Apple and Google tell visa-holders: Hold off on US travel
Apple and Google are urging employees on H-1B and H-4 visas not to travel internationally right now, thanks to major delays in US visa stamping.
Some people could be stuck waiting up to a year just for an appointment, after the US State Department rolled out tougher background checks.
What's behind the warning?
US consulates are now digging into applicants' social media activity for visa applicants, which has seriously slowed things down.
Appointment slots have dropped, with many bookings from December 15 onward at risk of being canceled or bumped all the way to mid-2026—especially for folks in India.
Why does it matter?
These delays aren't just a headache for workers—they're also disrupting tech jobs and global business travel.
Companies like Google and Apple have told staff to avoid non-essential trips so they don't get stranded abroad, but there's little help for those already caught up in the mess.