While some of America’s biggest technology companies are cutting jobs and slowing foreign hiring, Nvidia is moving in the opposite direction.
The artificial intelligence giant, which sits at the centre of the global AI boom, is increasing its hiring of H-1B visa workers at a time when rivals such as Google, Amazon and Meta have become more cautious amid layoffs and cost-cutting efforts.
The development is particularly important for Indian technology professionals, who make up the largest share of H-1B workers in the United States.
According to federal filings cited in a report by NDTV, Nvidia secured certification for around 1,200 H-1B positions during the first two quarters of fiscal 2026. That is up from roughly 1,000 positions during the same period a year earlier.
The increase stands out because many technology firms have been moving in the opposite direction.
The technology sector has seen thousands of job cuts over the past year as companies adjust to changing business priorities and increasing investments in artificial intelligence.
Several major firms have either reduced hiring or laid off employees as they shift resources towards AI-related projects.
According to data compiled by Business Insider and cited by NDTV, Google’s approved H-1B hires dropped to around 2,200 from 5,100 a year earlier.
Amazon’s approvals also fell sharply, declining to roughly 4,300 from 6,100 over the same period.
Against this backdrop, Nvidia’s decision to expand foreign hiring has attracted attention across the technology industry.
The company has become one of the biggest winners of the AI revolution, with its chips powering everything from ChatGPT-style applications to massive AI data centres used by technology companies around the world.
The trend is especially significant for Indian engineers working in the United States.
According to USCIS-linked data cited in the report, Indians account for roughly 71% to 73% of all approved H-1B beneficiaries.
That means any increase in H-1B hiring is likely to benefit Indian professionals more than any other nationality.
The timing is also important.
For many foreign workers in the US, losing a job can trigger immigration uncertainty.
Under H-1B visa rules, workers typically get only 60 days to find another employer willing to sponsor their visa after losing their job. Failing to secure new employment within that period can force them to leave the country.
With layoffs continuing across parts of the technology sector, Nvidia’s hiring plans could offer a rare opportunity for engineers looking to remain in the US technology industry.
One of the most striking aspects of Nvidia’s hiring drive is the level of compensation being offered.
Federal filings reviewed by NDTV show that the company is willing to pay some of the highest salaries in the industry to attract AI, engineering and research talent.
A software engineer at Nvidia can earn up to $391,000 annually, or around Rs 3.72 crore in base salary.
Research scientists can receive as much as $356,500, equivalent to roughly Rs 3.39 crore.
Product managers can earn up to $379,500, or around Rs 3.61 crore, while hardware engineering managers can make nearly Rs 3.50 crore annually.
The highest salaries are reserved for senior technical and leadership roles.
Architecture directors can earn up to $488,750, translating to around Rs 4.64 crore a year in base salary alone.
Distinguished AI algorithms engineers can receive up to $471,500, or roughly Rs 4.48 crore, while principal systems software engineers can earn as much as Rs 4.10 crore.
These figures do not include stock awards and bonuses, which can significantly increase overall compensation.
Nvidia’s hiring push reflects its growing confidence in the artificial intelligence market.
The company has emerged as one of the world’s most valuable businesses thanks to the explosive demand for AI chips and infrastructure.
Its hiring focus spans AI research, software engineering, semiconductor design, cloud infrastructure and customer-facing technical roles.
The company is led by Jensen Huang, who was born in Taiwan and immigrated to the United States. Huang has repeatedly highlighted the role immigrant talent has played in Nvidia’s growth and success.
Despite Nvidia’s aggressive hiring plans, uncertainty continues to surround the broader H-1B visa landscape.
Recent policy changes, stricter compliance requirements and increased scrutiny have made many employers more cautious about sponsoring foreign workers.
For thousands of Indian professionals dealing with layoffs, visa concerns and a challenging job market, opportunities remain limited.
That is one reason Nvidia’s hiring plans are drawing attention. At a time when much of the technology sector is focused on reducing costs and trimming headcount, the company is continuing to expand and compete aggressively for skilled talent.
For Indian engineers hoping to build careers in the United States, Nvidia’s approach offers a reminder that the AI boom is not only reshaping technology companies but also creating new opportunities for highly skilled workers.