In a recent interview, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared their thoughts on President Donald Trump’s announcement to increase the cost of hiring foreign workers through the H-1B visa program. Effective as of Friday, the new fee is set at $100,000, a significant rise that could have far-reaching implications for many employers across the technology and finance sectors.
The new policy requires companies to provide proof of payment before submitting H-1B petitions. Moreover, applicants will face a 12-month restriction on their petitions until the payment is confirmed. This rule has prompted concern among businesses that rely on H-1B workers, particularly in tech roles where skilled American labor is scarce.
During the interview with CNBC’s Jon Fortt, Huang underscored the importance of immigration for innovation and economic growth. “We want all the brightest minds to come to the U.S. and remember immigration is the foundation of the American Dream,” he stated. He highlighted that Nvidia’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence aligns with the need for diverse talent, indicating his support for Trump’s policy changes, which he believes will benefit the nation’s future.
Altman mirrored Huang’s sentiments, expressing optimism about the streamlined immigration process and the financial incentives it may bring. “We need to get the smartest people in the country,” he said, seeing the adjustments as a potential boon for attracting top talent to the U.S.
The decision to raise the H-1B visa fee represents a substantial shift, especially considering that the program is a critical source of skilled labor for industries that heavily depend on technology and finance. Last year, a significant percentage of H-1B visa holders hailed from India and China, which together accounted for more than 80% of the total.
Under the new rules, current H-1B holders outside the U.S. will not be subject to the new fee for re-entry, allowing some continuity for existing employees. However, for many companies, the increased costs could disrupt hiring practices, especially in areas where there are gaps in the domestic labor supply.
As companies like Nvidia prepare to invest heavily in AI infrastructure—Huang announced a whopping $100 billion investment into OpenAI—the impact of these immigration changes will be closely monitored within the industry. The ongoing dialogue between major tech leaders and government officials highlights the complex interplay between immigration policy and technological advancement.
