There is an important immigration update for many international healthcare professionals pursuing opportunities in the United States.
A U.S. federal judge has struck down the State Department policy that paused immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries. The policy had been in effect since January 2026 and impacted immigrant visa applicants from countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and South America.
For many impacted Explorers, this is encouraging news. With the pause lifted, eligible cases can begin moving forward again through the normal immigrant visa process.
What This Means for Impacted Explorers
If your case was impacted by the 75-country immigrant visa processing pause, there is nothing you need to do right now.
It is important to remember that individual U.S. Embassies control interview scheduling. We do not schedule embassy interviews, and implementation may take time as individual embassies respond to the change.
Once your case is eligible to move forward and the embassy schedules your interview, our team will contact you directly with guidance and instructions.
If you have questions about how this change may affect your individual journey, reach out to your U.S. Advancement Guide for guidance on your next steps.
Some Visa Restrictions Remain in Place
While the court ruling removes the broader immigrant visa processing pause affecting nationals of 75 countries, it does not eliminate every U.S. visa or travel restriction currently in effect.
Some countries and applicants may remain subject to separate restrictions or requirements. Because every case is different, Explorers should not assume the court ruling means their individual case can immediately proceed.
Your U.S. Advancement Guide can help you understand how the latest developments apply to your specific case.
September Visa Bulletin Remains Unchanged
The U.S. Department of State has also released the Visa Bulletin for September 2026.
After incremental movement during previous months, September brings no changes to the EB-3 or EB-3 Other Workers Final Action Dates.
As of September 2026, the Final Action Dates for EB-3 visas remain:
- All Chargeability Areas (except listed): September 1, 2024
- Philippines: August 1, 2023
- India: January 1, 2014
- China: January 1, 2022
In the EB-3 Other Workers category, Final Action Dates also remain:
- All Chargeability Areas (except listed): April 1, 2022
- Philippines: December 1, 2021
- India: January 1, 2014
- China: May 1, 2019
Although there is no forward movement in September’s Final Action Dates, candidates whose priority dates are already eligible can continue progressing through the appropriate stages of their immigration process.
Stay Prepared and Stay Connected
Immigration policies and processing conditions can change, making it especially important to rely on guidance specific to your individual case.
As eligible cases move forward, our team will communicate directly with impacted Explorers. Interview scheduling will be handled by the appropriate U.S. Embassy, and you will receive guidance and instructions as next steps become available.
Patty Jeffrey, Executive Vice President of International Operations at MedPro International, continues to advocate for foreign-educated healthcare professionals through ongoing collaboration with policymakers, healthcare leaders, and industry organizations.
We remain committed to keeping Explorers informed and supported as immigration developments evolve.
If you have questions about your priority date, immigration process, or whether the recent court ruling impacts your case, please reach out to your U.S. Advancement Guide for individualized guidance.