COVID-19: US Calls on Doctors, Nurses to Apply for Visas

• COVID-19: US Calls on Doctors, Nurses to Apply for Visas

The rising number of coronavirus confirmed cases in the United States of America has forced Donald Trump-led administration to once again opened the world’s largest economy to medical experts around the world as the nation struggles with an overwhelmed health system.

A report released by Johns Hopkins put the total number of confirmed cases in the US at 85,500, the highest in the world and more than China, the outbreak nation.

However, with the number of confirmed cases rising, experts are predicting that the world’s most powerful nation will need medical experts to help strengthen the overburdened American health system.

Therefore, on Thursday, the US government, in a statement published on www.travel.state.gov, advised foreign medical professionals already in the US to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes.

While other foreign medical experts outside the US are encouraged to apply for a visa at a nearby US embassy.

The statement read, “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.

“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.”