The United States has lifted its suspension on visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, paving the way for Nigerian physicians and their counterparts from 38 other countries to resume applications for work permits and residency.
The policy reversal follows mounting concerns over a critical shortage of medical personnel across the U.S., estimated at about 65,000 doctors, with rural and underserved communities hardest hit.
The restriction, introduced in January under an expanded immigration framework tied to a travel ban affecting 39 countries, had halted visa renewals, green card processing and work authorisations for a broad category of applicants, including medical professionals already practising in the country.
However, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services recently updated its guidance, granting exemptions to physicians and allowing their applications to proceed.
Confirming the development, the Department of Homeland Security said visa and work authorisation requests linked to medical practitioners would continue to be processed.
The earlier suspension had disrupted healthcare delivery in several states, with some hospitals reportedly struggling to maintain adequate staffing levels. In some cases, affected foreign doctors were placed on administrative leave or faced uncertainty over their immigration status.
Industry experts warn that the physician shortfall in the U.S. could worsen in the coming years due to an ageing population and increasing retirement among practising doctors.
Foreign-trained physicians play a vital role in bridging the gap, particularly in primary care specialties such as family medicine, internal medicine and paediatrics—fields often avoided by local graduates due to workload pressures and relatively lower remuneration.
Reacting, Rebecca Andrews, a senior official of the American College of Physicians, welcomed the move, stressing the importance of international doctors in sustaining healthcare services.
“I am glad that the administration took measures to ensure that we can keep our dedicated international physicians,” she said.
The decision comes amid a broader expansion of U.S. travel restrictions expected to affect 39 countries in 2026, including Nigeria, although authorities say critical sectors such as healthcare will continue to enjoy exemptions in the national interest.
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