A pause in visa processing could exacerbate the U.S. physician shortage, potentially leaving the country with fewer new doctors at a critical time. Forbes examines how immigration hurdles are clashing with the urgent need for medical professionals.
The Visa Bottleneck
The U.S. relies heavily on international medical graduates (IMGs), who make up roughly 25% of practicing physicians, according to the American Medical Association. Many enter on J-1 and H-1B visas to complete residencies and join the workforce. However, a recent suspension in visa processing—stemming from administrative backlogs and policy reviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services—has stalled approvals as of June 2025. This freeze risks delaying or blocking thousands of IMGs from starting residencies, a key step to licensure.
The U.S. relies heavily on international medical graduates (IMGs), who make up roughly 25% of practicing physicians, according to the American Medical Association. Many enter on J-1 and H-1B visas to complete residencies and join the workforce. However, a recent suspension in visa processing—stemming from administrative backlogs and policy reviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services—has stalled approvals as of June 2025. This freeze risks delaying or blocking thousands of IMGs from starting residencies, a key step to licensure.
A Deepening Shortage
The timing couldn’t be worse. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortfall of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033, driven by an aging population and retiring doctors. Rural and underserved areas are hit hardest, with IMGs often filling gaps—over 30% of doctors in such regions are foreign-trained, per a 2024 study. A visa pause could shrink the pipeline, delaying care and straining hospitals already grappling with staff shortages.
The timing couldn’t be worse. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortfall of 54,100 to 139,000 physicians by 2033, driven by an aging population and retiring doctors. Rural and underserved areas are hit hardest, with IMGs often filling gaps—over 30% of doctors in such regions are foreign-trained, per a 2024 study. A visa pause could shrink the pipeline, delaying care and straining hospitals already grappling with staff shortages.
Real-World Impact
Hospitals and training programs are feeling the pinch. For example, a New York teaching hospital reported that 15% of its 2025 resident cohort—mostly IMGs—may be unable to start due to visa delays, per program directors. Dr. Aisha Khan, an IMG from Pakistan awaiting an H-1B, told Forbes, “I’ve spent years preparing, and now my future here is uncertain.” Patients suffer too: longer wait times and reduced access to specialists are already reported in shortage zones.
Hospitals and training programs are feeling the pinch. For example, a New York teaching hospital reported that 15% of its 2025 resident cohort—mostly IMGs—may be unable to start due to visa delays, per program directors. Dr. Aisha Khan, an IMG from Pakistan awaiting an H-1B, told Forbes, “I’ve spent years preparing, and now my future here is uncertain.” Patients suffer too: longer wait times and reduced access to specialists are already reported in shortage zones.
Policy and Pushback
The visa pause, tied to heightened scrutiny of immigration processes, aims to address security and administrative concerns. Critics argue it overlooks the healthcare crisis. The American Hospital Association has urged swift action, warning that “disrupting the flow of IMGs threatens patient care.” Some lawmakers propose exemptions for medical professionals, but no fix is imminent as of June 2025.
The visa pause, tied to heightened scrutiny of immigration processes, aims to address security and administrative concerns. Critics argue it overlooks the healthcare crisis. The American Hospital Association has urged swift action, warning that “disrupting the flow of IMGs threatens patient care.” Some lawmakers propose exemptions for medical professionals, but no fix is imminent as of June 2025.
A Path Forward
Experts call for streamlined visa pathways, such as fast-tracking J-1 and H-1B approvals for healthcare workers. Expanding domestic medical training is another long-term fix, but it’s costly and slow—new programs take years to produce graduates. In the meantime, X posts from medical students and advocates highlight growing alarm, with calls for policy reform trending.
Experts call for streamlined visa pathways, such as fast-tracking J-1 and H-1B approvals for healthcare workers. Expanding domestic medical training is another long-term fix, but it’s costly and slow—new programs take years to produce graduates. In the meantime, X posts from medical students and advocates highlight growing alarm, with calls for policy reform trending.
The Stakes
With demand for doctors outpacing supply, the visa pause could deepen a healthcare crisis, hitting vulnerable communities hardest. Resolving this bottleneck is critical to ensure new physicians can step in where they’re needed most, keeping the U.S. health system afloat.
With demand for doctors outpacing supply, the visa pause could deepen a healthcare crisis, hitting vulnerable communities hardest. Resolving this bottleneck is critical to ensure new physicians can step in where they’re needed most, keeping the U.S. health system afloat.