AAMC Joins Letter Urging Health Professions Education Exemption from H-1B Visa Fee

The AAMC joined an Oct. 24 letter with fellow members of the Federation of Associations of Schools for Health Professions (FASHP) urging Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem to exempt the health professions education workforce from the new $100,000 H-1B visa filing fee (PDF) established through the Sept. 19 presidential proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” which imposes a fee on new H-1B visa applications [refer to Washington Highlights, Sept. 26].  

Specifically, the letter highlighted that international H-1B health faculty and clinicians augment education, training, and clinical care to patients. The letter also emphasized that a robust health professions education workforce is essential in ensuring that the American people have access to quality and affordable health care. The letter argued that the $100,000 filing fee would restrict access to patient care and hinder health professions education, particularly in rural and underserved areas where H-1B visa holders often serve and teach.