Big Tech sounds alarm on H-1B travel: Why visa holders risk getting stranded abroad

Major technology companies in the United States are cautioning employees on H-1B and related visas against travelling overseas, warning that even short trips could leave them stuck outside the country for months.

Google, Apple, Microsoft and ServiceNow have issued internal advisories after new US visa screening requirements sharply slowed processing at embassies and consulates, particularly in India. The guidance reflects growing concern that routine international travel now carries a real risk of prolonged absence from the US workforce.

The trigger is a tightening of visa scrutiny, including expanded reviews of applicants’ online and social media presence. As a result, routine visa stamping appointments are being postponed, rescheduled far into the future or cancelled altogether, creating a backlog that companies say is disrupting mobility planning for thousands of skilled workers.

For visa holders, the risk is straightforward. If an H-1B or H-4 visa stamp expires while they are abroad, they must secure a fresh stamp at a US consulate before returning. With appointment availability shrinking, that process can now stretch into many months, effectively stranding employees outside the country.

What changed in US visa processing

US authorities have made clear that speed is no longer the priority. Consular officials are now placing greater emphasis on vetting each application in depth, even if that leads to longer waiting times.

The additional screening requirements have reduced daily processing capacity at several consulates. This has created a knock-on effect, with routine appointments being pushed back repeatedly and emergency slots becoming harder to obtain. For companies dependent on globally mobile talent, the uncertainty has become difficult to manage.

The situation is especially acute for workers travelling to India for visa stamping, where demand has traditionally been high and processing volumes large even before the new rules came into force.

What companies are telling their employees

Microsoft

Microsoft warned staff that some US consulates are rescheduling visa appointments by several months, with new dates in certain cases extending as far as June 2026. The company said delays are concentrated in Chennai and Hyderabad, driven by operational constraints linked to enhanced online presence reviews for H-1B and H-4 visas.

Employees were told that emergency appointments are “highly unlikely” to be approved and were urged to reconsider travel plans if a new visa stamp would be required for re-entry into the US.

Google

Google, through its immigration law firm, flagged the scale of the disruption more bluntly. It warned that visa stamping delays of up to 12 months are being reported at some embassies and consulates due to high demand and enhanced screening across multiple visa categories, including H-1B, H-4, F, J and M visas.

The advisory underlined the possibility that employees could remain abroad far longer than anticipated, even for trips initially planned as brief.

Apple

Apple’s immigration team highlighted the unpredictability of the current system, warning of extended and uncertain delays when attempting to return to the US. Employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp were strongly advised to avoid international travel altogether. Those unable to defer travel were encouraged to seek legal advice in advance to fully understand the risks.

ServiceNow

ServiceNow echoed similar concerns, particularly for employees planning to travel to India for visa stamping. It warned of significant difficulty in securing appointments and recommended cancelling non-essential trips. The company said it would consider limited exceptions to its work-from-anywhere rules only in cases such as medical or family emergencies.

Why warning matters for H-1B workers

For many H-1B professionals, especially those from India, overseas travel is often tied to family obligations, emergencies or long-planned visits home. The new reality forces a difficult choice between personal needs and professional continuity.

Even employees who are fully compliant with visa rules face the risk of being unable to return to their jobs for months through no fault of their own. Companies, in turn, face disruptions to projects, teams and delivery timelines.

The advisories from some of the world’s largest technology firms underline a broader shift in the US immigration environment: mobility can no longer be assumed, and caution has become the default advice. For now, staying put may be the safest option for visa holders hoping to avoid an indefinite wait outside the country.