In December 2025, Google and Apple issued strong advisories to employees working in the United States on H-1B visas and other work permits. The tech giants cautioned staff to avoid international travel due to unprecedented delays in visa stamping appointments at US embassies and consulates worldwide.
This development highlights the growing challenges faced by foreign professionals in the US tech industry, particularly amid tightening immigration policies and new vetting requirements. For companies that rely heavily on global talent, the warning underscores the risks of being stranded abroad and the potential disruption to both personal lives and corporate operations.
Why Google and Apple Issued the Warning
- Visa stamping delays: Reports indicate that visa stamping appointments are being delayed by up to 12 months in certain regions.
- New vetting requirements: The US State Department has prioritized social media screening and thorough vetting of visa applicants, further slowing down the process.
- Risk of being stranded: Employees traveling abroad without a valid visa stamp risk being unable to return to the US for months, jeopardizing their employment and residency status.
Immigration law firms representing Google (BAL Immigration Law) and Apple (Fragomen) issued memos strongly advising employees to stay put unless absolutely necessary.
Impact on Tech Industry and Employees
- Global Talent Mobility
- The US tech industry thrives on international talent, especially from countries like India and China.
- Restrictions on travel could discourage skilled professionals from pursuing opportunities in the US.
- Employee Anxiety
- Many employees are caught between personal obligations abroad and professional commitments in the US.
- The uncertainty of visa processing times adds stress to already complex immigration journeys.
- Operational Challenges for Companies
- Tech giants may face workforce disruptions if employees are stranded outside the US.
- Projects relying on specialized talent could suffer delays.
Broader Immigration Context
This warning comes amid a broader US immigration crackdown. Reports suggest that hundreds of Indian professionals had their visa appointments canceled or rescheduled in December 2025. The delays are not limited to H-1B visas but extend to other categories, affecting thousands of skilled workers.
The US government’s emphasis on national security and social media vetting has created bottlenecks in visa processing. While the intention is to strengthen screening, the unintended consequence is a significant slowdown in global talent mobility.
Conclusion
The advisories from Google and Apple serve as a wake-up call for both employees and policymakers. For visa holders, the message is clear: avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. For the tech industry, the situation highlights the urgent need for streamlined immigration processes that balance security with efficiency.
As the US continues to grapple with immigration reforms, the fate of thousands of skilled professionals remains uncertain. Companies like Google and Apple are now forced to adapt, ensuring that their workforce remains stable amid these challenges.
