Certification

Citizenship / Immigration Status

United States Citizenship, USCIS Permanent Residency, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status or similar relief from deportation is required for Permanent, Professional or Teaching Assistant Level III Certification

New York Education Law permits individuals with United States Citizenship, Permanent Resident status or a valid DACA or similar relief from deportation status, to qualify for a Permanent, Professional or Teaching Assistant Level III certificate. To verify your Permanent Residence status, submit ONE of the following with your application:

  • A photocopy of your Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card") showing the front and back of the card; or
  • A photocopy of your United States Passport; or
  • A certified and sealed copy of a letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) verifying your Permanent Residence or United States Citizenship; or
  • A copy of a document that verifies your DACA or similar relief from deportation status. An example would be your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card as issued by USCIS.

As of January 1, 2022,  OTI will be going paperless with this process. All citizenship documents must be submitted electronically to tcert@nysed.gov with the subject line "ATTN: Citizenship."

 

Last Updated: December 14, 2021