According to reports, the policy change now allows affected medical professionals to continue with applications for visa renewals, work permits, and green cards.

The previous restriction, introduced in January, had reportedly paused decisions on certain immigration applications involving citizens from about 39 countries, creating uncertainty for many foreign doctors regarding their legal status and employment in the US.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now revised its guidelines to exempt medical doctors from the affected category.

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

Relief for Nigerian and Foreign Medical Professionals

The decision is expected to provide major relief for Nigerian and other foreign doctors whose immigration processes had been stalled by the earlier freeze.

Many affected physicians had reportedly faced serious challenges, including administrative leave, delayed approvals, and possible job losses due to uncertainty surrounding their immigration status.

Hospitals and healthcare institutions had also expressed concerns over the policy’s effect on staffing levels, particularly in regions already facing doctor shortages.

US Healthcare Sector Under Pressure

The reversal comes at a time when the United States is grappling with a growing shortage of healthcare workers.

Current estimates suggest the country is facing a deficit of about 65,000 doctors, with projections indicating that the shortage could worsen in the years ahead.

Foreign-trained physicians make up roughly one-quarter of the US medical workforce, with many serving in primary healthcare and underserved communities.

Clearer Path for Pending Applications

With the updated policy, affected doctors now have a more stable path to renew their immigration documents, maintain employment, and continue pending visa or residency applications without the uncertainty caused by the previous restrictions.

The move is also expected to reduce pressure on hospitals while helping to retain skilled medical professionals already contributing to the US healthcare system.

In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho emerged as the hero for Celtic after scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory over Hibernian. The striker’s close-range finish marked another strong outing following his return from injury, taking his tally to four goals in six matches and helping Celtic move level on points with league leaders Heart of Midlothian.

In Cyprus, goalkeeper Francis Uzoho celebrated a major milestone as AC Omonia clinched the 2025/26 Cypriot First Division title with a commanding 3-0 win over Aris Limassol. The triumph ended the club’s five-year wait for the league crown and secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League qualifiers, with Uzoho claiming his first league title since joining the club.

Nathan Tella and Igoh Ogbu also made significant impacts, opening their goal accounts for the 2025/26 season.

Tella starred for Bayer Leverkusen with a goal and an assist in a dominant 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig, while Ogbu found the net in SK Slavia Prague’s 2-1 win against Slovan Liberec. Their strong performances are expected to boost their chances of earning spots in Eric Chelle’s Unity Cup squad.

In England, Femi Azeez scored twice for Millwall in their clash against Oxford United, but despite his brilliant display, the club narrowly missed automatic promotion after Ipswich Town defeated Queens Park Rangers. Millwall will now shift focus to the play-offs, where they face Hull City.

In Portugal, Zaidu Sanusi made a successful return from injury as FC Porto secured the Primeira Liga title with a 1-0 win over Alverca. The Nigerian defender started the match and delivered a solid performance before being substituted at half-time.

Other Nigerian Stars Across Europe

In France, Moses Simon played the entire match as Paris FC cruised to a 4-0 victory over Brest.

In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika came off the bench to help Club Brugge secure a 3-1 win over Anderlecht, keeping their title hopes firmly on track.

In Cyprus, Peter Olayinka featured for APOEL as the club maintained pressure in the title race.

Meanwhile, in Greece, Bruno Onyemaechi was absent as Olympiacos suffered a 3-1 defeat to PAOK, a result that complicated their chase for league leaders AEK Athens.