Leading technology companies including Google, Apple, Microsoft and ServiceNow have issued urgent travel advisories to employees holding work visas, warning them against international trips as new visa screening requirements trigger unprecedented delays at US embassies and consulates.
New Visa Screening Creates Appointment Backlogs
The travel warnings come in response to a regulation requiring additional social media vetting for visa applicants, which has severely impacted daily processing capacity at US consulates. If an employee’s visa stamp expires and they travel abroad, they must obtain a new stamp from a US consulate before re-entering the country.
US embassies have postponed routine visa stamping appointments, with some workers facing the prospect of being stranded overseas for extended periods. Even routine trips could now result in employees being unable to return to the United States for up to a year.
Microsoft Warns of Delays Extending to June 2026
Microsoft informed employees that some US consulates are rescheduling visa appointments “by several months,” with new dates pushed out “as far out as June 2026.”
Microsoft’s key warnings:
- Delays are particularly concentrated in Chennai and Hyderabad
- “The delays stem from operational constraints tied to the new online presence review for H-1B/H-4 visas, effective December 15, which reduces daily processing capacity”
- Emergency appointments are “highly unlikely” to be approved
- Employees still in the US who require a new visa stamp should “strongly consider changing your travel plans”
Google’s Immigration Partner Reports 12-Month Delays
Google’s advisory, sent through its immigration law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, warned that some embassies and consulates are experiencing visa stamping delays of “up to 12 months” due to “high demand and enhanced screening for H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas.”
The firm emphasized the scale of the delays and the risk of prolonged absence from the US, urging employees to carefully consider any international travel plans.
Apple Highlights Unpredictable Extended Delays
Apple’s immigration team emphasized the “possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the US” and strongly recommended that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel.
Apple’s recommendations:
- Employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp should avoid international travel
- Those unable to postpone travel must consult Apple’s immigration partners in advance
- Travelers should discuss all potential risks before making travel decisions
ServiceNow Recommends Cancelling India Travel Plans
ServiceNow specifically warned employees travelling to India for visa stamping about “significant delays in securing an appointment” and recommended cancelling such plans. The company said it will consider case-by-case exceptions to its 30-day work-from-anywhere rule in cases of medical or family emergencies.
State Department Prioritizes Vetting Over Processing Speed
On December 19, a Department of State spokesperson told Business Insider: “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 prioritising thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else.”
Key policy changes:
- Emphasis shifted from speed to thorough vetting
- Enhanced screening applies to embassies and consulates worldwide
- Indian consulates particularly affected by the new requirements
- Processing capacity significantly reduced due to additional review requirements
Impact on H-1B Visa Holders
The new visa screening requirements have created a challenging situation for thousands of H-1B visa holders who may need to travel internationally for work or personal reasons, forcing them to reconsider travel plans or risk extended separations from their jobs and lives in the United States.
The situation continues to evolve as tech companies work with immigration partners to navigate the new screening requirements and help employees manage travel risks.
