In December 2024, the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) unveiled a draft proposal that could reshape how internationally qualified individuals are licensed in the state. The proposal would require all licensing boards to create uniform regulations for applicants with foreign credentials, mandating verification of legal status, credential checks, and adherence to education and training requirements set by each respective board. Additionally, it was proposed that the regulations be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (APA), which would fast-track the implementation of these licensing changes by bypassing typical public notice and comment periods. This could limit transparency and external input, raising concerns about adequate oversight and the potential impact of these changes.

While the goal of streamlining the licensing process is clear, NSPE has raised several concerns. These include the potential loss of autonomy for individual boards, which could impact the standards that ensure the competence and safety of licensed professionals. Additionally, NSPE is concerned about the lack of transparency due to the proposed exemption from the Administrative Process Act (APA), which could limit public input and oversight. There are also concerns that the work visa requirement could exclude qualified professionals who are authorized to work in the U.S. but are not pursuing permanent residency.

In response to the proposal, the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers (VSPE) has worked with NSPE and the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) to address the potential impacts. VSPE, which collaborates regularly with the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers, and Landscape Architects, has raised concerns about the proposal’s effect on board autonomy. 

In light of the proposal from the Virginia DPOR, Senate Bill 1188 was introduced in 2025 and has now passed the legislature, awaiting action by the governor. This legislation directs regulatory boards to create pathways for licensure for internationally qualified professionals, including requirements to verify education, training, and licensure, with the option to use credential verification services. Importantly, SB 1188 does not currently include the exemption from the APA, which ensures transparency and public input in the regulatory process. It establishes a framework that supports high professional standards for licensure, ensuring that internationally qualified professionals can contribute their expertise to Virginia’s workforce while upholding the integrity of the profession.