When I first read about this new policy, I had to pause. Starting September 21, 2025, the Trump administration now requires a $100,000 fee for every new H-1B petition.
One hundred thousand dollars. That’s not just a number—it’s a wall.
As a Filipino med tech who knows the struggles of getting into the U.S. healthcare system, I can’t help but feel this deeply. Many of us dream of working here, sending money back home, building a life, and serving patients in hospitals that badly need staff. But with this move, the road just became a lot harder.
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Nonprofit Hospitals Take the Hit
Think about nonprofit hospitals. Most of them don’t have big budgets like private medical centers. They’re already short-staffed. In labs, just being one med tech down can mean longer turnaround times, stressed colleagues, and even risks for patient safety.
Now, if they want to hire an international med tech? They have to pay $100k just for the visa petition. For many hospitals, that’s enough to make them say, “Forget it.”
And when that happens, the reality is simple: no med techs, no diagnosis. No diagnosis, no treatment.
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Exemptions? Only for Doctors (So Far)
What makes it sting more is that early reports suggest there might be exemptions—but mainly for doctors, in the name of “national interest.”
And yes, doctors are crucial. But what about the rest of the healthcare team? What about us in the lab, who make diagnosis possible? Without us, the system can’t move. Yet, once again, we’re not even part of the conversation.
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For Filipino Med Techs Still Abroad
If you’re a Pinoy med tech hoping to work in the U.S., here’s the hard truth: this rule makes it harder for hospitals to say yes to you.
But it’s not the end. You can still push forward by:
Getting certified – ASCPi, AMT, and preparing for state licenses.
Targeting university hospitals – cap-exempt institutions can file year-round, giving them more flexibility to fight for you.
Considering rural areas – underserved hospitals may have stronger cases for exemptions in the “national interest.”
Exploring other visa paths – EB-3 immigrant visas or O-1 for specialized skills.
At the end of the day, don’t just be an applicant. Be the med tech they cannot afford to lose.
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The Flip Side: A Win for Those Already Here
Here’s where I want to be fair. For Filipinos already working in the U.S. on H-1B visas, this new rule might actually raise your value.
Why? Because employers know hiring new H-1B workers will now cost them $100k. That makes them want to hold on to you even tighter.
Expect better offers or bonuses to keep you.
You gain more leverage in negotiating pay or benefits.
Replacing you just became way more expensive.
So while newcomers face a higher wall, those already inside may actually see brighter opportunities.
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Final Thoughts
This new H-1B fee is heavy. It’s discouraging. And for many Filipino med techs dreaming of the U.S., it feels like the door just slammed shut.
But if there’s one thing I know about us—it’s that we don’t quit. We adjust, we prepare, and we keep fighting for our dreams. The U.S. healthcare system still needs us, whether Washington admits it or not.
So I write this not just as news, but as a reminder: stay sharp, stay essential, and keep your dream alive.
