Story perspectives

$100K H-1B Fee Threatens Rural Hospitals, Doctors; Bill Seeks Exemption

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2025 proclamation’s $100,000 H-1B fee blocks small, rural hospitals from affording visas for foreign doctors.
Because Medicare funds postgraduate education, taxpayers lose benefits when those doctors cannot stay.
Hundreds of doctors risk leaving the United States because the HHS waiver backlog remains unresolved after September stall.
A bipartisan bill seeks an exemption while lawsuits by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, states and a recruiter aim to end the fee.

1 of 1

Story summary

The 2025 proclamation’s $100,000 H-1B fee blocks small, rural hospitals from affording visas for foreign doctors.
Because Medicare funds postgraduate education, taxpayers lose benefits when those doctors cannot stay.
Hundreds of doctors risk leaving the United States because the HHS waiver backlog remains unresolved after September stall.
A bipartisan bill seeks an exemption while lawsuits by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, states and a recruiter aim to end the fee.