He is wrong on both.
One does not have to go to the US to get the 61.75 - but it would speed things along.
One must have a "flight review" (the correct term) every two years so the 61.75 in not valid without the sign off of the review by an FAA CFI.
Not valid either unless the originating licence is valid i.e. one has it, one has a current medical and one has a current flight review for that licence TOO.