Google and Apple Warn U.S. Visa Holders to Avoid International Travel Amid Lengthy Embassy Delays

Alphabet’s Google and Apple have advised certain employees working in the United States on temporary visas to avoid international travel, as visa stamping delays at U.S. embassies and consulates can now stretch up to 12 months. According to a Business Insider report citing internal company memos, the warning reflects growing concerns that employees who travel abroad may be unable to return to the U.S. in a timely manner due to extended appointment backlogs.

Immigration law firms representing the two technology giants said the delays are largely driven by expanded social media screening requirements introduced by the U.S. government. These new vetting measures have significantly slowed visa processing, increasing the risk that employees could be stranded outside the country if their visa appointments are postponed or rescheduled. The advisory applies to holders of several common nonimmigrant visas, including H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas, which are widely used across the technology, education, and research sectors.

Google’s internal memo reportedly highlighted that some U.S. embassies and consulates are facing appointment wait times of up to a year, making international travel particularly risky for affected employees. Apple issued similar guidance, though neither company immediately responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

The issue comes amid heightened scrutiny of the U.S. visa system under the administration of President Donald Trump, which recently announced increased vetting of H-1B visa applicants. The updated rules include more extensive background checks and reviews of social media activity, further contributing to processing delays.

The H-1B visa program, a critical pathway for U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, especially from India and China, has faced additional pressure after the administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications earlier this year. This has raised concerns within the tech industry about talent mobility and workforce stability.

Notably, this is not the first time such warnings have been issued. In September, Alphabet had already strongly urged its H-1B visa holders to remain in the United States and avoid international travel, anticipating ongoing disruptions. Together, these developments underscore the growing uncertainty surrounding U.S. work visas and the broader impact on global tech talent.