Primary source verification for overseas qualified physician associates and anaesthesia associates

What happens during the verification process?

Which qualifications need to be verified?

All internationally qualified PAs and AAs will need to have their PA/AA qualification verified by ECFMG, a division of Intealth.

We do not require you to have transcripts or alternate graduation documents verified by ECFMG in support of your application.

How long will verification take?

This depends on a number of factors, including:

• the time it takes for your awarding institution to respond to ECFMG (most course providers respond within 90 days)
• whether your awarding institution accepts these requests electronically (sending requests by post or courier take longer).

Due to these factors, we strongly recommend that you start the verification process as early as possible after we have accepted your qualification and, if possible, have your qualification(s) verified before applying. You can apply for registration once ECFMG have sent your qualification to be verified by your institution, but we can only keep applications open for 90 days.

How can I track progress of my verification?

ECFMG will email you when they send your qualification for verification and again when it has been verified. We won’t be able to provide updates on this.

For further information, please see the ECFMG website if you have any questions about the verification process, please email ECFMG.

What happens when my qualification is verified?

ECFMG will contact you once they've verified your qualification(s).

Once you've confirmed that they can share this information with us they'll automatically send us the report when you apply for registration.

Requests to share verification reports expire if you do not apply for registration within 12 months of your qualification being verified. If you apply for registration with us after this time, you will need to ask ECFMG to share the report with us again.

What happens if my qualification cannot be verified?

ECFMG will let you know if they cannot verify your qualification.  We strongly recommend you start the verification process after your qualification is accepted, well in advance of applying for registration as we only keep applications open for 90 days.

In the event that ECFMG are unable to verify your qualification within the required time-frame, we’ll need to understand the reasons why before advising you on the next steps.

How much will it cost?

The cost will vary depending on how many qualifications you need to submit for verification. Please see the ECFMG website for a full breakdown of costs.

The fees are set by ECFMG, and you should contact your bank or check currency conversion sites for the most up to date foreign exchange rates. The fees are charged in USD and you’ll need to pay ECFMG directly.

If I change my mind, or my qualification can’t be verified, can I get a refund?

Refunds aren’t available once ECFMG have started the verification process. If your awarding institution has not responded to the verification requests, you should contact them directly. Please see the ECFMG website for further information.

I’m a refugee – will I receive financial support?

If you have been granted refugee status in the UK, we will pay the verification fees on your behalf. See our help for refugees guidance page for more information.