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148. New H-1B Applicants After Sept 2025? Here’s What I’d Do
Quick pause!
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMG Roadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
There’s been a lot of fear circulating online about a proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, and I’ve been getting questions nonstop from IMGs who are worried about what this could mean for their future.
In this episode, I break down what’s actually being discussed, who this proposal may apply to, and—most importantly—how I would think about this as a physician if I were applying for H-1B today.
I share my own immigration journey, how I approached visas strategically, and why panic is never a strategy—but preparation is.
- Where the $100,000 H-1B fee discussion is coming from
- Who this proposal would apply to (and who it would not)
Why social media is the worst place to get immigration advice
How physicians can potentially qualify for exemptions
What “national interest” really means for doctors
Why shortage areas matter more than ever
What I would personally do if I were a new H-1B applicant today
Key Takeaways
Not every headline applies to every IMG
- Physicians are uniquely positioned because of workforce shortages
- Knowing the rules gives you leverage
- You need a plan—not fear
Resources Mentioned
NIW information: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2
USCIS on H1B visa: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations
HRSA Health Professional Shortage Area tool: https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas/hpsa-find
IMG Roadmap Podcast Episode #13 (National Interest Waiver discussion):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-img-roadmap-series-30-dr-clarisse-tallah-fm-ob-maternal/id1490731292?i=1000469793341
Immigration attorney referral: https://www.bakerlaw.com/insights/uscis-clarifies-when-100000-h-1b-fee-is-required-exempting-most-f-1-students/
Disclaimer
This episode reflects my personal experience and opinions and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.
******
Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today:
- for IMG-related questions: [email protected]
- for course-related questions: [email protected]
*****
Follow us on Instagram for supportive content and download our targeted planner from our website!
Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter and consider joining our program to kick start your IMG journey.
As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on Apple podcasts, Youtube Music and Spotify.
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By Dr. Nina Lum
4.9
108108 ratings
Quick pause!
Want to stay inspired with content tailored specifically to IMG’s looking to create their medical success story? Sign up for the IMG Roadmap Newsletter so you never miss a beat!
*****
There’s been a lot of fear circulating online about a proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, and I’ve been getting questions nonstop from IMGs who are worried about what this could mean for their future.
In this episode, I break down what’s actually being discussed, who this proposal may apply to, and—most importantly—how I would think about this as a physician if I were applying for H-1B today.
I share my own immigration journey, how I approached visas strategically, and why panic is never a strategy—but preparation is.
- Where the $100,000 H-1B fee discussion is coming from
- Who this proposal would apply to (and who it would not)
Why social media is the worst place to get immigration advice
How physicians can potentially qualify for exemptions
What “national interest” really means for doctors
Why shortage areas matter more than ever
What I would personally do if I were a new H-1B applicant today
Key Takeaways
Not every headline applies to every IMG
- Physicians are uniquely positioned because of workforce shortages
- Knowing the rules gives you leverage
- You need a plan—not fear
Resources Mentioned
NIW information: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-second-preference-eb-2
USCIS on H1B visa: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/h-1b-specialty-occupations
HRSA Health Professional Shortage Area tool: https://data.hrsa.gov/topics/health-workforce/shortage-areas/hpsa-find
IMG Roadmap Podcast Episode #13 (National Interest Waiver discussion):https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/13-img-roadmap-series-30-dr-clarisse-tallah-fm-ob-maternal/id1490731292?i=1000469793341
Immigration attorney referral: https://www.bakerlaw.com/insights/uscis-clarifies-when-100000-h-1b-fee-is-required-exempting-most-f-1-students/
Disclaimer
This episode reflects my personal experience and opinions and is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.
******
Interested in writing your own medical success story? We've got you covered. Here's how you can join the IMG Roadmap Community Today:
- for IMG-related questions: [email protected]
- for course-related questions: [email protected]
*****
Follow us on Instagram for supportive content and download our targeted planner from our website!
Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter and consider joining our program to kick start your IMG journey.
As always you can click on the following links to listen to more episodes of our podcasts on Apple podcasts, Youtube Music and Spotify.