Indian American Physicians Applaud Ruling Blocking $100,000 H‑1B Physician Visa Requirement

Indian American physician groups are praising a federal court ruling that blocks a U.S. Department of Labor rule requiring H-1B visa doctors to be paid at least $100,000 annually. The rule, which took effect in October 2020, had drawn criticism from medical associations representing foreign-born doctors, particularly those from India.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the Department of Labor exceeded its authority in setting the wage floor, which was part of a broader set of immigration restrictions imposed during the Trump administration. The court found the rule was not based on a proper assessment of market conditions or the impact on healthcare access.

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) and other groups argued that the $100,000 minimum would have made it difficult for rural and underserved hospitals to hire foreign physicians, many of whom are Indian American. These hospitals often rely on H-1B doctors to fill shortages in primary care and specialties.

The ruling is seen as a significant win for Indian American physicians, who make up a large share of foreign-born doctors in the United States. It allows hospitals and clinics to continue sponsoring H-1B visas for physicians without meeting the higher salary threshold, which many said was unattainable in lower-cost regions.

The Department of Labor has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, physician groups are urging Congress to pass broader immigration reforms to address long-term staffing needs in healthcare.