The United States is considering exemptions from its new H-1B Visa Fee, with physicians likely to be included. Reports on Monday suggested that the White House may offer case-by-case waivers if exemptions are deemed in the national interest.
On September 20, the Trump administration announced that companies must pay $100,000 per year for every H-1B visa. The policy marks one of the administration’s most significant steps to reshape temporary work visas as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that doctors may be among those exempted. The exemptions could soften the impact on certain sectors while the wider business community adjusts to the costly change.
The technology industry has been most vocal in its opposition, as it depends heavily on skilled foreign workers. Many of these employees come from India and China, which together account for the majority of H-1B visa holders.
Official data shows that in 2024, the US issued nearly 400,000 H-1B visas. Of these, Indian professionals received about 72%, while China was a distant second. All other countries combined made up less than 1% of approvals.
Analysts warn that the new Visa Fee could discourage companies from hiring foreign workers, potentially slowing growth in sectors like technology and healthcare. Employers say the move risks creating labor shortages and hurting competitiveness.
The administration argues that some firms misuse the program to lower wages, harming US workers. Data shows foreign STEM workers in the US more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, while overall STEM job growth was slower.
The final scope of exemptions is still being reviewed. If physicians are officially excluded from the Visa Fee, it could ease pressure on the healthcare sector. However, the broader impact on technology and other industries remains uncertain.
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