AI ambition, not cheap labour, is driving Big Tech’s H-1B push

US technology companies are hiring H-1B visa holders largely to support their artificial intelligence ambitions, according to an analysis by the National Foundation for American Policy. The data show that more than 80% of labour condition applications certified for new H-1B petitions in FY 2025 for Amazon, Meta, Google, Microsoft and Apple were linked to AI-related roles.

The findings come at a time when US immigration policies are under scrutiny, even as the country aims to remain a global leader in artificial intelligence. The concentration of AI-linked hiring suggests that access to skilled talent remains central to Big Tech’s long-term plans.