Major tech companies, including Google and Apple, are advising employees on H-1B visas to refrain from international travel due to escalating delays in visa processing. The warnings stem from new U.S. security protocols requiring extensive social media vetting of applicants, creating potential for extended stays abroad.
New Security Measures Cause Visa Backlogs
The Department of Homeland Security recently implemented a policy mandating reviews of up to five years of social media activity for visa applicants. This has caused significant backlogs at U.S. embassies and consulates, with some reported wait times exceeding 12 months. Immigration law firms representing these companies – BAL Immigration Law (Google), Berry Appleman & Leiden (Google), and Fragomen (Apple) – have issued memos urging staff to avoid unnecessary international trips.
“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.” – Fragomen, representing Apple
The delays affect not only H-1B visa holders but also those on H-4, F, J, and M visas, potentially stranding individuals outside the U.S. for extended periods. The U.S. Embassy in India acknowledged the new vetting process, encouraging applicants to apply early while anticipating longer processing times.
Why This Matters: The Scale of H-1B Dependence
This situation is particularly critical for tech giants like Google and Apple, which collectively employ over 300,000 workers and rely heavily on foreign talent. The H-1B visa program, established in 1990, was designed to fill specialized skill gaps within the U.S. workforce, but it has become a vital component of the tech industry’s labor model.
Currently, there are approximately 700,000 H-1B visa holders in the U.S., plus another half-million dependents.
Recent Policy Shifts and Their Impact
This latest development follows previous controversies surrounding H-1B visas. In September, former President Trump announced a proposed $100,000 fee for H-1B applicants, sparking panic and prompting companies like Amazon and Microsoft to advise their overseas employees to return to the U.S. immediately. Although the White House later clarified the fee would apply only to new applicants, the initial announcement still caused significant disruption.
The issue also highlights a deeper tension within the political landscape, with anti-immigrant factions pushing for stricter controls while some entrepreneurs argue for continued access to skilled foreign workers.
In short, the combination of new security protocols and past policy volatility has created a precarious situation for H-1B workers, forcing major tech firms to urge caution to avoid indefinite delays and potential disruptions to their operations.
