Google, Apple warn H-1B and other visa holders to avoid international travel amid delays in stamping

Tech companies Google and Apple have advised certain employees holding US work visas to avoid travelling overseas, citing prolonged delays in visa stamping appointments at American embassies. According to a report by Business Insider dated December 20, these delays could stretch up to 12 months, based on internal company communications.

Immigration law firms quoted in the report attributed the backlog to expanded social media screening requirements under US immigration rules. They cautioned that employees who travel abroad may face the risk of being unable to return to the United States if their visa appointments are deferred.

What Google told employees

A memo circulated on Thursday by BAL Immigration Law, which represents Google, warned staff about significant delays at several US embassies and consulates. “Some locations are currently reporting visa stamping appointment wait times of up to 12 months,” the memo stated, advising employees to postpone international travel to avoid the possibility of an extended stay outside the US.

The advisory applies to holders of H-1B, H-4, F, J and M visas. Google’s internal note highlighted that appointment backlogs at certain diplomatic missions could last as long as a year.

Apple’s advisory

Apple issued a similar caution last week. Fragomen, the immigration law firm representing Apple, sent a message to select visa holders urging them not to travel internationally at this time.

“Given recent developments and the risk of unpredictable and lengthy delays when re-entering the U.S., we strongly advise employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp to defer travel,” the memo said. It added that employees who must travel should consult Apple’s immigration team and Fragomen beforehand to fully understand the risks involved.

Policy backdrop

The advisories come amid tighter scrutiny of work visa applicants. US President Donald Trump recently announced enhanced vetting measures for H-1B visas, including more extensive screening of applicants’ social media activity.

The H-1B visa programme, widely used by the US technology sector to hire skilled professionals from countries such as India and China, has faced increased attention this year following the introduction of a $10,000 fee for new applications under the Trump administration.

Earlier, in September, Google’s parent company Alphabet had also urged employees to limit overseas travel, with H-1B visa holders advised to remain in the US, according to a report by Reuters.

Typically issued for up to three years, the H-1B visa can be renewed. However, applicants who need a new visa stamp must usually complete the process at a US embassy or consulate in their home country or another country where they legally reside—an increasingly uncertain step amid current delays.