How Google and Apple Warn H-1B Workers Against Travel: US Visa Delays Could Leave Employees Stranded Abroad!

Published on December 22, 2025

In a new development impacting workers with H-1B visas, Google and Apple have issued warnings to their employees, advising them to avoid international travel due to potential delays in the visa re-entry process. These warnings come after the implementation of a new social media screening requirement introduced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has significantly slowed visa processing times at U.S. embassies.

This latest directive from Google and Apple highlights concerns about extended delays at consulates and embassies, with the potential for employees to face prolonged stays outside the United States while waiting for their visas to be revalidated. The social media screening requires that all travelers entering the U.S. submit their social media history from the past five years, a process that is causing a backlog of visa applications.

New Social Media Screening Requirement Sparks Delays

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s updated protocol now mandates that all H-1B visa applicants and holders, along with those on H-4, F, J, and M visas, undergo social media reviews before they are allowed to re-enter the country. This new procedure has created significant delays, with some U.S. embassies and consulates reporting waiting times for visa stamping appointments of up to 12 months.

Given these extended delays, Google and Apple have strongly recommended that their employees avoid traveling internationally unless absolutely necessary. According to Berry Appleman & Leiden, a firm that works with Google, employees have been advised to limit travel in order to avoid the risk of being stranded abroad.

Implications for Google and Apple’s Workforce

Both Google and Apple employ a significant number of foreign nationals in the U.S., with thousands working under the H-1B visa program. These companies rely heavily on highly skilled foreign workers, particularly in the fields of technology and engineering, making this new travel restriction especially impactful.

The H-1B visa program was introduced in the 1990 Immigration Act to allow U.S. companies to hire skilled foreign workers for jobs in fields such as technology, where the demand for specialized knowledge often exceeds the supply within the domestic workforce. While the program has enabled Google and Apple to build strong teams of professionals, the recent changes have complicated the process for many employees who need to travel for business or personal reasons.

Rising Concerns Over U.S. Immigration Policies

The Trump administration’s focus on tightening immigration controls has led to increased scrutiny of foreign workers, particularly those employed on H-1B visas. In September 2025, President Donald Trump announced that a new $100,000 fee would be introduced for H-1B visa applicants, further complicating the process. While the fee was later clarified to apply only to new applicants, the announcement had already created uncertainty and panic among companies like Google, Apple, and other major tech corporations that rely on skilled international labor.

This shift in policy has led to increased airfare prices and added financial pressure on companies as they work to navigate the evolving immigration landscape. In some cases, Google and Apple have instructed their employees who are overseas to return to the U.S. as soon as possible in order to avoid the added costs associated with the new visa fees.

Tech Industry’s Response to Immigration Challenges

The H-1B visa issue is just one example of the challenges facing the tech industry under the current administration’s policies. While some groups, including anti-immigrant factions, support the restrictions, many business leaders, such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have expressed their concerns over the impact of these changes on innovation and global competitiveness.

The tech sector, which heavily depends on foreign talent, has been vocal about the need for a more inclusive and flexible immigration system that allows for the recruitment of the best minds from around the world. As a result, Google and Apple have continued to lobby for changes that would ensure their ability to hire skilled workers while maintaining a fair process for all applicants.

Potential Long-Term Effects on U.S. Tech Industry

The changes to the H-1B visa process could have long-term consequences for the U.S. tech industry. By making it harder for international workers to enter the country or return after travel, the United States risks alienating the talent pool that has helped fuel its technology-driven economy. Companies may find themselves increasingly unable to meet the demands of their projects, and some may even be forced to look outside the U.S. for the talent they need to remain competitive in the global market.

Google and Apple are two companies that have historically thrived on a diverse workforce drawn from all corners of the world. As the H-1B visa restrictions become more stringent, these companies may face challenges in attracting top-tier talent, which could slow down innovation and hinder their ability to expand their operations.

Exploring Alternatives for H-1B Visa Holders

Given the current visa-related obstacles, many foreign workers are exploring alternatives to the H-1B program. Some may seek to switch to other visa types or explore opportunities in countries with more welcoming immigration policies. Canada, for example, has become an increasingly attractive destination for highly skilled professionals, as it offers more streamlined pathways for immigrants to enter and work in the country.

As the global mobility of skilled workers continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the U.S. will adapt its policies to remain competitive in the global labor market. For Google, Apple, and other leading tech companies, navigating these changes will require careful planning and collaboration with lawmakers to ensure that they can continue to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world.

Conclusion: Navigating the Complexities of U.S. Immigration Policy

The H-1B visa restrictions introduced under the current administration have created a challenging environment for tech giants like Google and Apple, which rely heavily on foreign talent. The new social media screening requirements and the possibility of extended delays have prompted the companies to advise their employees against international travel, to avoid being stranded abroad due to visa processing delays. As the situation evolves, it will be crucial for both tech companies and immigrants to stay informed about changes to the immigration landscape and adapt to ensure continued success in the U.S. and beyond.