Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has voiced support for President Donald Trump’s revamp of the H-1B visa program, while cautioning that the new $100,000 application fee could be a major barrier, risking a loss of tech talent and investment to other countries.
On the “BG2 Pod” podcast released on Sept. 26, Huang called the policy changes “a great start,” noting they tackle illegal immigration and misuse of the visa system. At the same time, he warned that the hefty fee “probably sets the bar a little too high” and could discourage international students from seeking opportunities in the United States.
The Taiwan-born executive, who often references his own journey as a reflection of the American dream, stressed that attracting top talent is a crucial measure of the country’s future prosperity. “Smart people’s desire to come to America and smart students’ desire to stay, those are what I would call KPIs,” Huang shared on the podcast.
Huang echoed tech investor and podcaster Brad Gerstner, noting that the steep fee favors large technology firms capable of covering visa costs, leaving startups at a disadvantage. He cautioned that the policy might drive more investment abroad and influence the movement of global talent.
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The Nvidia CEO also weighed in on worries regarding Chinese researchers, distinguishing between the U.S.’s strategic competition with China and policies targeting individuals. “We need to make sure that that slippery slope isn’t crossed,” he said.
Huang previously reiterated his stance on immigration reform, emphasizing the importance of attracting global talent. “We want all the brightest minds to come to the United States. Remember immigration is the foundation of the American dream, and we represent the American dream,” he told CNBC, expressing support for Trump’s efforts to reform the immigration system.
At such a time, the H-1B visa changes have also captured the attention of Canada’s political and business leaders. Industry experts are urging the Canadian government to capitalize on the shift by welcoming highly skilled professionals who might now consider alternatives to the U.S.
The push to attract and retain talent affected by the H-1B changes seems to have caught the attention of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Speaking recently before the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, Carney emphasized Canada’s domestic research and AI capabilities, noting, “unfortunately, most of them go the U.S.”
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He went on to comment directly on the U.S. policy shift, joking, “I understand you’re changing your visa policy. Maybe we can hang on to one or two of them.”
Immigration attorney Evan Green described the scenario as “a wonderful opportunity for the Canadian government to take advantage of.”
That perspective is shared by the non-profit organization Build Canada, which issued a memo urging the country “to move fast.” The group contends that Canada is the natural destination for professionals displaced by the H-1B visa changes.
“Hundreds of thousands of highly skilled and highly paid H-1B professionals are now seeking a new home,” the memo stated. “Canada, with its world-class research institutions, similar time zones, proximity to the U.S., and high quality of life, is the natural destination.”
The H-1B fee increase is having repercussions even for Canadians, who made up 1% of applicants in 2019 prior to the hike. Although the White House has clarified that current H-1B holders are unaffected and anticipates legal challenges to the policy, the uncertainty is prompting many workers to explore opportunities outside the U.S.