Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) has advised some employees holding U.S. work visas to avoid traveling outside the country due to significant delays in visa renewal processing, according to an internal memo.
The company’s immigration law firm, BAL, warned in an email that employees requiring visa renewals for re-entry should remain in the U.S., as processing times at some consulates have reportedly stretched up to 12 months. The memo highlighted risks of "prolonged overseas stays" if employees choose to depart.
The delays stem from new social media screening requirements for visa applicants, affecting H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visa categories. U.S. consulates worldwide—including those in India, Ireland, and Vietnam—are experiencing backlogs. A State Department spokesperson confirmed enhanced scrutiny of applicants’ digital footprints, prioritizing thorough reviews over processing speed.
While H-1B visas typically allow three-year stays with renewals, holders must often return to their home country or a jurisdiction where they have residency to apply for new visa stamps. Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman cautioned that even routine trips could become risky if renewals face cancellations or multi-month delays, potentially stranding employees abroad.
The H-1B program, capped at 85,000 visas annually, is a critical pipeline for tech firms like Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. However, recent policy changes under the Trump administration, including a proposed $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, have heightened scrutiny and raised costs for employers.
Alphabet declined to comment on the memo. The advisory echoes broader corporate concerns as businesses navigate tightening immigration rules ahead of the January 1 expansion of U.S. travel restrictions.
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