Google has advised some employees on visas not to travel outside the US due to delays at embassies and consulates. The company’s law firm recommended staff who need their visas stamped for re-entry stay in place, citing appointment delays of up to 12 months.
A new social media screening requirement is causing delays for routine visa appointments, affecting H-1B visa workers and students. Google’s lawyers said the delays affected H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas, while a spokesperson for the Department of State said online presence reviews are being conducted to thoroughly vet each visa case.
The warning echoes recent internal travel advisories in corporate America, as the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas. Immigration experts advise foreign nationals to stay put if they can’t get their consular appointments back on track due to enhanced vetting.
Google’s advisory is part of a wave of concerns among tech companies over visa delays and increased scrutiny under the Trump administration’s policies.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/google-tells-visa-holders-stamp-leave-us-return-delays-2025-12