Google and Apple are advising their H-1B visa-holding employees to avoid international travel due to significant delays in obtaining visa stamps at U.S. embassies and consulates, with some appointments backlogged for up to a year. Internal memos from immigration law firms representing the tech giants, revealed by Business Insider, cite the delays as stemming from increased scrutiny of social media accounts. These firms caution that employees risk being stranded outside the U.S. if their appointments are postponed or canceled.
The advisory applies to those holding H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas. Google's memo indicated that some U.S. embassies and consulates are facing appointment delays of up to 12 months, creating concerns for international employees who regularly travel between the U.S. and their home countries. BAL Immigration Law, representing Google, warned that traveling abroad at this time could "risk an extended stay outside the U.S.". Fragomen, Apple's legal representatives, echoed this sentiment, advising employees without valid H-1B visa stamps to avoid international travel for the time being.
These warnings follow the Trump administration's announcement this month of increased vetting for H-1B visa applicants, including screening of social media accounts. The Department of Homeland Security now requires a review of applicants' social media activity from the past five years. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that they are conducting "online presence reviews for applicants" and prioritizing thorough vetting of each visa case. This expanded screening has led to mass rescheduling of visa-stamping appointments, particularly in India, with interview dates being pushed to as far as March-June 2026.
The delays are causing significant disruptions for both employees and employers. Employees face separation from families, potential lost wages, and job insecurity. Companies are experiencing difficulties in workforce planning, project delivery, and meeting client obligations. Some U.S. firms are exploring options to bring back employees stuck in India, including seeking earlier interview appointments and allowing remote work. Others are urging employees to return to the U.S. immediately, before their current visas expire.
To mitigate the impact of these delays, experts recommend that employers assess the risks of international travel for H-1B workers, ensure that H-1B workers are well-informed about the latest developments, develop policies addressing remote work, and monitor the situation closely. They also advise employees to review their public online presence, ensure accuracy across all application materials, and plan conservatively for potential delays in visa processing.
The situation is particularly challenging for Indian professionals, who constitute a significant portion of H-1B visa holders. Many had scheduled visa renewals alongside December holidays in India, only to have their plans disrupted by the new screening measures. As a result, some Indian IT firms are exploring alternative routes for their employees, such as "automatic re-validation" through Canada or Mexico.
The U.S. Embassy in India has issued an advisory warning that applicants who arrive on their original appointment dates will be denied entry. Industry body NASSCOM has asked the External Affairs Ministry to intervene with U.S. counterparts, cautioning that prolonged delays could jeopardize project deliveries worth an estimated USD 1.6 billion this quarter.
