The United States has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and other foreign trained doctors after quietly reversing a policy that had stalled applications under its travel restriction system.
According to a report by The New York Times published on Sunday, May 3, 2026, the earlier policy introduced in January halted decisions on visa extensions, work permits and green cards for citizens of about 39 countries, leaving many foreign physicians unable to work.
However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines to exempt medical doctors from the restriction, allowing their applications to move forward.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the development, stating that “applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing.”
The policy reversal comes amid a growing shortage of healthcare workers in the United States, where authorities estimate a deficit of about 65,000 doctors, a figure projected to rise in the coming years.
Foreign trained doctors account for roughly a quarter of the US medical workforce, with many serving in primary care roles, particularly in underserved communities.
The earlier freeze had forced some doctors onto administrative leave, while others faced the risk of losing their jobs due to prolonged visa delays.
The latest development is expected to ease pressure on hospitals and enable affected doctors, including Nigerians, to continue their medical practice in the country.
