Nvidia takes on H-1B visa fees after Trump's decision
In response to President Donald Trump’s controversial decision to impose a US$100,000 fee on each new H-1B application – which took effect on 21 September 2025. – Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has issued an internal communiqué assuring that the company will continue to sponsor visas and cover all costs associated with the process.
The move is designed to quell growing uncertainty among technology workers, particularly those on H-1B visas – many of whom are from India and China. Huang stresses that immigration is a cornerstone of innovation at the company: “The wonders of Nvidia… it wouldn’t be without immigration,” – he wrote in a letter to employees.
Sceptics point out that while tech giants (such as Nvidia) can absorb huge fees, the Trump administration’s decision primarily hits smaller companies and startups without financial backing. Critics include industry organisations and tech associations, which are calling on the administration to review the regulations, warning of an exodus of talent and a weakening of the US competitive edge.
However, it should be noted that the new financial burden does not apply to current H-1B visa holders or those who applied before 21 September. At the same time, there is a clause allowing the fee to be waived if the employment of the individual or the entire H-1B group is deemed to be “in the national interest” of the US.
In practice, Nvidia’s announcement indicates that in the chip and technology industry, leading players will be able to insulate themselves from regulatory pressure – but the dilemma remains uneven: will visa policy become a tool for selecting companies that can afford to pay for ‘game membership’?
