The U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bipartisan bill proposing a waiver to the one-hundred-thousand-dollar H-1B fee for healthcare workers. This move represents the largest concerted effort towards limiting the scope of the H-1B fee. If implemented, the bill eliminates the added cost barrier for hospitals reliant on foreign medical talent.
Fee Outlines
On September 19, 2025 the government enacted a new policy mandating a one-hundred-thousand-dollar application fee. The government argued the new policy discourages abuse of the H-1B application system by tech companies. Additionally, the government explained the fee protects job opportunities for American workers.
Legal Response
After introducing the fee, the DHS faced multiple legal challenges. The most significant being a lawsuit filed by the Chamber of Commerce (COC). The Chamber explained the new fee violates federal immigration regulations and exceeds the authority of the president. Additionally, a coalition of health care providers, religious groups, and university groups filed their own lawsuit against the government.
Legislative Response
The proposed bill lays out two major changes for H-1B healthcare workers:
- Letting healthcare workers waive the one-hundred-thousand-dollar H-1B fee.
- Bar the government from implementing any fee on healthcare workers beyond the standard H-1B fees outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Any prospective H-1B beneficiaries employed in healthcare positions qualify for the proposed exemption.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.