Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang believes President Donald Trump’s new $100,000 fee for H-1B visas is a step in the right direction to attract top talent to the US. However, he warns that the high cost may deter some foreign workers from applying.
Huang said the increased fee “sets the bar a little too high” and could lead to more investment outside the US. He also expressed concern that the policy might favor large tech firms over startups, making it harder for them to attract skilled workers.
The CEO emphasized the importance of immigration in achieving the American dream, citing his own experience as an immigrant who benefited from the country’s opportunities. “We need to make sure we don’t create a slippery slope where foreign students feel uncomfortable coming to America,” he said.
Huang acknowledged that the H-1B visa change is a good start but urged policymakers to continue addressing the issue. He highlighted the importance of attracting and retaining top talent, as measured by key performance indicators such as the number of foreign students and researchers who choose to stay in the US.
The new $100,000 fee applies only to new applicants, not those renewing their H-1B visas. The US issues around 85,000 new visas every year, mostly for tech and engineering roles. Large companies like Nvidia employ many H-1B visa holders, with over 36,000 employees worldwide.
Huang’s comments reflect the concerns of some business leaders about the impact of the fee on foreign workers and the US immigration system as a whole. As the debate continues, policymakers will need to weigh the benefits of attracting top talent against the potential drawbacks of the new policy.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/jensen-huang-nvidia-trump-100k-h1b-visa-price-high-immigration-2025-9