JAMA Study on Impact of H-1B Visa Application Fees

Workforce
 
Published:October 31, 2025
Dana Ritchie
​​As AHCA/NCAL shared previously, the President recently signed a proclamation to restrict the entry into the United States of certain H-1B non-immigrant worker visas, requiring a $100,000 payment to accompany or supplement H-1B petitions for new applications. The restriction applies only to new entrants and includes provisions for national interest exemptions at the Secretary of Homeland Security’s discretion. The policy remains in effect for 12 months unless extended.  
  
On October 29, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a study showing the increase of H1-B visa fees will most impact rural and high-poverty counties. Findings in the study included that the percentage of H-1B–sponsored physicians was nearly two times higher in rural compared with urban counties, and nearly four times greater in the highest versus lowest poverty counties.