                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

INTERNATIONAL LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION; REGULATIONS (§ 54.1-205.1)

A. The regulatory boards within the Department of Professional and Occupational
Regulation shall develop regulations to provide a pathway to licensure or
certification for individuals with equivalent qualifications from another
country. Such regulations shall include the following requirements for issuing
such license or certification:

   1. Documentation demonstrating the applicant&#8217;s (i) United States
   citizenship, (ii) permanent residency, or (iii) valid work visa along with
   proof that the applicant has submitted a petition for permanent residency
   status;

   2. Methods for awarding partial or full credit toward any training and
   education requirements; and

   3. Satisfactory documentation of the requisite education, training, and proof
   of licensure in accordance with the regulatory board&#8217;s standards and
   requirements, or any other criteria the regulatory board deems necessary to
   protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
   				Such regulations also may permit the regulatory board&#8217;s use of
   professional credential verification services.

B. The regulatory boards within the Department of Professional and Occupational
Regulation shall ensure that applicants who are licensed in accordance with the
regulations promulgated pursuant to this section are subject to the same
examination requirements as other applicants for initial licensure in a given
profession or occupation.

HISTORY: 2025, cc. 150, 153.