Post by : Raman

The US Department of Homeland Security is reviewing a plan to sharply increase H-1B visa fees, potentially raising costs from $4,500 to as much as $100,000. The proposed change has raised serious concerns among healthcare groups who say it could worsen existing staff shortages in hospitals and clinics across the country.

The H-1B visa program allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialised fields such as technology, engineering, medicine, and academia. In the healthcare sector, it is widely used to recruit international medical graduates and other foreign-trained professionals, many of whom serve in rural and underserved areas.

Healthcare organisations warn that the proposed fee hike could reduce the number of international doctors entering the US system. The American Academy of Family Physicians said international medical graduates make up over one-fifth of family doctors and are often essential in rural regions.

The American Medical Association (AMA) stressed that raising fees to $100,000 could severely limit the international physician pipeline. AMA President Bobby Mukkamala noted, “With the US already facing a shortage of doctors, making it harder for international medical graduates to train and practice here means patients will wait longer and travel farther to receive care.”

Hospital groups echoed these concerns. The American Hospital Association stated that H-1B visas are critical for hiring skilled physicians and healthcare professionals, helping hospitals maintain access to care. Many hospitals, including Cleveland Clinic, OhioHealth, Cedars-Sinai, and Mass General Brigham, said they are assessing the potential impact of the fee increase on their operations.

In 2025, US Citizenship and Immigration Services reported about 442,000 H-1B visa beneficiaries across all sectors, with 5,640 petitions approved in healthcare and social assistance. Experts predict that by 2036, the US could face a shortage of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians as demand continues to grow faster than supply.

Hospital and doctor groups are urging the government to consider exemptions for healthcare personnel to prevent further strain on the US medical system and ensure that communities continue to have access to essential healthcare services.

This policy review comes as the US healthcare sector continues to recover from staffing pressures intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the critical role of international medical professionals in maintaining healthcare access nationwide

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