Nvidia Pledges to Sponsor H-1B Visas Despite New Fee; CEO Calls Immigration Key to US Tech

Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, has reassured employees that the company will continue to support H-1B visa sponsorships and cover all associated costs. This comes in response to US President Donald Trump's executive order imposing a $100,000 fee per new application. The announcement aims to alleviate concerns among tech workers, especially those from India and China, who form a significant part of the H-1B workforce.

Huang highlighted the importance of immigration in Nvidia's success, stating, "As one of many immigrants at Nvidia, I know that the opportunities we've found in America have profoundly shaped our lives." He further emphasized that the company's achievements are due to contributions from talented individuals worldwide. "And the miracle of Nvidia — built by all of you, and by brilliant colleagues around the world — would not be possible without immigration," he added.

Impact on Tech Industry

The recent executive order has caused anxiety within the tech industry. Many companies rely heavily on international talent for specialized roles. The H-1B visa program allows US firms to employ skilled foreign professionals. Under Trump's order, new visa holders cannot enter the US unless their employer pays an additional $100,000 fee. However, this rule does not affect current holders or those who applied before September 21.

Despite potential challenges, Huang supports Trump's proposal for a $100,000 fee on new applications. Speaking on the BG2 Pod last week, he described it as "a great start" towards reshaping US immigration policy. Critics argue it might lead to brain drain and weaken America's technological leadership.

Legal Immigration's Role

Huang believes legal immigration is crucial for maintaining US leadership in technology and innovation. He noted that recent changes by the Trump administration reaffirm this stance. Nvidia employs numerous international workers, with about half of AI researchers being of Chinese origin.

In September, US lawmakers questioned major companies about hiring thousands of foreign workers under the H-1B program while cutting domestic jobs. This scrutiny highlights ongoing debates over balancing domestic employment with attracting global talent.

Future Implications

Huang acknowledged that the $100,000 fee is "quite high" but sees it as setting a meaningful benchmark for immigration policy. "Probably sets the bar a little too high," he said, "but as a first bar, it at least eliminates illegal immigration and that's a good start."

The future of H-1B visas remains uncertain amid evolving policies and industry reactions. Companies like Nvidia continue to navigate these changes while advocating for policies that support innovation through diverse talent pools.