A rare bipartisan group of lawmakers have moved to exempt the healthcare system from new visa filing fees imposed on foreign doctors.
The introduced bill, titled H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act (H.R. 7961), seeks to undo the $100,000 visa filing fee that was imposed by the March 2025 Presidential proclamation. The executive action issued by President Trump hiked the annual filing fees for H-1B visas, increasing fees from a few thousand dollars to six figures. Proponents of the bill argue that move would prioritize American workers.
Under this proposed legislation, hospitals and clinics recruiting foreign doctors and other essential medial staff would still pay a fee. However, it would be capped at the standard rated of $1,500 that was established under the U.S. code.
“Hospitals, community health centers, and other critical facilities are facing serious workforce shortages that threaten access to care,” said Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), a lead sponsor of the bill. “They simply cannot afford a $100,000 price tag on new immigrant workers while they are already struggling to keep their doors open.”
This push comes after opposition to the filing fee by the American Medical Association and other healthcare institutions. The sector expressed concern that the fees worsen existing staffing shortages, particularly for rural and underserved urban areas. The organization stated these communities rely on foreign doctors and International medical Graduates (IMGs) to provide quality care.
The coalition behind H.R. 7961 represents a rare moment of cross-aisle cooperation in a highly polarized Capitol. The group includes representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), and is now heading to the House Judiciary Committee.
Industry Voices Are Asking For More Foreign Doctors
Other major health and medical groups have voiced backing for the bill. Supporters include the American Medical Association and Physicians for American Healthcare Access. The American Hospital Association and the American Pharmacists Association also endorse the measure.
Groups have warned that the current $100,000 fee impacts community clinics and mid-size practices already operating on thin margins. The AMA reports that 64% of foreign-trained physicians in the U.S. practice in medically underserved Areas or health shortage areas. About half of these foreign doctors are in rural communities.
According to a KFF, top employers of H-1B healthcare workers include St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Research universities and affiliated medical centers also rank as the largest employers of foreign healthcare professionals.
In addition to the via fee, the Department of Labor launched Project Firewall in September 2025. This was in an effort to root out H-1B alleged fraud and abuse. Per KFF reports, the initiative has led to an increase of random site visits and added scrutiny of third-party worksites.
