Google and Apple employees who rely on U.S. visa stamping to return to the country are being urged to hold off on international travel, as visa appointment backlogs and processing delays grow more unpredictable, according to Business Insider.
The outlet reports it reviewed internal guidance from two major immigration firms: BAL Immigration Law, which represents Google, and Fragomen, which represents Apple. The advice is aimed at employees who don’t currently have a valid visa stamp in their passport and would need consular processing abroad before re-entering the U.S.
“Extended delays” for visa stamping
In one memo cited by Business Insider, Fragomen reportedly warned that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp should avoid travel for now, citing the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays in returning to the United States.
Business Insider also notes that wait times at some consulates have stretched dramatically—reportedly as long as 12 months in certain locations—raising the risk that a routine trip abroad could turn into an unexpected long-term stay outside the U.S.
State Department: more intensive vetting
A State Department spokesperson told Business Insider that embassies are prioritizing “thoroughly vetting each visa case,” a message that aligns with broader scrutiny being applied to visa applicants.
That scrutiny appears to be affecting appointment availability, too. Salon reported that hundreds of Indian professionals who traveled to renew U.S. work visas in December 2025 had appointments canceled or rescheduled, citing expanded requirements related to online presence and social media review.
Not the first warning this year
The latest travel guidance comes after similar internal warnings circulated earlier in September 2025, when the White House issued a proclamation restricting entry for certain H-1B workers unless the petition is accompanied by a $100,000 payment requirement, effective September 21, 2025 (with specific scope and exceptions).
For employees on work visas, the takeaway is simple: if you’ll need a new visa stamp abroad to return to the U.S., even a short trip may now come with a much bigger gamble—one that hinges on appointment availability, processing timelines, and evolving vetting rules.