SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Major U.S. tech companies are warning employees with visas not to travel outside the country due to long delays at American embassies and consulates. Google, Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow have all advised staff to stay in the U.S. as visa processing slows. The companies cited internal memos stating that employees who need a visa stamp to re-enter the U.S. could face months-long delays. Business Insider reviewed copies of these memos, which encourage employees to postpone international travel if possible.
“Some U.S. Embassies and Consulates are experiencing significant visa stamping appointment delays, currently reported as up to 12 months,” said a memo from BAL Immigration Law, representing Google. The memo urges employees to avoid travel to prevent an extended stay outside the country.
Apple sent a similar warning through Fragomen, its immigration law firm. The memo recommends that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid travel for now. Apple staff were advised to contact the company’s immigration team before traveling to understand the risks.
Microsoft also sent guidance to employees planning international trips. Jack Chen, Microsoft’s associate general counsel for immigration, asked employees stuck abroad due to rescheduled visa appointments to report their situation. He acknowledged the stress of these delays and promised clear guidance as soon as possible.
For those still in the U.S., Microsoft strongly recommends reconsidering travel plans. The memo noted that employees may face limits in performing their work for U.S. roles while waiting for visa appointments. Microsoft is collecting information from affected staff to track real-time impacts and determine which consulates are most affected. ServiceNow’s memo, sent by its Global Mobility Team, advised employees abroad to contact their managers. The company may approve exceptions to its 30-day Work from Anywhere policy if needed.
Delays have surged due to a new social media screening requirement introduced by the U.S. State Department. This applies to H-1B visa holders, their dependents, and students on F, J, and M visas. The department said it is now focusing on thoroughly vetting applicants rather than reducing wait times.
The State Department spokesperson said appointment times may change as resources shift. Applicants can request expedited slots on a case-by-case basis. Reports indicate that U.S. embassies in India, Ireland, and Vietnam have postponed routine visa appointments. Google’s memo specified that delays are affecting a range of visas, including H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M. However, companies did not guide employees already outside the U.S. whose appointments have been postponed.
The visa delays have raised concerns among employees who travel frequently for work. Immigration attorneys warn that long waits could affect career plans, especially for those relying on timely visa approvals to continue working in the U.S. Experts say that tech companies are acting prudently by advising staff to remain in the U.S. until appointment times stabilize. Avoiding international travel reduces the risk of being stranded outside the country for months.
As visa backlogs grow, employees are encouraged to stay informed through company memos and legal advisors. Planning travel cautiously and consulting immigration counsel can help minimize disruptions.
