**How Trump’s H-1B Fee Hike Could Affect the US Healthcare System**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 20, 2025, 05:03 PM*
The Trump administration has announced a staggering increase in the annual fee for H-1B visas, raising it by $100,000. This move is poised to have severe implications for the US healthcare system, where over 30% of medical residents are international graduates.
Currently, approximately 10,000 out of 43,000 residency spots are occupied by H-1B visa holders. With the visa fee surge—from less than $5,000 to an eye-watering $100,000—many hospitals may find it economically unfeasible to sponsor these visas for medical residents, who earn an average annual salary of around $55,000. This could exacerbate existing staffing shortages and ultimately compromise patient care. As Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick noted, “No longer will you put trainees on an H-1B visa—it’s just not economic anymore.”
### Visa Costs Surge, Risking Patient Care
The dramatic hike in fees significantly raises costs for employers. It is expected to make the H-1B program viable only for high-value roles, rather than entry-level or trainee positions. Officials have yet to clarify whether the $100,000 fee will be charged upfront or annually. Meanwhile, visa quotas remain unchanged at 65,000 for regular applicants and 20,000 for advanced degree holders. However, the soaring costs are anticipated to cause a sharp decline in applications.
### Impact on Businesses and IT Firms
India remains the largest beneficiary of H-1B visas, accounting for 71% of approvals last year. The fee increase will likely impact IT companies such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, which frequently send junior and mid-level engineers to the US for projects.
According to recent data, Amazon leads with 10,044 H-1B visa holders, followed by TCS (5,505), Microsoft (5,189), Meta (5,123), Apple (4,202), Google (4,181), Deloitte (2,353), Infosys (2,004), Wipro (1,523), and Tech Mahindra Americas (951).
### Opposition and Criticism
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from US lawmakers and immigration advocates. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi described the fee hike as “reckless,” warning that it risks cutting the US off from high-skilled talent essential for innovation and job creation.
Ajay Bhutoria, a former advisor to President Joe Biden, added that the increase could “crush small businesses and start-ups reliant on diverse talent.” He also cautioned that it might drive skilled workers to Canada or Europe, thereby weakening America’s competitive edge globally.
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The Trump administration’s hefty H-1B fee increase could thus have far-reaching consequences—not only for the US healthcare system struggling with staff shortages but also for the broader economy and the country’s position as a hub for global talent.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/us-healthcare-braces-for-impact-as-trump-hikes-h-1b-fee/story