World Business Report Could doctors be exempt from Trumps $100,000 visa fee?
Sep 22, 2025
Imagine a world where doctors might dodge a hefty $100,000 visa fee! The President of the American Medical Association weighs in on this potential exemption. Meanwhile, in India, tax cuts are making daily essentials cheaper, boosting consumer spending. Over in Uzbekistan, new regulations aim to rein in extravagant wedding expenses, unlocking a discussion on cultural spending habits. Dive into the intertwining webs of immigration, economy, and tradition across these vibrant countries!
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Fee Sparks Hiring Pause
- The new $100,000 one-off H-1B fee creates major uncertainty and could pause hiring decisions across industries.
- Companies will likely reserve H-1B hires for only the highest-value roles or pause applications until the rule is clarified.
Small Firms Priced Out
- Small and mid-sized businesses that regularly hire H-1B workers are likely unable to absorb an extra $100,000 cost.
- The fee would concentrate H-1B use among large firms or for only exceptionally skilled hires.
Top Talent May Shift Visa Routes
- Companies may instead use alternative visa categories like O-1 or direct green card paths for top talent.
- The fee could shift hiring strategies toward visas already reserved for 'extraordinary ability' individuals.