H-1B Sponsorship of Surgeons Rises

Analysis suggests visa-sponsored surgeons are more concentrated in rural and high-poverty counties

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The number of surgeons sponsored for H-1B visas in the US has increased, particularly in rural and high-poverty counties.
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In fiscal year 2024, 662 surgeons were sponsored for H-1B visas, representing less than 1% of the total US surgical workforce.
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Higher shares of H-1B-sponsored surgeons were found in counties with high poverty levels compared to those with low poverty levels.
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The study indicates that H-1B-sponsored surgeons may help maintain surgical care access in underserved communities.
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Increased application fees for H-1B visas raise concerns about worsening surgical workforce shortages in already underserved areas.

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