Key Takeaways
• Thinking Machines Lab pays up to $500,000 salary for H-1B AI employees in early 2025.
• H-1B Modernization Final Rule streamlines visa approval and extends F-1 to H-1B cap-gap until April 1.
• High AI salaries reflect intense talent competition and updated H-1B visa policies in the U.S.
As of July 2, 2025, the world of artificial intelligence and immigration policy in the United States 🇺🇸 is seeing a remarkable shift. Thinking Machines Lab, a new and secretive AI startup founded by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati in February 2025, has made headlines for offering some of the highest salaries ever reported for employees on H-1B visas. This development not only highlights the fierce competition for top AI talent but also comes at a time of major changes in the H-1B visa program. Here’s what you need to know about these record-breaking salaries, the new rules affecting H-1B workers, and what it all means for employees, employers, and the future of AI in the United States 🇺🇸.
Thinking Machines Lab: The Startup Paying Top Dollar for AI Talent
Who is involved?
Thinking Machines Lab is the brainchild of Mira Murati, who previously served as Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI. The company, still in stealth mode and yet to launch any public products, has quickly become a magnet for elite AI researchers and engineers. What sets Thinking Machines Lab apart is not just its leadership or mission, but the extraordinary salaries it’s offering—especially to employees on H-1B visas.
What’s happening?
According to federal filings required for H-1B visa sponsorship, Thinking Machines Lab is paying:
- Two technical staff members: $450,000 per year each
- One technical staff member: $500,000 per year
- A co-founder/machine learning specialist: $450,000 per year
These numbers represent only the base salaries. They do not include sign-on bonuses, stock options, or other equity awards, which are common in the tech industry. This means the total compensation for these roles could be even higher.
Where and when is this taking place?
These salaries are being paid to employees working in the United States 🇺🇸 as of early 2025. The information became public through mandatory H-1B visa application disclosures, which require companies to report the wages they pay to foreign workers.
Why does this matter?
Such high salaries are rare, especially for employees on H-1B visas. They reflect the intense competition among AI companies to attract and keep the best minds in the field. The fact that these details are public gives a rare look into how much top AI talent is worth in today’s market.
How did this information come to light?
Because U.S. law requires employers to disclose the wages they pay to H-1B workers, these salary figures were made public through government filings. This level of transparency is unusual in the tech industry, where compensation details are often closely guarded.
The H-1B Visa: Recent Changes and What They Mean
The H-1B visa is a popular work visa for highly skilled foreign workers, especially in technology and engineering. In 2025, the U.S. government made important changes to the H-1B program that affect both employees and employers.
Key Changes Under the H-1B Modernization Final Rule
On January 17, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put into effect the H-1B Modernization Final Rule. This rule brought several updates:
- Streamlined Review and Approval: The process for reviewing and approving H-1B applications is now faster and more efficient.
- Greater Flexibility for Specialty Occupations: The definition of what counts as a “specialty occupation” has been broadened, making it easier for employers to hire workers with unique or rare skills.
- Extended Cap-Gap Protection: F-1 students (international students studying in the U.S.) who are moving to H-1B status can now keep their legal status and work authorization for a longer period—up to April 1 of the following fiscal year. This reduces the risk of losing their right to work while waiting for their H-1B approval.
- Stronger Oversight: The rule gives U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clear authority to conduct site visits and impose penalties if employers do not follow the rules.
- Updated Forms: A new version of Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) is now required for all H-1B filings. This form reflects the latest rules and requirements.
For more details on the H-1B Modernization Final Rule, you can visit the official DHS H-1B page.
Why Were These Changes Made?
The U.S. government wanted to:
- Make the H-1B process simpler and faster for both workers and employers
- Prevent abuse of the system by increasing oversight and penalties for non-compliance
- Help employers in fast-moving industries like AI and technology hire the best talent from around the world
- Give international students a smoother path from graduation to employment
Why Are AI Startups Like Thinking Machines Lab Paying So Much?
The salaries reported by Thinking Machines Lab are not just high—they are among the highest ever seen for H-1B workers in the tech industry. There are several reasons for this:
1. The Global Race for AI Talent
AI is one of the fastest-growing and most important fields in technology. Companies around the world are racing to build smarter, more powerful AI systems. This has created a huge demand for people with advanced skills in machine learning, data science, and related areas.
2. Limited Supply of Top Experts
There are only a small number of people with the skills and experience needed to push the boundaries of AI research. These experts can command very high salaries, especially if they have a track record of working at leading companies or research labs.
3. The Importance of H-1B Visas
Many of the world’s best AI researchers were born outside the United States 🇺🇸. The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire these experts and bring them to work in the country. Because the number of H-1B visas is limited each year, and the process is competitive, companies are willing to pay more to secure the talent they need.
4. Setting a New Standard
By offering such high salaries, Thinking Machines Lab may be trying to set a new standard in the industry. This could help them attract the very best people, even before they have launched any products.
How Do These Changes Affect H-1B Employees?
For employees, especially those on H-1B visas, the current environment offers both new opportunities and new challenges.
Opportunities
- Higher Salaries: As seen with Thinking Machines Lab, top talent can now earn base salaries of up to $500,000 per year, with the possibility of even more through bonuses and stock options.
