Several major technology companies, including Google, Apple, Microsoft, and IT automation firm ServiceNow, have cautioned some visa-holding employees against traveling abroad, citing prolonged processing delays at U.S. embassies that could leave them stranded outside the country.
Immigration lawyers working with those firms followed up with internal guidance, emailing employees who need a visa stamp to return to the U.S. and warning them to avoid international travel for now, as consular processing times have stretched beyond normal timelines, according to internal advisories reviewed by Business Insider.
In a memo circulated Thursday, BAL Immigration Law, which represents Google, warned employees that “some U.S. Embassies and Consulates are experiencing significant visa stamping appointment delays, currently reported as up to 12 months.” The firm advised against international travel, cautioning that doing so would “risk an extended stay outside the U.S.”
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A separate advisory from Fragomen, the firm that works with Apple, delivered a similar message last week, urging some Apple employees on visas to hold off on international travel.
“Given the recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S., we strongly recommend that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel for now,” the memo stated. “If travel cannot be postponed, employees should connect with Apple Immigration and Fragomen in advance to discuss the risks.”
In a note sent by Jack Chen, Microsoft’s associate general counsel for immigration, the company asked employees who are currently outside the U.S. due to rescheduled visa appointments to “report their situation.” Acknowledging the strain on affected staff, Chen wrote, “For employees currently stuck abroad, we know this is an anxious moment,” adding, “We will provide clear and orderly guidance to you directly as soon as we can.”
For staff who are still in the U.S. but had been planning overseas trips, Microsoft is urging caution. Employees are asked to “strongly consider changing” their travel plans, Chen wrote, noting that “there are limitations to your ability to perform work for your U.S. role during that period.” The company is also seeking more visibility into the scope of the problem.
“To track real-time impacts, we need data from employees whose appointments have been rescheduled or may be soon,” the memo states, directing workers to a survey that asks for details such as the length of delays and the consulates involved.
ServiceNow issued similar guidance in a memo sent Dec. 18 by its “Global Mobility Team.” Employees who are currently stuck outside the U.S. are asked to contact their managers as soon as possible “to discuss whether an exception to the 30-day Work from Anywhere policy is warranted.” The company said it will “review and approve” any such exceptions to its monthlong remote-work policy on a case-by-case basis.
The travel warnings come as U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide grapple with backlogs in routine visa appointments after rolling out a new social media screening requirement. The policy affects H-1B workers and their dependents, along with students and exchange visitors.
A spokesperson for the State Department told Business Insider on Friday that the agency is conducting “online presence reviews for applicants.” The department added that appointment schedules may shift as staffing and resources change, and said applicants can seek expedited appointments on a case-by-case basis.
“While in the past the emphasis may have been on processing cases quickly and reducing wait times, our embassies and consulates around the world, including in India, are now prioritizing thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else,” as per spokesperson of the State Department.
In their advisory, Google’s immigration lawyers said the disruptions are hitting a wide range of visa categories, including H-1B and H-4 visas, as well as F, J, and M visas.
“My advice to clients is that if travel isn’t essential right now, better to stay put,” according to Finkelman.