US lifts visa freeze on Nigerian doctors and doctors from 38 other countries

The United States has reversed a policy that suspended visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, allowing physicians from Nigeria and about 38 other countries to resume their applications. 

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According to a report by The New York Times, the earlier restriction introduced in January had halted decisions on visa extensions, work permits, and green cards for citizens of nearly 39 countries under the US travel ban system. 

The freeze forced some doctors into administrative leave, while others faced possible job losses due to stalled approvals. 

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines to exempt medical doctors from the freeze, enabling 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 healthcare staffing crisis in the US, where authorities estimate a shortage of about 65,000 doctors—a gap expected to widen in the coming years. 

Foreign-trained physicians make up roughly a quarter of the US medical workforce, with many serving in primary care roles, particularly in rural and underserved communities.