Mexico Joins Brazil, Turkey, Ireland, India, Vietnam, And Other Nations In Struggling With Visa Delays As Google Issues New Travel Warning Amid US Visa Crisis

Published on December 21, 2025

Mexico joins Brazil, Turkey, Ireland, India, Vietnam, and More in Facing Visa Processing Delays as Google Issues Travel Warning Amid US Government Backlog Crisis. The global travel and workforce landscape is grappling with an escalating visa processing crisis, driven by the US government’s recent changes to visa procedures and social media screening. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, India, and Vietnam have felt the brunt of these delays, with appointment backlogs extending to as long as 12 months. As a result, major companies, including Google, have warned employees on work visas to avoid international travel, fearing prolonged disruptions and uncertainty in re-entry due to the ongoing visa backlog.

The ripple effect of delayed U.S. visa processing has been felt worldwide, with countries like Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Ireland, India, and Vietnam at the forefront of facing these challenges. As the U.S. government grapples with a growing backlog and more stringent visa processing requirements, including new social media screening measures, travelers and companies are being warned to tread carefully. This article delves into the global impact of these delays, the reasons behind them, and how some of the world’s leading tech giants, such as Google, are advising their employees to avoid international travel.

US Visa Backlog Crisis: What’s Causing the Delays?

The delays are part of an escalating issue that the U.S. government has been dealing with for some time now. A combination of factors has led to massive delays in visa processing, with appointment wait times in some regions extending to as long as 12 months. This is a far cry from the pre-2025 norm, where delays typically lasted only a few weeks. The major contributors to this backlog are:

• Enhanced Social Media Screening: As part of stricter vetting processes, the U.S. government has introduced new social media and online presence checks for visa applicants. This expanded scrutiny requires more time per case, adding delays to an already overwhelmed system.
• Staff Shortages and Resource Constraints: U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, particularly in high-demand regions like India and Mexico, are understaffed and under-resourced, which only exacerbates the delay in processing visas.
• High Demand for Work and Study Visas: The H-1B visa, which is crucial for hiring skilled workers, particularly in the tech industry, has seen an uptick in applications. This has led to a significant strain on the system, especially in countries like India and China, where many H-1B workers are based.
• Government Policy Changes: New fee structures, higher costs, and increased paperwork requirements have further slowed the process. A $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions, introduced recently, has added more pressure on applicants and the system.

Mexico Joins Brazil, Turkey, Ireland, India, Vietnam, and More in Facing Major Visa Delays

As the backlog continues to grow, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Ireland, India, and Vietnam have been notably affected by the visa delays. Here’s how each country is being impacted:

These countries have seen a sharp rise in the number of applicants, especially for work visas (H-1B), student visas (F-1), and exchange visitor visas (J-1). As a result, embassies in cities like Mexico City, São Paulo, New Delhi, Istanbul, and Hanoi are facing significant backlogs, and applicants are being asked to wait up to a year for interviews and visa stamping.

Google and Other Tech Giants Issue Travel Warnings

In response to the mounting delays, Google has issued internal travel advisories to its employees on work visas, particularly those on H-1B and F-1 visas. Google has strongly recommended that employees avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary. The reason? Long delays in the visa stamping process. Google’s legal advisory warned employees that they could face delays of up to 12 months if they travel outside the U.S. to renew their visas.

This advisory has put many tech workers in a difficult position. For those working in critical roles in the U.S. tech sector, like software engineers, data scientists, and system administrators, these visa delays are causing uncertainty around travel and job security. With Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta all heavily relying on the H-1B visa program to bring skilled workers from countries like India and China, the repercussions of this delay extend beyond just individual workers to entire industries.

Travelers Across the World Feeling the Impact

While the primary focus has been on skilled workers in the tech industry, students and other travelers are also being affected by these delays. In India, many students on F-1 visas are finding it increasingly difficult to plan their travel, especially as academic programs start and end. The visa application delays are disrupting academic calendars for students looking to pursue higher education in the U.S.

In Mexico, students and professionals on H-1B and H-4 visas face a similar problem. Some have been forced to postpone their travel plans or stay outside the U.S. longer than expected, impacting their professional and personal lives. With Google’s advisory in full force, Mexican nationals working with U.S. companies are being asked to reconsider international travel plans altogether.

The Global Domino Effect: Other Countries at Risk

While Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, India, and Vietnam have been some of the most vocal in reporting delays, the reality is that every country with U.S. embassy or consulate offices is feeling the pressure of this growing backlog. As of now, countries such as the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia are also facing challenges with appointment backlogs.

As more countries see delays in U.S. visa processing, governments and businesses are scrambling to find solutions to avoid a full-blown international crisis. Some countries are considering alternative routes for fast-track visas, while others are lobbying for a return to pre-pandemic visa processing timelines.

What Travelers Can Do: Tips for Navigating Visa Delays

If you’re planning to travel to the U.S. and need a visa, here are some key tips to navigate the current delays:

1. Start the process early: The most important step in this situation is to apply for your visa as early as possible. Due to the backlog, waiting until the last minute could leave you without a valid visa when you need to travel.
2. Stay informed about appointment slots: Use tools like the U.S. Visa Appointment and Wait Time Tracker to check for available slots at your nearest consulate or embassy.
3. Consider Expedited Processing: While there’s no guarantee, expedited processing may be available in some situations. Be sure to inquire with your U.S. consulate about the possibility of an expedited appointment.
4. Consult Your Employer’s Immigration Team: If you’re working for a company like Google, Amazon, or any other major employer, be sure to follow the company’s internal travel guidelines and consult with the immigration team for advice on how to handle travel during this time.
5. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on any news releases from U.S. embassies or consulates about changes to their visa processing times or new procedures to address the backlog.

The US visa backlog crisis is not just an issue for a select few countries, but a global challenge affecting workers, students, and businesses across the world. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, India, and Vietnam are particularly feeling the brunt of the delays, with major U.S. companies like Google advising employees to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary.

Mexico joins Brazil, Turkey, Ireland, India, Vietnam, and More in Facing Visa Processing Delays as Google Issues Travel Warning Amid US Government Backlog Crisis. The US visa backlog crisis, driven by enhanced screening procedures and resource constraints, has led to significant delays in processing, prompting Google to warn employees about potential travel disruptions.

As we move forward, the situation is unlikely to improve quickly. Travelers need to plan ahead, stay informed, and be prepared for longer-than-usual wait times. Only time will tell if the U.S. government can resolve this crisis or if companies and travelers will need to adjust to the new reality of longer delays and processing bottlenecks.