The United States has rolled back a previous policy that paused visa processing for foreign-trained physicians, allowing doctors from Nigeria and around 38 other countries to resume their applications.
According to a report by The New York Times, the restriction introduced in January had stopped decisions on visa renewals, work permits, and green card applications for nationals of nearly 39 countries covered under the US travel ban system.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now revised its guidance, excluding medical doctors from the suspension so their applications can move forward.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that cases involving medical physicians will continue to be processed.
The change comes as the United States faces a growing shortage of healthcare workers, with estimates pointing to a deficit of about 65,000 doctors, a number expected to increase in the coming years.
Foreign-trained physicians make up about a quarter of the US medical workforce and are especially important in primary care roles, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Previously, the visa pause left some doctors on administrative leave, while others faced possible job losses due to delayed approvals.
With processing now restored, the decision is expected to reduce strain on healthcare services and allow affected doctors, including Nigerians, to continue working in the US medical system.
