US Visa Delays: Apple and Google Warn Employees Against Overseas Travel Amid Backlogs

Tech giants Apple and Google have issued internal warnings to their employees on work visas, cautioning them against international travel due to prolonged delays at US embassies and consulates. The advisories come as mounting backlogs in routine visa appointments continue to affect visa-dependent workers. According to reports, external immigration counsels representing both companies have sent emails to employees warning them about the risks of traveling abroad if they require a visa stamp to re-enter the US. The delays, attributed to enhanced social media screening by US authorities, have led to visa stamping delays of up to 12 months in some US embassies and consulates. BAL Immigration Law, representing Google, and Fragomen, representing Apple, have recommended that non-essential travel be avoided by employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp. Those who must travel are advised to consult their respective immigration teams and the law firms in advance to assess the risks. The US Department of State has attributed the delays to the introduction of new social media screening requirements, which apply to various visa categories, including H-1B workers and their dependents. While expedited slots can be requested on a case-by-case basis, embassies are now prioritizing thorough vetting over faster processing. Immigration firms have reported postponed appointments in several countries, including Ireland and Vietnam. The advisories from Apple and Google do not provide a clear solution for visa holders already outside the US whose appointments have been delayed, leaving many in limbo.