Nvidia pushes back on H-1B visa fee hike: CEO Huang vows to cover $100K fee

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently shared that the company will keep sponsoring H-1B visas and cover all the costs, even in light of President Trump’s new executive order, which slaps a $100,000 fee on each new H-1B application.

As per a Business Insider report, Huang stressed how crucial immigration is, not just for Nvidia, but for the entire tech industry, highlighting that attracting top talent from around the world is key to keeping the US at the forefront of technology and innovation.

What Nvidia CEO say about the H-1B visa fee hike?

The development comes after US President Trump’s executive order last month, which tacks on a $100,000 fee for companies sponsoring new H-1B visas.

The goal is to prioritize hiring American workers and crack down on what some see as misuse of the visa system.

But big tech companies, which rely heavily on skilled international talent, especially in AI and engineering, are pretty concerned.

In a message to Nvidia employees, CEO Jensen Huang, who’s an immigrant himself, talked about how opportunities in the US shaped his life and career.

He made it clear that Nvidia wouldn’t be the global tech leader it is today without the contributions of immigrants.

“Legal immigration remains essential to ensuring the US continues to lead in technology and ideas,” he wrote, showing that the company’s decision to cover the fees is about more than money; it’s about principle.

By footing the bill for the new fees, Nvidia is sending a strong signal that it’s committed to keeping top international talent.

By fiscal year 2025, the company had more than 1,500 H-1B visa holders among its 36,000 employees worldwide, making it one of the biggest visa sponsors in tech.

Balancing immigration reform and innovation

Huang’s take on the policy is pretty balanced. While he supports reforming the immigration system, he admits the $100,000 fee “probably sets the bar a little too high.”

That kind of cost hits smaller startups way harder than well-funded companies like Nvidia.

Critics worry that fees this steep could actually hurt US innovation, as skilled workers might look for opportunities abroad, and the flow of global talent that tech depends on could slow down.

Tech leaders and economists are worried that this policy could spark a brain drain, making it harder for the US to attract top talent from around the world.

The top executives in the tech world have raised concerns about the uncertainty around the new rules, which makes it tougher to bring in global talent.

Others warn that higher costs and fewer specialized workers could slow down startups and innovation.

Still, Huang remains optimistic. He pointed out that immigration is still a cornerstone of the American dream and a major driver of tech leadership.

By continuing to sponsor visas and cover the fees, Nvidia is sending a clear message: they’re committed to supporting a diverse, global workforce while staying ahead in a highly competitive industry.