Friday, October 28, 2016

PTs SHOULD NOT LET FCCPT TYPE 1 CERTIFICATE EXPIRE

In a recent decision, USCIS demanded FCCPT issue Type 1 Certificates ONLY to graduates of university programs whose diploma reads “Master’s Degree” and who have at least 202.1 credit hours.  Any graduate of a program that is equivalent to a US Master’s Degree will no longer be eligible to enter the US and practice Physical Therapy.  In 2017, applicants will need a DPT to obtain a Type 1 Certificate.

Type 1 Certificate renewals will not be subject to this new ruling.  Renewal applications do not examine education, but only licensure and verification of English proficiency.  PTs with a current Type 1 can renew the Type 1 Certificate without being subject to the new standard.  However, if the Type 1 expires, the PT will have to make a new application and will be subject to the new standard.

Type 1 Certificates are valid for five years from the date of issue.  MU strongly advises PTs to timely renew their Type 1 Certification so that they can continue to maintain their immigration status and their ability to work in the US.

16 comments:

  1. does this applies for CGFNS PT applicants?

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  2. No - this blog post is for FCCPT Type I certificates.

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  3. Does this apply to EB2/EB3 holders?

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    Replies
    1. Yes - if they have FCCPT Type I certificates they should not let them expire.

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  4. I have FCCPT type I due for renewal in February 2017. I called the FCCPT help desk and the employee told me that I must wait for it to expire and then apply for renewal as if I apply now--it will RE-EVALUATE and then as a secondary service will renew. Please advise. Thanks

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    Replies
    1. FCCPT has told MU that you can renew your Type 1 up to 90 days in advance of the expiration.

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  5. Does this apply to PT's who are already green card holders?

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    Replies
    1. I think you don't need visascreen once you're green card holder. You don't need it for citizenship either. You're good!

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    2. No - you do not need the Visa SCreen once you have your green card!

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    3. @ding: you are of course correct

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  6. I have an approved I-140 for EB3, do I still need to renew my FCCPT Type 1 certificate?

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  7. Sir,
    I already have a type 1 visa screen certificate which will expire 2018? what should i do? can i renew it this year? do i need to take toefl again?

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    Replies
    1. The TOEFL has to be current. This I am pretty sure.

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  8. I'am a green card holder. My FCCPT has already expired. I'm planning to take my doctorate degree.Do I still need to renew my FCCPT?

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  9. Hello Sir,

    My Type 1 visa screen is expiring in December 2020. Will I need to have a re-evaluation if I apply 90 days before the expiry date?

    Regards

    ReplyDelete

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