The United States has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign-trained doctors, reversing an earlier policy that had stalled applications under its travel restriction system, according to a report by The New York Times.
The initial directive, introduced in January, paused decisions on visa renewals, work permits and green card applications for citizens of about 39 countries. The move left many foreign doctors in limbo, unable to continue working despite being employed in hospitals across the country.
However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidance, exempting medical doctors from the restrictions and allowing their applications to move forward.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the change, stating that applications involving medical physicians will continue to be processed.
The policy reversal comes as the United States faces a worsening shortage of healthcare professionals. Authorities estimate a current shortfall of about 65,000 doctors, with projections indicating the gap could widen in the coming years.
Foreign-trained physicians account for roughly a quarter of the US medical workforce, often filling critical roles in primary care, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
The earlier suspension had disrupted hospital operations, forcing some affected doctors onto administrative leave, while others risked losing their positions due to prolonged visa delays.
With the new exemption in place, the resumption of processing is expected to ease staffing pressures in healthcare facilities and enable impacted doctors, including many Nigerians, to remain in active service.
