H-1B Visa Changes: Who Pays the Price?
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by Kerri Miller
October 29, 2025
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4 min
An executive order by President Trump, effective September 19, 2025, significantly raises H-1B visa petition fees, potentially exacerbating physician shortages in underserved areas. This policy aims to curb alleged H-1B misuse but adversely impacts healthcare practitioners, especially in rural zones where physician gaps are critical. Current projections indicate a potential shortage of tens of thousands of physicians by 2036, while international medical graduates, often filling these roles via J-1 and H-1B visas, play a pivotal role in the healthcare workforce.
1. H-1B visa fees have increased to $100,000 as of September 21, 2025.2. This policy aims to curb 'abuse' in STEM fields but impacts physicians.3. 1% of US physicians were H-1B sponsored in FY 2024.4. Rural areas are significantly affected by physician shortages.5. International medical graduates represent about 25% of the workforce.6. Projected physician shortage ranges from 13,500 to 86,000 by 2036.7. Conrad 30 waiver helps international doctors transition to H-1B visas.8. Potential adverse impact on healthcare systems, especially in rural settings.
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