“Do Not Travel Abroad!” Major US Companies Warn H-1B Workers Amid Visa Delays

Silicon Valley / Washington: Indian professionals on H-1B visas are being advised by major US tech companies to avoid international travel, following a wave of visa delays caused by increased scrutiny of applicants’ social media profiles.

The Trump administration mandated enhanced social media checks before issuing visas, causing significant delays in scheduling visa stamping appointments. Thousands of foreign workers employed by companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are currently stranded in their home countries, unable to travel to the United States for work.

Company Advisories:

• Microsoft has warned employees against overseas travel, cautioning that rescheduling visa appointments could leave them stranded abroad for months.
• Amazon advised workers with visa appointments in late December or January to remain in the US, warning that leaving the country could result in long delays and inability to work.
• Google highlighted that US Embassy and Consulate visa stamping appointments are facing delays of up to 12 months due to high demand and increased social media checks. Employees are advised to avoid international travel until further notice.
• Apple instructed H-1B workers without valid visa stamps to postpone travel and contact Apple Immigration for guidance if travel cannot be postponed.

Reason for Delays:
The surge in social media reviews, implemented globally since 15 December, is aimed at preventing misuse of the H-1B visa program. Visa issuance is being withheld if any content deemed objectionable is found during the online review. This measure has created a bottleneck, leaving many foreign workers in limbo, unable to enter the US on time.

With uncertainties mounting, tech companies are urging workers to reconsider travel plans and stay in communication with their employers and immigration teams to avoid being stranded abroad.