Expedited Licensure for Refugees, Asylees, and Holders of Special Immigrant Visas

Starting January 1, 2021, individuals in the following categories who apply for licensure by the Physician Assistant Board may seek an expedited licensure process.

1. Refugees pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code;
2. Those granted asylum by the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Attorney General of the United States pursuant to section 1158 of title 8 of the United States Code; or,
3. Individuals with a special immigrant visa that have been granted a status pursuant to section 1244 of Public Law 110-181, Public Law 109-163, or section 602(b) of title VI of division F of Public Law 111-8.

In order to receive the expedited licensure process, individuals must provide documentation of their refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application package. Please note that this does not mean a license must be issued, but simply that the process will be expedited.

For information and documentation examples, please visit: https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/ab2113.shtml