The United States (US) has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign doctors after reversing a policy that had stalled applications under its travel ban-related restrictions.
The policy shift, reported by The New York Times, means affected medical doctors can now proceed with applications for visa extensions, work permits and green cards.
The earlier policy, introduced in January, had reportedly halted decisions on some immigration applications for citizens of about 39 countries, leaving many foreign-trained physicians uncertain about their jobs and immigration status.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its guidelines to exempt medical doctors from the restriction.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the development, saying, “Applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing.”
The reversal is expected to bring relief to foreign-trained doctors, including Nigerians, whose applications were affected by the freeze.
Truthng understands that the earlier freeze reportedly affected visa extensions, work permits and green card applications for many foreign doctors from countries covered by the travel ban-related policy.
Some affected doctors were said to have been placed on administrative leave, while others faced the risk of losing their jobs because of delays in immigration approvals.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities had also raised concerns over the impact of the policy on medical staffing, especially in areas already struggling with a shortage of doctors.
The decision comes amid a growing shortage of healthcare workers in the United States.
Authorities estimate that the country currently faces a deficit of about 65,000 doctors, with the figure expected to rise in the coming years.
Foreign-trained doctors account for about a quarter of the US medical workforce, with many serving in primary care roles and in underserved communities.
The policy reversal is expected to ease pressure on hospitals and allow affected doctors to continue working while their immigration applications are processed.
It also gives Nigerian and other foreign physicians a clearer path to renew their documents or continue with pending applications without being caught in the earlier processing freeze.
