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Visa Holders Warned to Avoid International Travel Due to Processing Delays
Law firms representing tech giants Google and Apple have issued warnings to employees who require a visa stamp to re-enter the United States, advising them to avoid leaving the country due to longer-than-usual visa processing times. This warning comes as a result of recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S.
Delays and Cancellations of Visa Appointments
According to memos viewed by Business Insider, BAL Immigration Law, which represents Google, and Fragomen, which represents Apple, have cautioned employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp to avoid international travel for the time being. A State Department spokesperson has stated that embassies are now prioritizing thorough vetting of each visa case above all else, which may contribute to the delays.
A recent report by Salon highlights the impact of new requirements for social media vetting, which has resulted in the cancellation or rescheduling of U.S. embassy appointments for “hundreds” of Indian professionals who traveled home to renew their U.S. work visas in December. This has left many workers in limbo, uncertain about their ability to return to the U.S.
Previous Warnings and New Requirements
In September, Google, Apple, and other large tech employers issued similar warnings when the White House announced that employers would have to pay a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications. The current warnings and delays have significant implications for employees who rely on these visas to work in the U.S.
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