Google and Apple have issued internal advisories warning some employees on U.S. visas not to leave the country, citing significant delays in visa stamping appointments at American embassies and consulates that could keep workers stranded abroad for months, or even up to a year. The guidance reflects growing concern within the technology sector over tightening immigration procedures and extended processing times under enhanced vetting requirements.
According to internal memos circulated by immigration law firms representing both companies, employees who require a visa stamp to re-enter the United States face heightened risks if they travel internationally. Google’s advisory, sent by BAL Immigration Law, cautioned that several U.S. embassies and consulates are experiencing visa appointment backlogs stretching as long as 12 months. The memo warned that traveling under these conditions could result in “an extended stay outside the U.S.,” even for employees with valid work authorization.
Apple staff received similar guidance from Fragomen, the immigration law firm advising the company. The memo urged employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. It emphasized that recent changes to visa processing have made return timelines unpredictable and, in some cases, significantly prolonged. Employees who must travel were advised to consult Apple’s internal immigration team in advance to fully assess the risks.
The delays are largely attributed to expanded social media and online presence screening requirements introduced as part of broader U.S. visa vetting measures. These requirements apply not only to H-1B visa holders and their dependents but also to students and exchange visitors on F, J, and M visas. As a result, routine consular appointments that previously took weeks are now being pushed back by several months in many countries.
The U.S. Department of State has acknowledged the delays, explaining that embassies and consulates are prioritizing thorough case reviews over speed. Officials have said that appointment availability may shift based on staffing and resources, and that applicants can request expedited processing on a case-by-case basis. However, immigration attorneys note that expedited requests are not guaranteed and approvals remain inconsistent.
For foreign workers, the risk is clear. If an employee leaves the United States to renew or obtain a new visa stamp and their consular appointment is delayed or canceled, they may be unable to return until the visa is issued. This can disrupt employment, family life, and long-term immigration plans. Immigration lawyers advising multinational companies increasingly recommend postponing non-essential travel until processing timelines stabilize.
The warnings from Google and Apple come amid heightened scrutiny of employment-based visas, particularly the H-1B program, which has become a politically sensitive issue in the United States. The program, capped at 85,000 new visas annually, is a critical pipeline for skilled foreign labor in technology, engineering, healthcare, and academia. Large technology firms have historically been among the biggest users of H-1B visas, relying on global talent to fill specialized roles.
Recent policy shifts have added financial and administrative burdens to the program. Earlier in the year, new fees were introduced for certain visa categories, and enhanced background checks expanded the scope of information reviewed during the application process. Supporters argue these measures strengthen national security and protect domestic jobs, while critics warn they discourage talent and undermine U.S. competitiveness in innovation-driven industries.
Data from recent fiscal years highlights the scale of the issue for major employers. Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and Apple collectively file thousands of H-1B petitions annually. Any disruption to visa processing can therefore affect not only individual employees but also project timelines, team continuity, and long-term workforce planning. Industry analysts note that prolonged uncertainty around immigration status may push skilled workers to consider opportunities in countries with more predictable immigration systems.
The current situation also underscores broader challenges facing global mobility in the tech sector. As companies operate across borders and rely on internationally distributed teams, restrictions on travel and re-entry complicate collaboration and talent deployment. Internal advisories like those issued by Google and Apple signal a shift toward risk-averse mobility policies, at least until visa backlogs ease.
Neither company has publicly detailed contingency plans for employees who are already outside the United States and affected by delayed appointments. Immigration experts suggest such workers may need to rely on remote work arrangements where possible, though this is not always feasible due to regulatory and tax constraints.
As visa processing delays persist, pressure is likely to mount on U.S. authorities to balance security objectives with economic realities. For now, the message from some of America’s largest employers is blunt: unless travel is unavoidable, visa holders are better off staying put.
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