Trump Plans $100K Fee on Select H-1B Visas Impacting Minnesota Medical Staffing

President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation imposing a new $100,000 fee on each new H-1B visa petition filed on or after September 21, 2025, a significant increase from the typical $3,380 cost for employers sponsoring these visas. This change could heavily impact institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota, which are major sponsors of H-1B visas, particularly for non-U.S. physicians who require these visas to work in specialty medical occupations within the U.S. The Mayo Clinic, noted for having a large number of clinical residents on H-1B visas, may face challenges in recruiting medical staff due to the increased financial burden. Local business and healthcare leaders expressed concerns that the fee hike could reduce the availability of skilled foreign workers, including physicians and nurses, which could affect the quality of healthcare services. While some support the President's goal of increasing employment opportunities for Americans, there is recognition of the need for more domestic education and training to fill specialized roles. Additionally, proposed federal cuts to NIH funding, which supports medical research in Rochester, could further strain the healthcare and research sectors, limiting advancements and impacting jobs in the community.