Office of Global Health (OGH)

Updates to List of Tests and Scores for Foreign Health Care Workers

Based on current law (section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA)) and regulatory requirements (8 CFR 212.15(g)), HRSA has updated the list of standardized tests and minimum scores appropriate for foreign health care workers seeking to enter the United States to work in specified health professions to demonstrate English language proficiency. In making the determinations, HRSA relied on information obtained following a request for comments published in the Federal Register (PDF - 280 KB) in May 2019.

Holding a certificate indicating that an individual meets these updated English proficiency standards does not establish an individual’s eligibility to enter the United States for the purpose of performing health care or constitute professional authorization to practice in that health care occupation. This updated list only describes one aspect of the required processes administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), for authorizing entry of foreign health care workers to the United States to perform as health care workers. Please see this updated list.

The Office of Global Health (OGH) provides leadership and policy development. We help guide global engagements and solutions to improve health outcomes in the United States and worldwide. We are one of several Health and Human Services (HHS) Operating Divisions carrying out the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Mission

Provide leadership and technical expertise to create innovations and facilitate bi-directional linkages to protect the health of Americans and global citizens through strengthening and sustaining health systems and healthcare delivery.

Vision

To improve the health of Americans through global action.

Core Values

Collaboration, Transparency, Innovation, Respect, Integrity

 

Date Last Reviewed:  July 2021


Resources

Leveraging Health Service Equity Approaches for Sustainable HIV Epidemic Control

Did You Know?

  • The United Nations (UN) has established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to be achieved by 2030
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel in 2010. It is only the second Code adopted since the WHO’s inception in 1948. HHS/OGA and HRSA/OGH are the Code’s Co-National Authorities for the U.S.
  • HHS released its updated Global Strategy in March 2016