Medical Groups Back Legislation that would Exempt Healthcare Workers from $100,000 H-1B Filing Fee

On March 17, 2026, bipartisan legislation was introduced by U.S. Representatives Mike Lawyer (R-NY), Sanford Bishop Jr. (D-GA), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) to exempt physicians and other healthcare workers from the Trump Administration’s $100,000 H-1B filing fee.

The bill, presently called the “H-1Bs for Physicians and the Healthcare Workforce Act,” proposes that the $100,000 H-1B filing fee shall not apply to any H-1B worker who is employed in the healthcare sector. The proposed fee exemption would broadly cover healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, dentists, certified nurse midwives, psychologists, ambulance workers, and public health professionals as defined by Affordable Care Act.

The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA)—among other medical organizations—have endorsed this legislation. 

In its recent press release applauding the bill, the AMA wrote that the $100,000 H-1B filing fee raises hiring costs, which in turn worsens physician shortages, increases wait times, and reduces access care. The bill therefore aligns with AMA’s mission to build and maintain a strong healthcare workforce to serve all patient needs.

Similarly, AHA Executive VP Stacey Hughes expressed support for the bill, stating that it would maintain patient access to care by sustaining critical healthcare staffing in shortage areas.