with the criteria\nestablished in 42 C.F.R. Part 5. The Board may issue such renewable license to\nan applicant if the applicant submits evidence acceptable to the Board that the\napplicant:\n\n 1. Has successfully completed the participating medical care facility’s\n assessment and evaluation program required pursuant to subsection B;\n\n 2. Has achieved a passing score on Step 3 of the United States Medical\n Licensing Examination; and\n\n 3. Will enter a full-time employment relationship with a medical care\n facility.\n\nD. After at least two years of practice under a renewable two-year restricted\nlicense issued pursuant to subsection C, an internationally trained physician\nshall be eligible to apply for a full, unrestricted license to practice\nmedicine.\n\nE. The Board may promulgate regulations for licenses issued pursuant to this\nsection.\n\nHISTORY: 1995, c. 230; 2000, c. 788; 2024, c. 464.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}