Silicon Valley medtech giant halts H-1B hiring amid visa upheaval

Intuitive, the California-based medical technology company known for developing robotic-assisted surgery systems, has suspended sponsorship of H-1B visas following new US immigration measures that sharply raise the cost of hiring foreign workers.

The company disclosed the pause in more than 100 recent job postings, stating: “Due to the uncertainty caused by the recent US executive proclamation, we are temporarily pausing offers to candidates who require H-1B visa sponsorship.” The move was first reported by Business Insider.

President Donald Trump last week signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications, a dramatic increase from the previous level of $2,000 to $5,000. The Wall Street Journal noted that the sudden rise in costs has prompted some large employers, including technology companies and banks, to issue guidance advising staff not to travel abroad while they assess the implications.

According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services data, Intuitive has supported more than 1,500 H-1B petitions since 2009. Business Insider reported that the company, founded in 1995, employs over 13,000 people globally, generated $8 billion in revenue last year and has a market capitalisation exceeding $150 billion.

The H-1B visa programme has long been a critical pathway for US employers to hire foreign talent in “specialty occupations” such as software engineering, life sciences and medical technology. Reuters has previously reported that more than 70 per cent of visas issued under the scheme go to Indian nationals, underscoring the importance of the route for the country’s skilled workers.

The White House sought to calm concerns after the proclamation triggered widespread uncertainty. An official statement on social media said: “The Proclamation does not apply to anyone who has a current visa. The Proclamation does not impact the ability of any current visa holder to travel to or from the US.” The clarification meant that those awarded visas in the 2025 lottery cycle would not be affected, but employers and candidates had already begun to adjust their plans.

For Intuitive, the pause comes at a sensitive time. The company is a global leader in minimally invasive surgery and depends on highly trained engineers and medical specialists. Analysts told Business Insider that limiting access to international hires could affect innovation and delay product development, particularly as the company expands into new markets.

Other large US firms have also reacted quickly. The Financial Times reported that Amazon, Microsoft and Goldman Sachs each issued memos urging caution on international travel for employees, while reviewing hiring policies in light of the new fees. Industry lobby groups have warned that the sudden rise in costs risks deterring employers from pursuing overseas talent.

The new rules could also prompt a shift in skilled migration. Immigration specialists quoted by Reuters said Canada and parts of Europe are likely to benefit if the US makes hiring international talent prohibitively expensive. For Indian workers, who account for the bulk of H-1B recipients, the change could cut off a key channel into the US workforce.

The impact on Intuitive is particularly notable because of its consistent use of the programme. The company’s reliance on international recruitment reflects the highly specialised nature of its work in surgical robotics. A prolonged suspension of sponsorships would likely force the company to either redirect work abroad or delay hiring in critical roles.