Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, and Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, have both publicly addressed a newly implemented $100,000 fee levied on companies seeking too sponsor H-1B visas for high-skilled workers, a policy impacting their ability to attract and retain top global talent.The significant cost, effective immediately, is intended to fund workforce training programs for U.S. citizens, but industry leaders warn it could stifle innovation and growth within the technology sector.
The Biden administration announced the fee on September 23, 2025, as part of a broader effort to bolster American competitiveness and address skills gaps. The charge applies to companies with 50 or more employees that rely heavily on H-1B visas,possibly affecting major tech firms like Nvidia and OpenAI,which depend on specialized engineers and researchers from around the world. The funds generated will be directed towards programs designed to train and upskill the domestic workforce in critical fields, but critics argue the measure is a disincentive for companies to invest in U.S.-based operations.
Huang, speaking at a recent industry event, expressed concern that the fee would disproportionately impact smaller startups and companies lacking the financial resources to absorb the added expense. Altman echoed these sentiments on social media,stating the policy could hinder the U.S.’s ability to remain a global leader in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies. Both CEOs emphasized the importance of a balanced approach that supports both domestic talent progress and the continued influx of skilled immigrants.
