1999 News

Immigration & Naturalization Service Authorizes CGFNS to Issue VisaScreen^® Certificates to Foreign Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists

PHILADELPHIA, PA — APRIL 30, 1999 — The Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) published an interim final rule on April 30, 1999 authorizing the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to issue certificates to foreign physical therapists and occupational therapists under section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The rule, which takes effect on June 29, 1999, supplements an INS designation of CGFNS in October of 1998 to issue certificates under section 343 to foreign nurses. The new INS rule followed a lawsuit filed by CGFNS against INS in May of 1998.

All certificates will be issued through the VisaScreen^® program of the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP), a division of CGFNS. The certificates issued by CGFNS/ICHP verify that an applicant’s foreign education, training, licensure, experience, English language ability, and score on a licensing predictor examination (if applicable) meet all of the requirements of section 343. CGFNS notes that the INS regulations apply only to applicants in the three designated professions seeking permanent resident status, and that VisaScreen^® certificates for foreign physical therapists and occupational therapists will not be accepted by INS prior to June 29, 1999.

All applicants are strongly advised imNewstely to obtain information on English language testing from Educational Testing Service at (609) 771-7100 or the English Language Institute (for those professions that may rely on the MELAB) at (734) 763-3452. Upon obtaining a VisaScreen^® application packet, please pay imNewste attention to the requirement for verification of foreign educational credentials and licenses from the foreign institutional source.

To request a VisaScreen^® application packet or obtain additional information about CGFNS/ICHP services, contact: International Commission on Healthcare Professions, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2665 USA; Telephone (215) 349-6735 or (215) 349-6736; Fax (215) 349-0026.

Anyone seeking further information should consult the April 30, 1999 edition of the Federal Register at pages 23174–23178.