COVID-19: US asks doctors, nurses seeking to work in America to apply for visas

The United States government led by President Donald Trump has asked medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for a work visa at the nearest US Embassy.

This was revealed on Friday in a statement published on www.travel.state.gov, which also advised foreign medical professionals already in the US to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes.

The US government says the move was part of measures to strengthen the health system to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

READ ALSO: UK Prime Minister, Johnson, tests positive for coronavirus

“We encourage medical professionals seeking to work in the United States on a work or exchange visitor, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment,” the statement reads.

“For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States: “J-1 Alien Physicians (medical residents) may consult with their programme sponsor, ECFMG, to extend their programmes in the United States. Generally, a J-1 program for a foreign medical resident can be extended one year at a time for up to seven years,” the statement added.

The development comes as the United States of America overtook China on Thursday as the country with the highest number of novel coronavirus patients anywhere in the world.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now