The United States has reversed a policy that previously suspended visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, clearing the way 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 card applications under a broader travel ban framework affecting nearly 39 countries.
However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the suspension and allowing their applications to proceed.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the development, stating that applications related to physicians will continue to be processed.
The policy shift comes amid a growing healthcare workforce crisis in the US, with authorities estimating a shortage of about 65,000 doctors — a figure projected to increase in the coming years.
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Foreign-trained doctors make up roughly 25 per cent of the US medical workforce and play a vital role in delivering care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The earlier visa suspension had placed many physicians on administrative leave, while others faced the risk of job loss due to delays in processing.
With the resumption of visa processing, the move is expected to ease pressure on healthcare facilities and enable affected doctors, including Nigerians, to continue their medical practice.
