Elon Musk, a staunch advocate for the H-1B visa program, has propelled Tesla into the spotlight as one of the leading employers of foreign talent. According to the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), Tesla has secured the 16th position among H-1B visa employers in 2024—a significant milestone, as it previously did not rank among the top 25.

Tesla’s Growing Reliance on Foreign Talent

In 2024, Tesla had 742 initial H-1B visa petitions approved, more than doubling the 328 approvals from 2023. The company also saw 1,025 petitions for continuing employment approved, reflecting its increased dependency on skilled foreign workers to drive innovation and meet growing demands in the tech and engineering sectors.

Musk’s Personal Connection to the H-1B Program

Elon Musk’s advocacy for the H-1B program stems from personal experience. Early in his career, Musk worked in the United States on an H-1B visa. Highlighting the program's importance, he recently shared on his social media platform X:- "I am in America along with many critical people who built SpaceX, Tesla, and 100s of other Cos that made America strong because of H-1B."
Tech Industry’s Ongoing Demand for Skilled Workers

Tesla’s rise in the H-1B rankings aligns with a broader trend across the tech industry, where companies heavily rely on foreign talent to bridge skill gaps. The H-1B program, which allows U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers, has a capped limit of 65,000 visas annually, with an additional 20,000 for advanced degree holders.

In fiscal year 2024, Amazon led the list with 3,871 approved initial employment petitions, followed by Cognizant (2,837) and Infosys (2,504). Other major tech firms, including IBM, Microsoft, and Google, also featured prominently. Tesla’s inclusion among these giants highlights its growing stature as a global tech leader.

The Debate Over H-1B Expansion

While business leaders like Musk advocate for expanding the H-1B program to attract top global talent, critics argue it may reduce opportunities for domestic workers. The debate underscores the complex dynamics of U.S. immigration policy and its impact on industries that depend on highly skilled professionals.

Tesla’s Role in Shaping Immigration Policy

As Tesla climbs the ranks of H-1B employers, its reliance on the program reflects the tech industry’s unrelenting need for skilled labor. Musk’s vocal support for H-1B reform highlights the program’s critical role in driving innovation and maintaining the U.S.'s competitive edge in the global market.