Tech Giants Alert Visa Holders: Delay Travel Plans Due to New U.S. Visa Regulations

Top tech companies in the United States are facing an escalating crisis due to new visa policies impacting numerous employees with work visas. This turmoil stems from fresh requirements for social media scrutiny that are causing major delays at American embassies and consulates worldwide.

Firms such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow have recently issued warnings to their employees holding visas, advising them to avoid international travel. These alerts highlight that delays in securing visa appointments could extend up to a year.

The notifications, coming from either the companies' internal legal teams or associated immigration law firms, underline the growing unpredictability faced by foreign workers who are essential to the tech sector.

Routine visa stamping processes have been postponed by U.S. embassies, thus leaving some employees stranded abroad, unable to resume their duties in the States for prolonged periods.

For those holding H-1B visas, predominantly utilized by technology firms, the scenario is particularly challenging. Should their visa stamp lapse and they leave the country, they need a new one to return to the U.S. With future appointments being set months ahead, a simple visit home becomes a year-long potential career hindrance.

A Department of State spokesman informed Business Insider that they are now performing 'online presence reviews' as part of the application process. While prioritization has shifted from fast processing to comprehensive vetting, the department mentioned the possibility of shifting appointments if resources become available, with expedited appointments being available under certain circumstances.

This situation affects a wide array of locations, including India, Ireland, and Vietnam, as noted by the immigration advisory group Reddy Neumann Brown PC.

Microsoft's Advisory

Jack Chen, serving as Microsoft's associate general counsel for immigration, has communicated with employees to avoid travel if they possess an H-1B or H-4 visa. Consulates are changing assigned appointment dates to several months later, mainly impacting locations in Chennai and Hyderabad. This disruption arises from new online review protocols, trimming daily visa processing capacities.

Guidance has been instituted for those outside the U.S. needing a visa stamp, as well as for employees with scheduled but unaltered appointments, emphasizing the improbability of emergency appointments.

Google's Caution

Google's visa representatives, Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, have warned personnel that U.S. consulate appointments for obtaining visa stamps are experiencing delays that could last as long as a year, prompting a warning against traveling internationally to prevent extended stays outside the U.S.

Apple's Alert

Apple' immigration team advised staff without a valid H-1B visa to refrain from international trips due to unpredictable and extended return delays. For unavoidable travel, employees are encouraged to consult with their immigration support on potential risks first.

ServiceNow's Update

ServiceNow has communicated new U.S. policy details regarding social media vetting impacting U.S. consulate appointments, particularly for H-1B and H-4 visa holders, with cancellations reported. Guidance provided includes eligibility for expedited rescheduling based on emergency circumstances such as family emergencies or significant business risks.