DHS Proposes $103,265 H-1B Fee: What IMGs Should Know
Immigration headlines can feel overwhelming, especially when they intersect with medical training and career planning in the United States.
On August 25, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would add a $103,265 fee to H-1B petitions subject to the annual cap. Importantly, this is still a proposal—not a final rule.
Who would pay the fee?
The proposed fee would be paid by the employer or petitioner filing the H-1B petition, not directly by the physician. It would also be charged in addition to other applicable H-1B filing fees.
For IMGs, however, the potential impact still matters. A substantially higher sponsorship cost could affect how some cap-subject employers approach hiring international physicians.
Would every H-1B physician be affected?
No.
DHS specifically states that the proposed fee would apply to cap-subject H-1B petitions, including petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption. It would not apply to cap-exempt H-1B petitions.
This distinction can be particularly important in medicine. Certain educational institutions, nonprofit research organizations, and governmental research organizations employ H-1B workers through cap-exempt petitions. Whether a physician falls into this category depends on the employer and the specific petition.
What happens next?
Because this is a proposed rule, the public still has an opportunity to provide feedback. DHS is accepting comments through September 24, 2026.
For internationally trained physicians, changes like this are another reminder that navigating U.S. medicine involves much more than exams and clinical training. Immigration pathways, employer sponsorship, licensing, and policy changes can all become part of the journey.
At LATIMGS, our goal is to help IMGs stay informed, connected, and better prepared to navigate an evolving U.S. medical landscape.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.
Official source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions, Federal Register, August 25, 2026.