Medical Groups Urge H-1B Fee Exemption to Protect Healthcare Workforce

Over 50 leading U.S. medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Physicians, and Medical Group Management Association, are urging the Trump administration to exempt healthcare workers from the newly announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee. The policy, effective September 19, has sparked concern that higher costs could hinder recruitment of foreign-trained clinicians, worsening the nation’s healthcare workforce shortage.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) highlighted the disproportionate impact on rural and underserved communities, which already struggle to retain staff. H-1B visas support international medical graduates, who account for nearly 25% of U.S. physicians and often work in high-need areas. Last year, 17,000 H-1B visas were issued to healthcare professionals, half of which went to physicians and surgeons.

Medical groups emphasize that foreign clinicians complement rather than displace American workers and are critical to addressing the projected shortage of 86,000 doctors by 2036, ensuring patient care in underserved regions.

01-10-2025