Avoid international travel: Tech giants warn visa holders

Tech giants Google, Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow have reportedly warned some visa-holding employees not to travel outside the US amid delays at US embassies that are disrupting visa processing.

Immigration lawyers for these firms say US embassies and consulates face visa stamping backlogs that can stretch up to 12 months, increasing the risk that workers will get stuck abroad.

Internal memos urge employees who need new visa stamps, including H-1B holders, to postpone international trips unless travel is essential.

Microsoft has also asked affected employees to report delayed or rescheduled appointments to help track the impact.

The delays follow tighter social media screening rules and enhanced vetting by the State Department, which says it now prioritizes thorough reviews over faster processing.