Google and Apple are warning employees on work visas to avoid international travel due to unprecedented delays in US visa processing. The advice comes from legal firms representing both companies, as reported by Business Insider. Employees who require visa stamps to re-enter the United States are being cautioned against leaving the country, as appointment cancellations and reschedulings are becoming widespread.
Visa Processing Slowdowns
Law firms BAL Immigration Law (representing Google) and Fragomen (representing Apple) have circulated memos urging caution. According to Fragomen, “Given the recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S., we strongly recommend that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel for now.” This means employees who traveled home to renew visas in December are now facing significant hurdles.
State Department Scrutiny
The delays are reportedly due to heightened scrutiny from the State Department. A spokesperson stated that embassies are “now prioritizing thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else.” This suggests a shift toward stricter security measures, potentially including social media vetting, which has already led to canceled or rescheduled appointments for hundreds of Indian professionals seeking visa renewals.
Why This Matters
This situation is particularly impactful for skilled workers relying on the H-1B visa program. These delays can disrupt work schedules, force extended stays abroad, and create uncertainty for employees and employers alike. The trend suggests increased border enforcement and potentially a more selective immigration policy. The sudden changes in processing times could also strain the tech industry’s workforce, which heavily depends on foreign talent.
The combination of longer delays and stricter vetting raises questions about whether this is a temporary issue or a signal of broader policy changes. This situation will likely force tech companies to adjust their international travel and workforce management strategies.
In conclusion, tech giants are reacting to escalating visa processing delays by advising employees to avoid international travel, highlighting the growing challenges faced by skilled workers relying on US work visas.
