The United States has reversed its earlier policy that suspended visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, reopening pathways for physicians from Nigeria and about 38 other countries to continue their applications.
According to a report by The New York Times, the restriction, introduced in January, had halted decisions on visa extensions, work permits, and green cards for individuals affected by the U.S. travel ban system.
The suspension left many doctors stranded, with some placed on administrative leave and others facing the risk of job loss due to delays in approvals.
However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the policy and allowing their applications to proceed.
Confirming the development, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated, “Applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing.”
The policy shift comes amid a growing healthcare staffing crisis in the U.S., with authorities estimating a shortage of about 65,000 doctors a figure expected to rise in the coming years.
Foreign-trained physicians currently account for roughly a quarter of the U.S. medical workforce, playing a vital role in delivering primary healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Elijah Adeyemi
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