Trump Administration Raises H-1B Visa Fee to $100,000
President Donald Trump announced a significant increase in the fee for H-1B visas, raising it to $100,000. This new policy mandates that employers provide proof of payment before submitting an H-1B petition for foreign workers. Additionally, visa applicants will face a 12-month restriction period until the fee is paid, according to the White House.
Nvidia and OpenAI CEOs React Favorably to Changes
In a joint interview with CNBC’s Jon Fortt, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the new visa fee policy. Both executives voiced support for the administration’s approach, underscoring the vital role of immigration in sustaining innovation and economic growth in the United States.
“We want all the brightest minds to come to the U.S. and remember immigration is the foundation of the American Dream,” said Jensen Huang. “Immigration is really important to our company and is really important to our nation’s future, and I’m glad to see President Trump making the moves he’s making.”
Sam Altman added, “We need to get the smartest people in the country, and streamlining that process and also sort of outlining financial incentives seems good to me.”
Nvidia Commits $100 Billion Investment in OpenAI Infrastructure
Alongside the visa discussion, the two CEOs announced a landmark $100 billion investment by Nvidia into OpenAI. This capital will support the development of expansive AI data centers equipped with Nvidia’s cutting-edge AI processors, signaling a deepening partnership between the chipmaker and the AI research lab.
Implications for Tech and Finance Sectors
The H-1B program is crucial for U.S. technology and financial industries, which depend heavily on highly skilled immigrants, predominantly from India and China. Last year, Indian nationals accounted for 71% of H-1B visa holders, while Chinese nationals comprised 11.7%. The increased fee introduces new financial and procedural hurdles for employers seeking to fill specialized roles not sufficiently covered by domestic labor. Importantly, the new fee does not apply to H-1B visa holders already in possession of valid visas who are re-entering the United States from abroad.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The Trump administration’s hike in H-1B visa fees represents a substantial shift in U.S. immigration policy affecting the technology and finance industries. While the increased cost may deter some employers, leading tech leaders like Nvidia and OpenAI see it as an opportunity to attract and invest in top-tier global talent with clearer financial incentives.
- Opportunities: Potential to streamline immigration processes and incentivize high-value talent inflows; Nvidia’s massive investment signals growth in AI infrastructure.
- Risks: Higher costs may reduce accessibility for smaller firms; possible slowdown in visa applications could strain talent pipelines in critical sectors.
Impact: The policy is likely to have a mixed impact—while it raises barriers for some employers, it also encourages strategic investment in talent and technology. The long-term effects will depend on how companies adapt to the new financial and procedural requirements.
