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

Certain applicants may qualify for expedited processing of their initial licensure application by the Respiratory Care Board of California (RCB).

Expedited processing does not mean a license will automatically be issued. Applicants must still meet all statutory and regulatory licensure requirements.

Jump to: Who May Qualify | Required Documentation | Additional Information | Questions

Who May Qualify

Starting January 1, 2021, an applicant may qualify for expedited licensure processing if the applicant is one of the following:

  1. A refugee pursuant to section 1157 of title 8 of the United States Code;
  2. A person 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. An individual with a special immigrant visa who has been granted 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.

Required Documentation

To receive expedited processing, applicants must provide documentation of their refugee, asylee, or special immigrant visa status when submitting their application.

Examples of acceptable documentation are available on the Department of Consumer Affairs website.

View documentation examples and additional information

Additional Information

Failure to provide documentation may delay expedited review of the application. Applicants must still complete the standard application process and satisfy all licensure requirements of the Respiratory Care Board.

Questions About Expedited Licensure

If you have questions about expedited licensure for refugees, asylees, or holders of special immigrant visas, you may contact the Respiratory Care Board using the form below.