Major tech companies Google and Apple have warned some visa-holding employees in the United States to avoid international travel, citing lengthy delays at U.S. embassies and consulates that could leave workers stranded abroad.
According to a Business Insider report, the advisories follow mounting backlogs in routine visa appointments after U.S. authorities rolled out enhanced social media screening for visa applicants.
Google’s Advisory to Visa-Holding Employees
Alphabet’s Google cautioned employees working in the U.S. on visas not to travel overseas if they require a visa stamp to re-enter the country. The warning was sent Thursday in an internal email by BAL Immigration Law, Google’s outside immigration counsel.
The memo said some U.S. embassies and consulates are facing appointment delays of up to 12 months, warning that travel could “risk an extended stay outside the U.S.” if timely appointments are unavailable.
Google issued a similar advisory in September, also urging visa holders—particularly those on H-1B visas—to remain in the U.S. amid growing uncertainty around processing timelines.
Apple Issues Similar Warning
After Google’s notice, Apple sent an internal advisory to some employees on work visas, recommending they avoid non-essential international travel. The message, issued by Apple’s immigration counsel Fragomen, cited unpredictable and extended delays at U.S. embassies.
The memo advised employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp to postpone travel and said those who must travel should consult Apple’s immigration team and counsel in advance to assess risks.
Why Visa Delays Are Worsening
The advisories come as the Trump administration has tightened scrutiny of visa applicants, including expanded reviews of social media accounts. U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have struggled with appointment backlogs since the changes took effect.
The enhanced vetting applies not only to H-1B workers and their H-4 dependents, but also to F, M, and J visa categories for students and exchange visitors.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Business Insider that embassies are conducting “online presence reviews for applicants” and may reschedule appointments as resources shift, prioritizing thorough vetting over speed. Immigration firms report postponed appointments in countries including Ireland and Vietnam.
What Visa Holders Are Being Told
Both companies’ advisories emphasize caution. Employees who need visa stamping to re-enter the U.S. are being urged to avoid travel where possible and to seek guidance before any essential trips. Neither advisory detailed next steps for workers already outside the U.S. whose appointments have been delayed.
