The American Medical Association (AMA), together with 53 leading medical societies, has urged the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to exempt physicians from the newly announced $100,000 H-1B visa fee.
In a letter sent Thursday (September 25), the groups highlighted that physicians, residents, and fellows are critical to maintaining a strong healthcare workforce in the United States. They called on the DHS to waive the fee, stressing that continued access to international medical professionals is essential for patient care nationwide.
“This measure is necessary to ensure that H-1B physicians, who serve as a vital pipeline for U.S. healthcare, can continue providing care to patients across the country,” the letter stated.
The fee, part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration reforms, is a one-time cost for H-1B visa applicants. The program allows U.S. employers to recruit skilled foreign workers in sectors including technology, engineering, academia, and medicine. Doctors trained abroad rely on the H-1B program to practice in the United States, particularly in underserved areas.
Advocacy groups noted that in 2021, nearly 64% of foreign-trained physicians were practicing in medically underserved or shortage areas, with almost half working in rural communities. With projections showing a shortfall of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, they warned that the new visa fee could limit access to care, increase patient wait times, and further strain the healthcare system.
The AMA said it is eager to work with the administration to ensure patients continue to have access to essential medical services.
