In a major policy shift, the United States has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign doctors as a move to ease pressure on its strained healthcare system.

The United States has officially resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign-trained doctors after reversing a policy that had frozen applications under its travel restrictions.

CBI News notes that according to a report by The New York Times, the earlier directive — introduced in January — halted visa extensions, work permits, and green card processing for citizens of about 39 countries, leaving many qualified physicians unable to work.

However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the restrictions and allowing their applications to move forward.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the change, stating that applications linked to medical professionals will continue to be processed.

The policy reversal comes as the U.S. grapples with a growing shortage of healthcare workers, with estimates suggesting a deficit of up to 65,000 doctors — a figure expected to rise in the coming years.

Foreign-trained physicians currently make up roughly a quarter of the U.S. medical workforce, playing a critical role in delivering primary care, especially in underserved communities.

The earlier visa freeze had placed many doctors on administrative leave and left others at risk of losing their jobs due to delays in approvals.

With the new development, affected doctors — including many from Nigeria — are expected to resume or continue their medical practice, providing much-needed relief to hospitals and patients alike.

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