US Visa Delays Disrupt International Travel for Google Workers and Tourists from India, China, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 20, 2025

Recently, Google has sent out an internal memo to certain employees in possession of U.S. visas advising them to cancel any international travel because of the long delays in the processing of visas at the U.S. embassy. The advisory was sent through Google’s external legal counsel, BAL Immigration Law, and it states the serious concerns because of the long backlog of scheduled visas at the embassies of the United States around the globe.

The email states that the average time for the processing of visas has risen dramatically, with some of the embassies of the U.S. indicating a waiting period of up to 12 months. This translates to the risk of employees being barred from re-entry for an indefinite period of time whenever they choose to go abroad. This advisory comes at a time when the U.S. has tightened its immigration laws, courtesy of the Trump government.

Impact of U.S. Embassy Delays on International Travel

The delays in visa processing have been a major issue for international travelers, particularly for those holding H-1B visas. This program is frequently used by U.S. tech giants like Google to employ highly skilled foreign workers, many of whom come from countries like India and China. H-1B visa holders are particularly vulnerable to the lengthy delays as they are often required to travel internationally to get their visas stamped.

For tech employees, the warning to limit international travel has significant implications. Many workers who have lived in the U.S. for years on H-1B visas could be forced to remain in the country for the foreseeable future, unable to visit family, attend conferences, or conduct business trips abroad. The growing uncertainty surrounding visa processing times also means that businesses may need to rethink their global mobility strategies.

Tourists and business travelers with U.S. visa needs are also feeling the strain. The backlog is affecting those planning to visit the U.S. for leisure, business, or family reasons. Some applicants are experiencing significant delays, with appointments for visa interviews pushed months or even years into the future. For those planning travel during peak tourism seasons, the uncertainty over visa processing times has become a major source of frustration.

The Impact on the U.S. Technology Sector

The advisory issued by Google follows a broader trend in the tech industry. The H-1B program has long been a key tool for U.S. tech firms to attract skilled labor from around the world, particularly from countries like India and China, where tech talent is abundant. These workers often fill high-demand roles in software engineering, data science, and other technical fields. With the new visa processing delays, tech companies are now faced with a dilemma: how to manage their global workforce while complying with changing immigration policies.

In September, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, also advised its employees to limit international travel. This advice was given primarily to H-1B visa holders, who were urged to stay within the U.S. to avoid delays in re-entry. These visa holders are already facing additional scrutiny due to new vetting procedures introduced by the Trump administration, which includes a more thorough review of social media activity.

The administration’s move to impose a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications has already drawn criticism from the tech sector, with many companies expressing concern that the fee would hinder their ability to attract top talent. In the context of this growing uncertainty, Google’s travel warning further emphasizes the challenges faced by the tech industry as it grapples with changing immigration policies.

Challenges for U.S. Visitors: Unpredictable Visa Processing

The visa delays aren’t just an issue for employees of tech companies like Google; they’re a major concern for tourists and business travelers alike. With embassies facing significant backlogs in processing visa applications, travelers hoping to visit the U.S. are now finding themselves in a precarious position. For those hoping to attend family events, academic conferences, or business meetings, the delays can be crippling.

Tourism has always been a significant industry in the U.S., with millions of visitors coming from countries across the world each year. However, the growing delays in visa issuance are beginning to impact international tourism, with many would-be visitors now having to reconsider their plans. Some applicants have reported being unable to secure appointments for visa interviews for over a year, while others have experienced canceled appointments due to the embassy’s inability to handle the high volume of requests.

For tourists hoping to visit the U.S. for leisure, the prolonged wait times mean they may have to adjust their plans or seek alternative destinations. The uncertainty surrounding the visa application process is leaving many would-be tourists hesitant to make concrete travel arrangements, knowing that their plans could be derailed by bureaucratic delays.

The Bigger Picture: The Future of U.S. Immigration and International Travel

As the U.S. continues to tighten its immigration policies, the broader implications for international travel are becoming clearer. The strict vetting processes and increased fees for H-1B visa holders are part of a broader strategy to limit the number of foreign workers entering the country. This policy shift is likely to have far-reaching effects on industries that rely on skilled foreign labor, including technology, academia, healthcare, and finance.

For international travelers, the delays in visa processing are a stark reminder of the unpredictability of U.S. immigration policies. As embassies continue to struggle with appointment backlogs, many travelers may find themselves unable to visit the U.S. for the foreseeable future, whether for work, leisure, or family reasons. The uncertainty surrounding visa approval times has created a climate of frustration and anxiety for those hoping to travel to the U.S.

The Ripple Effect on Global Mobility

In conclusion, the warning from Google to its employees is not an isolated incident when it comes to the challenges that international travel is currently facing due to delays in U.S. visa processing. Due to embassies experiencing an unprecedented backlog of visas to process, people are finding themselves in limbo regarding when they might expect visas to be approved. For tech giants in particular, the implications of this disruption of international travel are very significant as H-1B visa holders are being advised not to travel internationally in order to avoid being left stranded overseas.

With the increasing complexity of immigration policies in the U.S. and the delay in visa processing, there will be a long-term effect on global mobility. As time goes by, it will be important to observe how the U.S. government handles the current challenges and how people and companies react to the new normal.