San Francisco | Global tech giants Google, Apple and Microsoft have advised employees working in the United States on work visas to avoid international travel. The companies have warned that exceptional delays in visa stamping at US embassies and consulates could leave staff stranded outside the country for months.
According to people familiar with the matter, internal advisories circulated by immigration law firms indicate that appointment backlogs are worsening in several regions, with waiting periods extending up to 12 months.
Why the Advisory Was Issued
BAL Immigration Law, which represents Google, said in an internal memo that “significant visa stamping delays” are being reported at multiple US embassies. The firm cautioned that non-essential international travel could “risk an extended stay outside the United States,” and recommended postponing such trips.
Similarly, Apple’s immigration counsel Fragomen issued a warning to employees. The memo said staff without a valid H-1B visa stamp should avoid leaving the US due to the risk of unpredictable and prolonged delays when attempting to return. Employees unable to defer travel were advised to consult Apple’s immigration team in advance.
Who Is Affected
The advisory primarily applies to employees working in the US on H-1B and other work visas who require visa stamping for re-entry. Immigration law firms said that under current conditions, employees travelling abroad could face months of uncertainty before being allowed back into the US—directly impacting work commitments, projects and personal lives.
Sources added that enterprise software firm ServiceNow has also issued similar guidance to some of its employees.
Reasons Behind the Delays
Immigration experts point to a combination of factors, including post-pandemic staffing shortages at consulates, a large backlog of pending cases, and procedural changes, all of which have contributed to longer processing times. In certain regions, enhanced security checks and administrative processing have further slowed the issuance of visa appointments.
Companies’ Strategy
Tech companies are currently focusing on deferring non-essential travel, expanding remote work options, and strengthening immigration support systems. Internally, employees are being offered case-by-case guidance based on individual circumstances to mitigate risks associated with unavoidable travel.
What Lies Ahead
Immigration law firms believe the backlog is unlikely to ease in the near term. As a result, the guidance for visa-holding employees is clear: avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. Companies said they are closely monitoring the situation and will update staff if there are signs of improvement in consular processing.
For now, the message to thousands of visa holders in the tech sector remains straightforward: carefully assess travel risks and consult your company’s immigration team before making any plans.
