Google and Apple have issued urgent internal alerts advising certain visa-holding employees not to leave the United States due to unprecedented visa stamping delays that could keep them stranded abroad for months. The memos, viewed by Business Insider, reveal growing concerns inside major tech firms as US consulates around the world struggle with appointment backlogs.
Both companies, guided by their immigration law firms, informed staff that US Embassies and Consulates are facing “significant delays of up to 12 months” for visa stamping appointments. For workers whose immigration status requires a fresh stamp before re-entry, even short trips home could result in extended stays overseas.
Google’s counsel, BAL Immigration Law, cautioned employees that international travel now carries the risk of being stuck outside the US far longer than planned. Apple’s law firm, Fragomen, issued a similar warning, strongly urging H-1B visa holders without a valid stamp to avoid international trips until conditions improve.
The delays stem from enhanced social media screening requirements introduced by the US Department of State. These reviews apply to H-1B and H-4 visa holders, students, exchange visitors, and several other visa categories. As a result, routine processing that once moved efficiently now faces unpredictable timelines.
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the shift, noting that embassies are prioritizing thorough vetting over speed. Appointment rescheduling has been reported in countries including India, Ireland, and Vietnam, creating uncertainty for thousands of foreign workers.
Google’s memo noted that the delays affect multiple visa types, including H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M. Neither company provided specific guidance for employees who are already abroad and facing postponed appointments.
The warnings echo broader concerns across corporate America, especially after recent immigration policy changes and new fees imposed on H-1B applicants. For many foreign tech employees, travel that once seemed routine now carries heavy risks.
Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman explained that workers with valid stamps can generally re-enter the US—but those needing new ones may face months of delays if their appointments are canceled or pushed back. Many may find themselves effectively stuck outside the country.
The H-1B program remains crucial for US tech giants. During the 2024 fiscal year, Alphabet applied for 5,537 H-1B visas, while Apple sought 3,880. Companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft remain among the highest users of the program.
As vetting becomes stricter and appointment backlogs deepen, immigration experts warn that even essential global travel may become risky for thousands of skilled workers. For now, legal advisers across the tech industry share the same message: unless travel is unavoidable, staying in the US is the safest option.
