What tech leaders say about Trump's $100,000 application fee on H-1B visas

The US President Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order that raises the application fee for each H-1B visa to $100,000. The order affects new applicants and doesn't include H-1B visa renewals or visas issued before September 21. The United States issues nearly 85,000 new H-1B visas each year, and applicants must participate in a lottery system.

According to the US Department of Labor, "The H-1B program applies to employers seeking to hire nonimmigrant aliens as workers in specialty occupations or as fashion models of distinguished merit and ability."

The H-1B visa program has long been a popular pathway for US tech companies to recruit skilled talent from abroad, particularly from countries like India. However, under the newly enacted law, the application process is set to become significantly more complex.

Here's how several US tech leaders have responded to the recent changes in the H-1B program.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk, born in South Africa, was one of Trump's most prominent supporters in the previous election and was even appointed to head a newly established agency known as the Department of Government Efficiency. He is among those who credit the H-1B program for their presence in the US.

In a post on X, Musk wrote, "The reason I'm in America, along with so many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and hundreds of other companies that made America strong, is because of H1B."

Sam Altman

It appears that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has no objections to the $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas. In an interview with CNBC, Altman said, "We need to get the smartest people in the country, and streamlining that process and also sort of aligning financial incentives seems good to me."

Jensen Huang

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also believes revamping the H-1B program is the right decision. "We want all the brightest minds that come to the United States. And remember, immigration is the foundation of the American dream. And we represent the American dream," Huang told CNBC. "And so, I think immigration is really important to our company and it's really important to our nation's future. And I'm glad to see President Trump making the moves he's making."

Andy Jassy

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has not yet made any public comments regarding the H-1B changes, but the company remains one of the program's largest beneficiaries.

In a recent letter to Amazon CEO, US senators wrote, "With all of the homegrown American talent relegated to the sidelines, we find it hard to believe that Amazon cannot find qualified American tech workers to fill these positions."

Sundar Pichai

Alphabet chief Sundar Pichai is one of the successful Indian executives who has benefited from the H-1B visa program.

In 2020, in response to the Trump decision to suspend immigrant work visas, Pichai stated, "Immigration has contributed immensely to America's economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Disappointed by today's proclamation - we'll continue to stand with immigrants and work to expand opportunity for all."

What do you think about imposing a $100,000 application fee on H-1B visas? Do you think this move benefits American workers and companies? Let us know in the comments.