The United States has lifted its suspension on visa processing for foreign-trained medical doctors, allowing physicians from Nigeria and 38 other countries to resume applications for work permits, residency, and other immigration processes.
The policy reversal follows months of disruption caused by an earlier immigration restriction introduced in January under a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) framework linked to an expanded travel ban affecting nationals from multiple countries.
The suspension had temporarily halted visa extensions, green card applications, and work authorisations, affecting both new applicants and foreign doctors already working in the United States.
Many hospitals, particularly in rural and underserved communities, reportedly experienced staffing challenges as a result.
Late last week, the U.S.
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Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its guidance to exempt medical professionals from the restrictions. The Department of Homeland Security later confirmed that visa and work authorisation applications involving physicians would continue to be processed despite the broader policy.
The United States is currently facing an estimated shortage of about 65,000 doctors, a gap expected to increase due to rising healthcare demand, an ageing population, and growing retirement rates among medical practitioners.
Foreign-trained doctors form a significant part of the U.S. healthcare system, especially in primary care areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, and paediatrics. These roles often struggle to attract enough local graduates due to workload pressures and comparatively lower compensation.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Rebecca Andrews of the American College of Physicians welcomed the exemption, stressing the importance of international medical professionals in sustaining healthcare delivery across the country.
The policy shift comes amid an ongoing expansion of travel restrictions affecting 39 countries, including Nigeria. However, authorities say exemptions will continue for certain categories, particularly healthcare professionals and others considered essential to national interest.
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