In a surprise move that is already sparking debates across industries, President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation announcing dramatic fee increases for U.S. work visas including the H-1B visa program, which many healthcare organizations rely on to fill critical staffing needs.
Under the new policy, employers who wish to hire highly-skilled foreign workers will face a $100,000 annual H-1B visa fee, a sharp jump from the current $215. The government also unveiled a controversial “gold card” and “platinum card” visa program that offers a pathway to U.S. citizenship for wealthy investors willing to pay between $1 million and $5 million.
What This Means for International Healthcare Recruitment
While the H-1B visa is most commonly associated with the tech industry, it is also used in international healthcare recruitment particularly for specialized nursing roles, medical technologists, and other high-demand medical professionals.
For hospitals and clinics already struggling with staffing shortages, especially in rural and underserved areas, these proposed changes could create financial barriers to recruiting internationally trained nurses. As fees for skilled worker visas increase nearly 500 times, many healthcare employers may find it financially impractical to use the H-1B process unless hiring for very senior or specialized roles.
The policy also introduces a $1 million “gold card” visa for wealthy individuals (and $2 million for company sponsorship) with a route to U.S. citizenship after vetting. Additionally, the $5 million “Trump Platinum Card” visa would allow holders to spend up to 270 days in the U.S. annually without paying U.S. taxes on overseas income.
Industry Reactions and Legal Challenges Ahead
Administration officials claim that large corporations support the change, but representatives from major technology companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple, and Meta have not confirmed this stance. Microsoft has declined to comment. Critics argue the President is sidestepping Congress and warn the new rules will face near-certain legal challenges.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the decision, stating, “If you’re going to train people, you’re going to train Americans.” However, immigration law experts caution that without sufficient international talent, both tech and healthcare sectors could face severe workforce shortages.
How This Affects Employers Hiring Foreign Nurses
Most internationally educated nurses enter the U.S. through H-1B visas or EB-3 green card sponsorship programs. While EB-3 visa processing remains unaffected for now, the spike in H-1B costs could make this route impractical for hospitals unless the rules are overturned in court.
Healthcare organizations looking to hire internationally will need expert immigration guidance to navigate these shifting rules, explore alternative visa categories, and ensure compliance with U.S. immigration policies.
VisaMadeEZ Tip for Healthcare Employers: If your facility depends on global healthcare recruitment, now is the time to review your visa strategy. Our immigration experts can help you explore cost-effective visa options, ensure smooth nurse onboarding, and keep your workforce pipeline strong despite policy changes.
Contact VisaMadeEZ today to schedule a free consultation on H-1B alternatives and international nurse sponsorship programs. Stay ahead of U.S. immigration policy changes because staffing your hospital shouldn’t stop at the border.