- Job Security: The extended cap-gap protection for F-1 students means less risk of losing work authorization while waiting for H-1B approval.
- More Choices: With AI companies competing for talent, skilled workers have more options and bargaining power.
Challenges
- Increased Oversight: The new rules mean that employers—and by extension, employees—face more checks and possible site visits from USCIS.
- Uncertainty: The H-1B program is still subject to annual caps and a lottery system, which means not everyone who applies will get a visa.
- Pressure to Perform: With high salaries come high expectations. Employees may feel more pressure to deliver results quickly.
What Do These Changes Mean for Employers?
Employers, especially startups and tech companies, are also affected by the new rules and the changing labor market.
Benefits
- Easier Hiring: The broader definition of specialty occupations and streamlined processes make it easier to hire the right people.
- Retention: The ability to offer higher salaries and better benefits helps companies keep their best workers.
- Innovation: Access to top global talent supports faster progress and innovation, especially in fields like AI.
Responsibilities
- Compliance: Employers must follow stricter rules, keep detailed records, and be ready for site visits.
- Transparency: Salary and job details for H-1B workers are now more visible, which can affect company reputation and internal pay structures.
- Cost: Offering high salaries and benefits can be expensive, especially for startups with limited funding.
The Broader Impact on the AI Industry
The actions of Thinking Machines Lab and similar companies are changing the landscape for AI research and development in the United States 🇺🇸.
Rising Salaries Across the Board
As more companies compete for a small pool of experts, salaries for AI researchers and engineers are likely to keep rising. This could make it harder for smaller companies or academic labs to compete.
Influence on Immigration Policy
High-profile cases like this draw attention to the importance of the H-1B program for the U.S. economy and innovation. Policymakers may face pressure to adjust visa caps, rules, or enforcement in response to changing industry needs.
Potential Risks
Some experts worry that such high salaries may not be sustainable in the long run. If the AI industry faces a downturn, companies that have committed to large pay packages may struggle to adjust.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Industry Analysts:
Many analysts see the high salaries as proof of the growing importance of AI and the need for top talent. They believe that companies willing to pay more will have an edge in developing new technologies.
Immigration Experts:
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the new H-1B rules strike a balance between giving employers more flexibility and making sure the system is not abused. The changes are seen as positive for both workers and companies, especially in fast-moving fields like AI.
Policymakers:
Some lawmakers are concerned about the impact of these high salaries on the broader labor market. They worry that it could lead to wage inflation or make it harder for U.S. workers to compete. Others argue that attracting the best talent from around the world is essential for keeping the United States 🇺🇸 at the forefront of technology.
What’s Next for the H-1B Program and AI Talent?
The H-1B program is likely to keep evolving as the needs of the tech industry change. Future updates may focus on:
- Adjusting visa caps to match demand in key industries
- Further streamlining the application process
- Strengthening oversight to prevent abuse
- Supporting international students who want to stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸
Startups like Thinking Machines Lab may continue to set new standards for compensation, pushing other companies to follow suit. This could lead to even more competition for top talent and further changes in how companies recruit and retain employees.
Practical Guidance for H-1B Applicants and Employers
If you are an H-1B applicant or employer, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest rules and requirements from USCIS and DHS. The USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations page is a good resource.
- Use the Correct Forms: Make sure to use the updated Form I-129 for all H-1B filings.
- Document Everything: Keep detailed records of job duties, salaries, and compliance with all rules.
- Consult Experts: Immigration lawyers and specialists can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under the new rules.
Conclusion: A New Era for AI and Immigration
The story of Thinking Machines Lab, Mira Murati, and the record-breaking salaries for H-1B visa holders is more than just a headline—it’s a sign of how quickly the world of technology and immigration is changing. As the United States 🇺🇸 continues to compete for the best minds in AI, both employees and employers will need to adapt to new rules, higher expectations, and a more transparent job market.
For those hoping to work in AI or hire top talent, the message is clear: the stakes are higher than ever, and staying informed is key to success. By understanding the latest developments in H-1B policy and the changing landscape of tech salaries, you can make smarter decisions for your career or your company.
As always, check official government resources and trusted immigration news sources for the most up-to-date information. The future of AI—and the people who build it—depends on it.
Learn Today
H-1B visa → A U.S. work visa for foreign professionals in specialty occupations like technology and engineering.
Thinking Machines Lab → A secretive AI startup paying exceptional salaries to H-1B visa employees in 2025.
Cap-gap protection → Allows F-1 students transitioning to H-1B status to keep legal work authorization temporarily.
H-1B Modernization Final Rule → 2025 DHS rule updating H-1B application process, oversight, and forms for efficiency and compliance.
Form I-129 → The USCIS petition form employers submit to sponsor nonimmigrant workers on visas like H-1B.
This Article in a Nutshell
Thinking Machines Lab offers record-breaking H-1B salaries, up to $500,000, highlighting fierce AI talent competition amid 2025 visa policy reforms in the U.S. The H-1B Modernization Rule streamlines processes and extends protections for international workers entering AI roles, reshaping tech hiring dynamics nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
