Bipartisan Bill Aims to Waive H-1B Visa Fees for Foreign Health Care Professionals

A bipartisan bill introduced in the House of Representatives seeks to eliminate the $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas for foreign health care professionals, including doctors and nurses. This fee was implemented by the Trump administration in September 2025 and has raised concerns about increased operational costs for hospitals that depend on foreign health providers. The legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Mike Lawler (Republican, New York), Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (Democrat, Georgia), Maria Elvira Salazar (Republican, Florida), and Yvette Clarke (Democrat, New York).

New York Times

The imposition of the H-1B visa fee has been particularly detrimental to hospitals in rural and underserved areas, which often rely on internationally trained medical graduates to fill critical staffing gaps. These professionals play a significant role in primary care, a field that many U.S.-trained doctors tend to avoid. According to the American Medical Association, the new legislation is crucial for maintaining access to medical care in these communities, as international medical graduates are essential for ensuring that patients receive timely treatment.

New York Times

The H-1B visa fees not only affect physicians but also threaten to exacerbate the existing national shortage of nurses. As of 2022, approximately 500,000 immigrant nurses were working in the United States, representing one in six of the nation’s over three million registered nurses. The potential waiver of these fees is seen as a necessary step to bolster the health care workforce, particularly in light of ongoing staffing challenges.

New York Times

The American Medical Association has expressed strong support for the bipartisan bill, urging Congress to act swiftly to alleviate the financial burden on hospitals and improve access to health care. The organization emphasized the vital role that international medical graduates play in the health care system, particularly in underserved regions.

New York Times

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support, some critics argue that waiving the fees may not address the underlying issues related to the H-1B visa program, such as the need for comprehensive immigration reform. Detractors suggest that merely eliminating the fee could lead to a temporary fix rather than a long-term solution for the staffing shortages in the health care sector.

New York Times

As the bill progresses through Congress, stakeholders in the health care industry are closely monitoring developments. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the upcoming influx of new medical residents on July 1, which could be significantly impacted by the current visa fee structure.

New York Times

“In many such communities, international medical graduates play a vital role in providing care and ensuring patients can see a doctor when they need one,” — American Medical Association Official

New York Times