Federal data reveals a sharp divide in how major tech companies are approaching the H-1B visa program, according to a report by Business Insider. While giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon have cut back on filings for new hires, artificial intelligence leaders including Anthropic, OpenAI, and chipmaker Nvidia are significantly expanding their use of the program.
AI Companies Lead Surge in H-1B Applications
Among all major tech firms, Anthropic recorded the biggest year-over-year percentage increase, with certified applications rising to 59 in the second quarter of 2026 from just 10 a year earlier. OpenAI filed 63 applications, up from 20, while Nvidia's filings climbed to 765 from 641. Recruiters indicate these companies are willing to absorb higher costs and navigate regulatory hurdles to secure elite talent. Raghu Shivakumar of Nexocean told Business Insider, “The $100,000 H-1B visa fee represents a rounding error against the cost of not landing the right researcher.”
Tech Giants Pull Back on Visa Filings
In contrast, Google experienced a 64% decline in certified applications, reflecting broader headcount reductions through rolling job cuts. Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon also reported fewer filings compared with the previous year. Analysts note that large firms are restructuring around smaller, specialized teams—often referred to as “pods”—and are increasingly comfortable setting up operations overseas to avoid visa costs and related expenses.
Policy Changes Add Pressure on Companies
The decline in filings comes amid significant changes to the H-1B visa program. New rules now give higher-paid applicants better odds in the lottery, which disadvantages younger, entry-level workers. Additionally, a temporary $100,000 fee for overseas applicants has further complicated the application process. Overall, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported 211,600 properly submitted applications for the 2027 allocation, down sharply from 343,981 the year before.
Immigration lawyer Justin Parsons explained that some employers opted to sit out this year’s lottery to observe how the new rules would play out. Certified applications, reviewed by the Department of Labor, ensure that immigrant workers are paid fairly and do not displace existing employees, though they do not represent final visa approvals.
Intensifying Talent War in Artificial Intelligence
Despite the mounting hurdles, the biggest AI firms are doubling down on their H-1B strategies. Recruiters say companies like Anthropic and OpenAI have a “do whatever it takes” mindset when it comes to hiring specialized researchers and engineers. With the H-1B lottery now tilted toward experienced, higher-paid workers, the push for elite talent underscores how central foreign-born experts have become to the AI talent strategies of these leading firms. The willingness to absorb higher costs and bureaucratic challenges highlights the intense competition for top-tier technical professionals in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
