Google Advises Visa Holders Against Leaving the US Amid Steep Return Delays

According to a memo obtained by Business Insider, Google has advised its employees with visas to avoid international travel due to sluggish processing times at embassies.

Per an email from BAL Immigration Law, Google's external legal advisor, employees requiring a visa stamp for US re-entry are cautioned against traveling abroad, as the visa stamping process has substantially slowed down, as noted in the memo reviewed by Business Insider.

"Please be informed that some US Embassies and Consulates are experiencing substantial delays for visa stamping appointments, reportedly up to a year," the memo stated. Employees were thus recommended to refrain from leaving the US to avoid being stuck abroad.

Routine visa appointments face significant hold-ups due to a newly implemented social media review mandate, impacting H-1B visa holders and their dependents, along with students and exchange visitors.

A Department of State representative informed Business Insider on Friday that they are conducting "reviews of online presence" for visa applicants. Adjustments to appointments may occur based on resource availability, with expedited slots offered on a discretionary basis.

"Previously, the main focus was on prompt processing and minimizing wait times. Currently, our embassies, particularly in India, are concentrating on meticulous assessment of each visa application," a State Department official mentioned. Delays have also been noted in Ireland and Vietnam, per the immigration firm Reddy Neumann Brown PC.

The memo from Google’s legal team highlighted that the visa processing delays impact holders of H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas. However, it didn't provide guidance for visa holders stuck outside the US due to postponed appointments.

A representative for Google refused to provide any comments.

Implications of Enhanced Visa Scrutiny on International Travel

The advisory from Google mirrors a series of corporate travel cautions that emerged in the wake of Trump's administration decision to levy a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas.

Typically, an H-1B visa is valid for three years, with opportunities for extensions. New H-1B visa stamps usually necessitate an application at a US embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country, or where they legally reside.

According to immigration lawyer Jason Finkelman, specializing in workplace and family immigration matters, foreign nationals with valid visas and no travel restrictions, such as those from the Trump era travel bans effective January 1, are generally still able to return to the US.

However, increased scrutiny can hinder what would otherwise be straightforward travel. If an H-1B visa holder exits the US for a new stamp, delayed consular appointments—possibly extending for months—could leave them stranded abroad.

"Unless essential, my recommendation for clients is to stay put," Finkelman counseled.

A State Department spokesperson noted that "consular officers are prohibited from issuing a visa unless the applicant convincingly demonstrates adherence to all legal US obligations, including intentions aligned with visa activity conditions."

Restricted annually to 85,000 new visas, the H-1B program is pivotal in hiring skilled foreign talent. Leading tech firms like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta have historically utilized this program extensively, ranking among top approved H-1B seekers.

During Trump's presidency, the H-1B scheme has been intensely debated politically. The administration portrayed H-1Bs as jeopardizing US employment, prompting stricter and costlier protocols for employers aiming to onboard new employees.