How to Get a US Veterinary License as a Foreign-Trained Veterinarian

This guide is for internationally educated veterinarians seeking licensure in the United States. Whether you trained in Mexico, India, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, or another country, the pathway to US veterinary licensure requires demonstrating educational equivalency through the ECFVG or PAVE program, passing the NAVLE examination, and completing state board licensure.

Foreign-trained veterinarians cannot practice in the US under their home country credentials. You must first obtain certification through AVMA's ECFVG program or AAVSB's PAVE program before applying to state boards. LicenseMap tracks veterinary licensing requirements across all 51 states we cover. This guide walks through the most common pathway from credential assessment through receiving your state license.

Step 1: ECFVG Certification or PAVE Program

Foreign-trained veterinarians must demonstrate that their education is equivalent to graduates of AVMA-accredited veterinary schools. There are two accepted pathways:

ECFVG (Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates)

ECFVG is administered by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and is the primary certification program for graduates of non-AVMA-accredited veterinary schools. The program evaluates whether your veterinary education and clinical skills meet US standards.

Documents required for ECFVG application:

• Official veterinary school transcripts (sent directly from your institution)
• Degree or diploma certificate
• License verification from your home country's veterinary regulatory authority (if applicable)
• Copy of your passport (identity verification)
• English translation of all documents not in English

PAVE (Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence)

PAVE is administered by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) and uses a portfolio-based assessment to evaluate educational equivalency. PAVE is accepted as an alternative to ECFVG by most state veterinary licensing boards. Candidates submit documentation of their education and clinical training for review by a panel of veterinary educators.

Step 2: BCSE (Basic Clinical Sciences Examination)

The BCSE is a computer-based written examination that is part of the ECFVG pathway. It tests knowledge of basic and clinical veterinary sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, and clinical medicine across all major species.

• Registration: Through AVMA after your ECFVG application has been reviewed and accepted
• Format: Computer-based multiple choice examination
• Testing locations: Available at Prometric testing centers in the US and internationally

You must pass the BCSE before you are eligible to take the Clinical Proficiency Exam (CPE). The BCSE is not required for the PAVE pathway.

Step 3: CPE (Clinical Proficiency Exam)

The CPE is a hands-on practical examination administered at AVMA-approved sites in the United States. It evaluates your ability to perform clinical veterinary procedures and demonstrate competency in a real-world veterinary setting. The CPE assesses skills across multiple species including small animals, large animals, and equine.

• Location: Conducted at designated veterinary schools and clinical sites in the US
• Format: Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) format with live animal stations
• Scheduling: Limited sessions per year; early scheduling is strongly recommended

Wait times for CPE scheduling can be substantial due to limited exam sessions offered each year. Plan accordingly when estimating your overall timeline. Passing the CPE completes the ECFVG certification process.

Step 4: NAVLE Examination

The NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Examination) is the national licensure exam administered by AAVSB. All veterinary candidates — regardless of where they trained — must pass the NAVLE to obtain licensure in the United States. It is the same exam taken by graduates of AVMA-accredited US and Canadian veterinary schools.

• Eligibility: You must hold ECFVG certification or PAVE certification before sitting for the NAVLE
• Registration: Through AAVSB after receiving your ECFVG or PAVE certificate
• Testing locations: Available at Prometric testing centers in the US; international testing availability is limited
• Format: Computer-based examination covering all aspects of veterinary medicine

LicenseMap covers veterinary licensing requirements across all 51 states, including exam requirements, fees, and continuing education requirements.

Step 5: State Licensure

Once you have obtained ECFVG or PAVE certification and passed the NAVLE, you can apply for licensure with the state veterinary board in the state where you intend to practice. Each state has its own application process, fees, and additional requirements.

Many states also require:

• A state jurisprudence examination covering veterinary laws and regulations for that state
• Background check and fingerprinting
• Proof of DEA registration (for prescribing controlled substances) in some states
• Continuing education requirements for license renewal

LicenseMap tracks veterinary licensing requirements across 51 states. Visit our state-by-state veterinarian requirements page to find specific application details, fees, and continuing education requirements for any state.

Credential Evaluation Organizations

AVMA's ECFVG program is the primary credential evaluation and certification pathway for internationally educated veterinarians. Most state veterinary boards require ECFVG or PAVE certification prior to licensure.

World Education Services (WES) provides general academic credential evaluations and may be accepted by some state boards for verifying the academic components of your veterinary education. Check with your specific state board to confirm which evaluations they accept.

Visa & Immigration Overview

International veterinarians pursuing US employment typically use one of the following visa categories:

• H-1B (Specialty Occupation) — Veterinarians with a DVM or equivalent degree may qualify for H-1B status. This is a temporary work visa subject to annual caps and requires employer sponsorship.
• J-1 (Exchange Visitor) — Available for some veterinary training programs, research positions, and clinical exchanges. J-1 holders are typically subject to a two-year home country residence requirement after the program ends.
• EB-2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability) — An employment-based immigrant visa (green card) pathway for professionals with advanced degrees. May be available to veterinary specialists or researchers with exceptional credentials.
• EB-3 (Skilled Worker) — An employment-based immigrant visa for skilled workers. May be available for veterinarians with employer sponsorship. Processing times vary significantly by country of origin.

Estimated Costs

The following table provides approximate costs for the major steps in the international veterinarian licensure pathway. Actual fees may vary.

Costs are approximate and subject to change. Additional expenses may include document translation, courier fees for international transcripts, travel expenses for the CPE (which is only offered in the US), and immigration attorney fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

• Veterinarian License Requirements by State — Compare requirements, fees, and DEA registration across all 51 states
• Veterinarian License Cost by State — Detailed breakdown of initial licensing fees in every state
• International Credential Evaluation Guide — Overview of credential evaluation for all professions