The United States has restarted visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign-trained doctors, rolling back a policy that had previously disrupted their immigration applications.
According to a report, the change allows affected physicians to once again move forward with visa renewals, work authorisation requests, and permanent residency applications.
The earlier restriction, introduced in January, had paused decisions on certain immigration cases involving nationals from roughly 39 countries.
This left many foreign doctors in limbo, uncertain about both their legal status and their ability to continue working.
However, updated guidance from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services now excludes medical doctors from those restrictions.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the update, stating that applications involving physicians will continue to be processed.
The decision is expected to bring significant relief, particularly for Nigerian doctors who were among those impacted.
During the suspension, some physicians were reportedly placed on administrative leave, while others risked losing their positions altogether due to prolonged delays in documentation.
Healthcare providers across the United States had also expressed concern about the policy’s impact, warning that it could worsen existing staffing shortages in hospitals and clinics.
US Suffers Shortage Of Staffs
The reversal comes at a time when the US is already grappling with a major shortfall in medical personnel. Current estimates suggest a deficit of about 65,000 doctors, a number projected to grow in the coming years.
Foreign-trained physicians make up nearly a quarter of the country’s healthcare workforce, often serving in primary care and in underserved regions where the need is greatest.
Also Read: Team Nigeria Secures Three Relay Spots for World Championships at World Relays in Gaborone
By lifting the restriction, US authorities are not only providing clarity for affected doctors but also helping hospitals maintain essential staffing levels.
The move ensures that foreign physicians can continue their work while their immigration processes move forward without further disruption.
