Nvidia CEO promises continued H-1B sponsorship amid $100k fee fears

Chipmaker Nvidia will continue to sponsor H-1B visas and cover all related costs for employees. This assurance comes despite US President Donald Trump’s executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on each new visa application, Business Insider reported on Tuesday. The announcement aims to calm growing anxiety in the tech sector, especially among H-1B holders, many of whom come from India and China.

The Trump order, issued on September 19, significantly limited the H-1B program. The program allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty roles. Under the new rule, employers must pay $100,000 for each new H-1B visa. However, the administration clarified that the fee does not affect existing visa holders or those who submitted applications before September 21.

In a staff message, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reassured employees. He acknowledged the contributions of immigrants at Nvidia. Huang wrote, “As one of many immigrants at Nvidia, I know that the opportunities we’ve found in America have profoundly shaped our lives.” He also emphasized that Nvidia’s success relies on talent from around the world.

Huang added, “Legal immigration remains essential to ensuring the US continues to lead in technology and ideas.” He said the recent changes by the Trump administration reaffirm the importance of immigrant contributions. He highlighted that Nvidia employs a significant number of foreign workers, consistent with trends across the chip and tech industries. Huang previously noted that roughly half of the world’s AI researchers are Chinese.

Moreover, Huang confirmed that Nvidia will continue to sponsor H-1B applicants and cover all associated costs. He encouraged employees to reach out to Nvidia-Immigration for any visa-related questions. “At Nvidia, we built our company with extraordinary people from around the world,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration defended its order. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explained that the policy aims to prioritize American workers. He argued that big companies should not train foreign employees without bearing additional costs. According to him, the $100,000 fee discourages companies from relying heavily on foreign talent.

The order has drawn widespread criticism. Unions, education groups, and religious bodies condemned the policy. Earlier this month, a coalition sued the administration in the Northern District of California. The lawsuit called the fee “unprecedented, unjustified, and unlawful.” Lawyers argued that the President lacks authority to alter the statutory scheme established by Congress. They also warned that the policy’s exceptions could lead to selective enforcement and corruption.

In conclusion, Nvidia will continue to support H-1B employees despite Trump’s $100,000 fee. Huang’s message reinforces the company’s commitment to immigrant talent. Meanwhile, the administration remains firm, citing economic reasons. Critics continue to challenge the order in court. As debates unfold, H-1B holders, tech companies, and policymakers watch closely, navigating both opportunities and uncertainties in the US immigration landscape.