U.S. Resumes Visa Processing for Nigerian Doctors

The United States has resumed visa processing for Nigerian and foreign doctors, reversing a policy that previously stalled applications due to travel bans related to immigration restrictions. This decision, confirmed by a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security, is anticipated to provide relief to foreign-trained physicians, including Nigerians, whose applications were affected by the earlier freeze.

The previous restrictions had halted visa extensions, work permits, and green card applications for doctors from 39 countries, leaving many foreign-trained physicians uncertain about their job and immigration status. The U.S. currently faces a deficit of approximately 65,000 doctors, a figure expected to rise in the coming years.

Foreign-trained doctors account for about a quarter of the U.S. medical workforce, particularly serving in primary care roles in underserved communities. The policy reversal is expected to ease pressure on hospitals and allow affected doctors to continue their immigration application processes without being caught in the previous freeze.