Expedited Licensure Expands
The California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 2113 in September 2020, requiring boards within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to expedite initial licensure for refugees, those who have been granted asylum, or holders of a special immigrant visa. The new law went into effect on January 1, 2021. A similar expedited licensure process has been available for honorably discharged and active duty Armed Forces members since July 1, 2016.
Information has been posted on both the Board’s and the Landscape Architect Technical Committee’s websites and social media platforms. Also, emails were sent to those registered to receive notifications from the Board.
Candidates must provide evidence of their refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application package. Examples of documentation that can be used are:
- 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.
The expedited licensure process does not guarantee a license will be issued; all candidates must meet the licensing requirements to receive a license. Additional information can be found on DCAs website at https://www.dca.ca.gov/about_us/ab2113.shtml.