Alphabet’s Google has advised some employees on U.S. visas to avoid international travel due to lengthy visa processing delays at American embassies, Business Insider reported on Friday, citing an internal email.
The email, sent on Thursday by the company’s external counsel, BAL Immigration Law, warned employees who require a visa stamp to re-enter the United States not to leave the country. It noted that visa processing times have significantly increased, with some U.S. embassies and consulates facing appointment delays of up to 12 months. As a result, international travel could “risk an extended stay outside the U.S.,” the memo said.
The warning comes after President Donald Trump’s administration announced increased scrutiny of H-1B visa applicants earlier this month, including the screening of social media accounts.
The H-1B visa program, heavily used by the U.S. technology sector to hire skilled workers—particularly from India and China—has faced heightened attention following the administration’s decision to impose a $100,000 fee on new applications this year.
In September, Alphabet had issued a similar advisory, strongly urging its employees, especially H-1B visa holders, to avoid international travel and remain in the United States, according to an email reviewed by Reuters.
