Home » America Travel News » United States Approves Laws to Facilitate the Work of Foreign Doctors Texas and Florida Lead National Movement

Published on
October 1, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The United States is facing a medical crisis with a projected shortage of 124,000 doctors by 2034. To solve this urgent problem, states such as Texas and Florida are easing licensing rules and opening legal pathways for foreign-trained doctors. These reforms create unprecedented opportunities for international professionals, including Brazilians, to practice medicine in America.

Texas launches historic DOCTOR Act for foreign doctors

Texas has taken a bold step by approving House Bill 2038, known as the DOCTOR Act, in 2025. The new law came into effect in September and is designed to address acute shortages of medical staff in the state. The legislation allows foreign-trained doctors to apply for a provisional licence. This licence lets them work under the supervision of a Texas-licensed doctor. The state has made it clear that the measure is especially aimed at rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare is weakest. Doctors who can prove qualifications and past medical experience can now enter the workforce without repeating residency. This law shows how Texas is moving quickly to bring solutions to real health problems.

Florida accelerates medical entry through Senate Bill 7016

Florida has passed Senate Bill 7016 to simplify the licensing process for international doctors. Under this new rule, doctors trained outside the United States no longer need to complete a residency programme in America. Instead, they must show they have practised medicine during the last four years, speak fluent English, and have a strong record without sanctions. This new flexibility is designed to attract qualified professionals faster into roles across public health and hospital management. Florida aims to fill gaps in key medical areas by creating a clear and supportive legal pathway for doctors. By reducing barriers and speeding approvals, the state is setting a model for others to follow.

Other US states join the wave of reforms

The reform movement is not limited to Texas and Florida. At least sixteen other states, including Iowa, Illinois, Virginia, Oklahoma, and North Carolina, have already adopted similar laws or have proposals under review. According to the Federation of State Medical Boards, a total of eighteen states now allow foreign doctors to apply for full or provisional licences without repeating U.S. residency. Each state has its own requirements, but the national trend is clear. More states are recognising that international doctors bring immediate value to the healthcare system. This broad change marks a shift in attitude, moving from barriers and restrictions towards inclusion and opportunity. For doctors abroad, the American system is finally opening doors.

USMLE remains a key requirement in many states

Despite the wave of reforms, the United States Medical Licensing Examination remains central in many states. The USMLE is a three-step exam that measures scientific knowledge, clinical ability, and decision-making skills. Foreign-trained doctors must often pass these stages to qualify for a licence. However, under new laws, some states may reduce requirements for experienced doctors who have strong track records abroad. This balance keeps patient safety a priority while making it easier for foreign professionals to join the system. The USMLE will continue to serve as a quality control mechanism, but its weight is now more flexible under evolving rules.

The doctor shortage and its main causes

The U.S. shortage is fuelled by several serious factors. The population is ageing quickly, and older patients need more medical care. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease are rising every year. At the same time, the number of doctors finishing residency is not enough to meet demand. These problems combine to create a growing gap between supply and need. Family medicine, geriatrics, and paediatrics are the hardest hit specialities. States are turning to foreign-trained doctors as a practical solution. Without their contribution, millions of Americans, especially in small towns and rural areas, risk losing access to basic healthcare.

Immigration advantages for international doctors

These new reforms have significant immigration benefits. Foreign doctors working legally in the United States, even under provisional licences, may qualify for the EB2 National Interest Waiver visa. This visa allows applicants to request a Green Card without a job offer. Doctors who work in underserved areas or in critical healthcare sectors are more likely to succeed with this process. The EB2-NIW pathway represents a direct opportunity for international doctors to secure permanent residency. By aligning medical reforms with immigration policy, the United States is creating a powerful incentive for skilled professionals worldwide to consider a career in America.

A unique opportunity for Brazilian doctors

For Brazilian doctors and other international professionals, the current reforms represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The barriers that once made practising in the U.S. almost impossible are being lowered. With new laws in states like Texas and Florida, qualified Brazilian doctors can now contribute to American public health. At the same time, they gain the chance to expand their careers and pursue long-term residency. With proper legal guidance and preparation for exams such as the USMLE, this path becomes not only possible but practical. For many, it is the gateway to a secure and rewarding professional future.

America shifts its vision of foreign doctors

The reforms also highlight a cultural shift. For years, foreign-trained doctors were seen as exceptions, often forced through layers of duplication and strict requirements. Now the United States is treating them as part of the solution. Policymakers are acknowledging the vital role international doctors can play in meeting urgent healthcare needs. By creating provisional and permanent licensing options, states are recognising that experience and training abroad can be just as valuable as U.S. qualifications. This change is not only about policy but about vision. It marks a turning point in how America sees international medical talent.

A pathway towards long-term healthcare stability

The reforms in Texas, Florida, and other states are not short-term fixes. They are part of a larger effort to stabilise the American healthcare system. By reducing licensing barriers, states are increasing the pool of available doctors. By targeting underserved areas, they are ensuring that vulnerable populations get the care they need. And by linking medical reforms with immigration opportunities, they are building a stronger, more sustainable workforce. For the U.S., these changes may be the difference between a looming crisis and a healthier future. For foreign doctors, it is an invitation to take part in that future.