Internationally-Trained Applicant Credentialing Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Every applicant's processing time is different, depending on their unique situation and the license for which they are applying. SB35 goes into effect May 3, 2023. Please understand that it will take time to implement new processes and changes required by this new legislation. Prospective applicants to professions affected by this new law should be advised that processing times to determine if applicants meet the criteria may take longer than Utah’s typical wait times. We apologize for any delays, and are eager to answer your questions and assist you as you navigate the licensing process.

No. Citizenship is not a requirement, but to apply for any license, you will need to demonstrate lawful presence in the US.

Per Utah Code 63G-12-402 (3)(k), verification of lawful presence in the United States is not required for an applicant for a license issued by the Department of Commerce if the applicant or individual provides:

certification, under penalty of perjury, that the applicant or individual is:
1. a United States citizen;
2. a qualified alien as defined in 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1641; or
3. lawfully present in the United States; and
1. the number assigned to a driver license or identification card issued under Title 53, Chapter 3, Uniform Driver License Act; or
2. the number assigned to a driver license or identification card issued by a state other than Utah if, as part of issuing the driver license or identification card, the state verifies an individual's lawful presence in the United States.

Otherwise, a SAVE check is required to demonstrate lawful presence. The applicant will need to provide a copy of one of the following documents. The copy must

be of the front and back of the document:

I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
I-551 (Permanent Resident Card , a.k.a. Green Card)
I-766 (Employment Authorization Card)
I-377 (Reentry Permit)
I-571 (Refugee Travel Document)
Certificate of Citizenship
Naturalization Certificate
Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (with Temporary I-551 Language)
Temporary I-551 Stamp (on passport or I-94)
Unexpired Foreign Passport with SEVIS ID (either an I-20 or DS2019)
WT/WB Admission Stamp in Unexpired Foreign Passport
I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status)
DS2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status)

Click here for a list of the professional licenses regulated by DOPL.

If you can’t find your profession on DOPL’s website, check with these other departments:

SB 35 is effective May 3, 2023, and will affect the

It depends on the requirements of your profession. Some professions require that an applicant be a Utah resident in order to be issued a license. To be sure, contact DOPL to confirm the residency requirement(s), if any, of the license for which you want to apply. You may also find this information on the 'laws and rules' tab on the left hand side of the page of your profession's landing page on our website. This information will be included in the profession's practice act.

As of April 23, 2024, the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) allows qualified individuals without a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a professional license by providing alternative acceptable documentation.

According to Utah Administrative Rule Section R156-1-301, an applicant may provide one of the following in place of a SSN as satisfactory evidence of their identity:

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Alien Registration (A-number)

If an applicant has not been issued a SSN, ITIN, or A-number, applicants must provide both of the following documents to submit an application to DOPL:

Unexpired government-issued passport from the applicant's country of residence and,
Intent-to-hire letter from a Utah-based employer.

Providing this information allows individuals to begin the application process but does NOT replace the need to prove lawful presence in the United States. If you are not lawfully present in the United States, your application will be DENIED. DOPL strongly suggests applicants gather all necessary documentation before starting an application, as fees are non-refundable regardless of acceptance.

Espanol:

A partir del 23 de abril de 2024, la División de Licencias Profesionales de Utah (DOPL) permite que personas calificadas sin un Número de Seguro Social (SSN) soliciten una licencia profesional proporcionando documentación alternativa aceptable.

De acuerdo con la Sección R156-1-301 de la Regla Administrativa de Utah, un solicitante puede proporcionar uno de los siguientes en lugar de un SSN como prueba satisfactoria de su identidad:

Número de Identificación Individual del Contribuyente (ITIN)
Registro de extranjero (número A)

Si a un solicitante no se le ha emitido un SSN, ITIN o número A, el solicitante debe proporcionar los dos documentos siguientes para presentar una solicitud a DOPL:

Pasaporte vigente emitido por el gobierno del país de residencia del solicitante, y
Carta de intención de contratación de un empleador con sede en Utah

Proporcionar esta información permite a las personas comenzar el proceso de solicitud, pero NO reemplaza la necesidad de demostrar presencia legal en los Estados Unidos. Si usted no está presente legalmente en los Estados Unidos, su solicitud será NEGADA. DOPL recomienda encarecidamente que los solicitantes reúnan toda la documentación necesaria antes de iniciar una solicitud, ya que las tarifas no son reembolsables, independientemente de la aceptación.

Click here for a list of professional licenses offered through DOPL, and for instructions on how to apply. If you can’t find your profession on DOPL’s website, check with these other departments:

SB 35 goes into effect May 3, 2023. Please understand that it will take time to implement new processes and changes required by this new legislation.