Tech Giants Advise Employees Against International Travel

Dec 24, 2025, 2:18 AM

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In light of recent changes to US immigration policies, major tech companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, and ServiceNow have issued advisories to their employees on visas, urging them to avoid international travel. This recommendation is primarily aimed at preventing employees from becoming stranded abroad due to lengthy delays in visa processing and increased scrutiny from US immigration authorities.

The advisories follow the Trump administration's implementation of stricter vetting procedures for visa applicants, which now include a review of social media history spanning up to five years. This policy has been criticized by advocates for privacy rights, who argue that it constitutes an invasion of personal privacy.

Reports indicate that US consulates and embassies are experiencing significant delays in scheduling visa appointments, with some appointments being pushed back to as late as summer 2026. This situation has left many employees unable to return to the US after traveling abroad. The law firm Berry Appleman & Leiden, which represents Google, has advised employees to "avoid international travel at this time" to mitigate the risk of extended stays outside the US.

Apple's immigration team echoed this sentiment, recommending that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp refrain from international travel. The H-1B visa program is crucial for tech companies, allowing them to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly from countries like India, which accounts for a significant portion of H-1B approvals.

Microsoft's internal communications have also highlighted the challenges faced by employees in India, where visa stamping appointments are being rescheduled far into the future. The company has urged employees to return to the US before their current visas expire and to reconsider any upcoming travel plans.

The heightened scrutiny and delays in visa processing are not only affecting individual employees but also reflect broader implications for the tech industry, which relies heavily on foreign talent. The Alphabet Workers' Union at Google has been advocating for additional protections for H-1B visa holders, emphasizing the vulnerability of these workers in the event of layoffs.

As the situation evolves, tech companies are closely monitoring the impact of these immigration policies on their workforce. The advisories serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by foreign workers in the US and the potential consequences of stringent immigration regulations.

In summary, the advisories from Apple, Google, and other tech giants highlight the complexities of navigating US immigration policies in the current climate. Employees on visas are being urged to remain in the US to avoid the risk of being stranded abroad, as the tech industry grapples with the implications of these changes.

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