Questions? Call DCA toll-free at (833) 498-2006
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) and its boards and bureaus protect and serve California consumers through the licensure and regulation of licensees in diverse professions and occupations ranging from accountant to physician, security guard to contractor, cemetery manager to veterinarian, and more.
As of January 1, 2021, individuals in the following official U.S. immigration categories may have their applications expedited by their profession’s DCA board or bureau:
- Refugees pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code.
- Those granted asylum by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or the attorney general of the United States pursuant to section 1158 of title 8 of the United States Code.
- Individuals with a special immigrant visa who 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.
To be considered for expedited licensure, applicants must provide evidence of their refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application package. Documentation examples include:
- Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, with an admission class code such as “RE” (“Refugee”) or “AY” (“Asylee”) or other information designating the person a refugee or asylee.
- Special immigrant visa that includes the classification codes of “SI” or “SQ.”
- Permanent resident card (Form I-551), commonly known as a “green card,” with a category designation indicating that the person was admitted as a refugee or asylee.
- An order from a court of competent jurisdiction or other documentary evidence that provides reasonable assurance that the applicant qualifies for expedited licensure.
Please note the expedited licensure process doesn’t require a license or registration to be issued; rather, it means the licensure process will be expedited.
For more information on the expedited licensure process, contact the profession’s licensing board or bureau, email refugee@dca.ca.gov, or visit DCA’s expedited licensure webpage. If you need assistance in a language other than English, language assistance services are available at no cost: Call DCA toll-free at (833) 498-2006.
