Google and Apple Advise Visa Employees to Stay in US Amid Long Delays for Visa Stamping
Google and Apple have informed some of their visa-holding employees to avoid traveling outside the United States. This advice follows recent delays at US embassies and consulates worldwide, where visa stamping appointments are taking months, sometimes up to a year. The companies, through their legal representatives, have cautioned staff about the risks of international travel and the possibility of extended stays outside the US.
Legal firms representing Google and Apple sent memos to employees holding visas such as H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M. BAL Immigration Law, representing Google, highlighted that some US embassies and consulates are reporting visa appointment delays reaching 12 months. The firm urged employees requiring visa stamps for re-entry to stay in the country to avoid getting stuck abroad. Similarly, Fragomen, Apple’s legal counsel, advised employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp to postpone international travel and consult with the company’s immigration team if travel is unavoidable.
The delays stem from new social media screening requirements introduced for visa applicants, which affect H-1B workers and their dependents, students, and exchange visitors. A spokesperson for the US Department of State explained that embassies and consulates worldwide, including those in India, Ireland, and Vietnam, are prioritizing thorough vetting over quick processing. This change has led to cancellations and rescheduling of appointments. The department said applicants might request expedited appointments in specific cases, but the general trend is longer wait times.
These travel advisories follow recent government policy changes, including a $100,000 fee imposed on new H-1B visa applications starting in September. The H-1B visa program allows skilled foreign workers to remain in the US for up to three years, with possibilities for extension. Typically, visas must be stamped at a US embassy or consulate outside the country for re-entry after travel.
Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman advised that foreign nationals with valid visa stamps usually can return to the US unless subject to entry restrictions. However, enhanced vetting and appointment delays complicate this process. Workers who leave the US for visa renewal might face prolonged waits for their consular appointments, potentially leaving them stranded abroad. Finkelman recommended postponing non-essential travel to avoid these risks.
The H-1B program provides a key talent pipeline for tech firms. During the 2024 fiscal year, Alphabet (Google’s parent company) applied for over 5,500 H-1B visas, while Apple filed nearly 3,900 applications. Tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta also rely heavily on H-1B visas. The visa program has become politically sensitive under the current administration, which has framed it as a threat to domestic employment. Critics, including industry experts and employers, argue that tougher policies and fees make it harder and more costly to hire skilled foreign workers.
At present, Google has not commented publicly on the travel advisories, and Apple’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment. The Department of State stated that consular officers will not issue visas unless applicants fully meet legal requirements, including visa activity limits.
Visa holders advised to refrain from traveling should monitor communications from their employers and legal teams closely and plan for possible disruptions tied to the evolving immigration policies and administrative procedures.
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