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

According to a report by The New York Times on Sunday, 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 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has updated its guidelines to exempt medical doctors from the restriction, allowing their applications to proceed.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the development, stating that “applications associated with medical physicians will continue processing.”

The decision comes amid a growing shortage of healthcare workers in the United States, where authorities estimate a deficit of about 65,000 doctors, a figure expected to increase in the coming years.

Foreign-trained doctors account for roughly a quarter of the U.S. medical workforce, with many serving in primary healthcare roles, particularly in underserved communities.

The earlier suspension had forced some doctors onto administrative leave, while others faced the risk of losing their jobs due to delays in visa approvals.

The latest policy shift is expected to ease pressure on hospitals and enable affected doctors, including Nigerians, to continue their professional practice.