NVIDIA Expands H-1B Hiring Amidst Shifting Tech Landscape

In the first half of Fiscal Year 2026, NVIDIA has significantly increased its H-1B certifications, marking a notable shift in hiring trends within the tech industry. This expansion occurs as major players like Google and Amazon scale back their foreign worker sponsorships. New federal regulations, including a substantial visa fee for certain overseas hires and changes to the lottery selection process, are reshaping how Silicon Valley companies recruit talent.

NVIDIA’s Growing H-1B Footprint

Federal data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reveals that NVIDIA has secured approximately 1,200 H-1B certifications in the initial half of FY 2026. This represents a 20% increase from the roughly 1,000 certifications recorded in the same period the previous year. This growth places NVIDIA further ahead of competitors such as Google, which saw its certifications drop to about 2,200 (a 57% decrease from 5,100), and Amazon, which experienced a 30% decline to around 4,300 from 6,100.

New Regulations Impacting H-1B Applications

Several recent policy changes have created a more complex environment for H-1B applications. A Presidential Proclamation, effective September 21, 2025, introduced a new $100,000 supplemental fee for specific H-1B petitions filed for workers applying from outside the United States. This added a significant cost barrier for companies that depend on international recruitment.

Further adjustments came with USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, issued on May 21, 2026. This memo altered the processing of in-country green card applications, stating that individuals temporarily in the U.S. seeking a green card must generally return to their home country to apply, barring extraordinary circumstances. While industry pushback led to a clarification that applications providing economic benefit or serving the national interest might continue on their current path, the general direction points towards stricter processing.

Weighted Lottery Favors High-Paying Roles

The H-1B selection process also saw a significant change. A final rule implemented on February 27, 2026, now gives Wage Level IV jobs a four times greater chance of selection compared to Wage Level I positions. This weighted lottery system clearly benefits employers offering higher salaries, giving them a distinct advantage in securing H-1B visas for their employees.

NVIDIA appears to be well-positioned under these new rules. The company offers substantial base salaries for roles like Principal Research Scientists, ranging from $272,000 to $431,250, and Architecture Directors can earn up to $488,750. These compensation levels align with the weighted selection system, particularly as NVIDIA competes for scarce talent in the artificial intelligence and semiconductor fields.

Divergent Hiring Strategies in Silicon Valley

The combined effect of these new fees and selection criteria has led to a divergence in hiring strategies among major tech companies. While Google and Amazon still sponsor more H-1B workers in absolute numbers, their year-over-year declines indicate a more pronounced pullback from previous hiring levels. This retreat is partly driven by companies facing layoffs or seeking to reduce immigration-related expenses.

The $100,000 supplemental visa fee has also influenced where companies seek talent. Many firms are now focusing more heavily on international students already in the U.S. on F-1 OPT status, as these individuals are exempt from the additional fee. This shift increases the value of hiring workers already within the country, while making new overseas recruitment more challenging unless the position commands a very high salary or is in a field with limited labor supply.

Impact on Workers and Future Hiring

These changes create a more stratified H-1B market. Companies with strong financial standing and urgent needs for specialized talent, such as AI engineers, can absorb the increased costs and navigate the wage-based selection system. Conversely, companies under pressure from layoffs face higher obstacles for each new H-1B petition.

Workers also experience these changes differently. H-1B employees at companies reducing sponsorships may face greater uncertainty during layoffs, as the 60-day grace period now coincides with a less favorable market for visa transfers and employers potentially unwilling to incur new costs. The adjustments to green card processing add another layer of complexity, potentially requiring some H-1B holders to leave the U.S. for consular processing, which can disrupt careers and family life.

In contrast, highly compensated workers in fields like AI and semiconductors at companies such as NVIDIA are in a more advantageous position. Their salaries meet the criteria for the weighted selection system, and their work is more likely to be recognized for its economic benefit and national interest. The early FY 2026 filings illustrate how quickly federal policies can reshape hiring incentives in the technology sector, with NVIDIA expanding its H-1B workforce in a system that now rewards high wages, while rivals adjust to a climate marked by new fees and stricter processing rules.

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