Google warns U.S. employees holding foreign visas to stay put amid long consular wait times
Google has issued an internal notice advising U.S. staff who are on work visas to avoid travel outside the country. The company’s immigration partner, BAL Immigration Law, warned that many U.S. embassies and consulates are running appointment wait lists that can stretch up to 12 months, making it risky for employees to leave and then try to re‑enter the U.S. without a timely visa stamp.
In a memo circulated Thursday, Google’s counsel urged employees who need a U.S. visa seal to remain in the United States until they can confirm an appointment. Failing to secure a visa in time could force travelers to stay abroad for longer than planned, potentially jeopardizing their employment status and project deadlines.
The warning comes as the Biden administration maintains a tough stance on visa processing, and the Trump era set precedents that still affect today’s procedures. Earlier this month, officials announced tighter vetting for H‑1B visas, including checks of applicants’ social media profiles.
The H‑1B program is the primary route for U.S. tech firms to hire highly skilled foreign workers, especially from India and China. After the Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee on new H‑1B applications, companies have grown cautious about the timing and requirements for new hires and existing employees.
Google’s memo adds to a pattern of travel advisories. In September, the company also told employees on H‑1B visas to remain in the U.S. and limit international trips because of uncertainty over visa processing and changing immigration regulations. The new guidance reaffirms that the same risk persists.
The memo’s tone is straightforward, but it carries significant implications for business operations and project coordination. If a developer or engineer is scheduled to travel for a client meeting or conference, they now must weigh the risk of a delayed U.S. visa stamp against the need for in‑person participation. Companies may need to adjust timelines or push meetings online.
For Google employees, the practical takeaway is simple: stay in the United States while you wait for a visa appointment, and if you must travel, be prepared for possible extended stays abroad. For other U.S. firms, this could signal a broader trend.
As visa processing times remain unpredictable, many businesses might adopt a “stay put” policy for employees who are bound by foreign visas and must return to the U.S. after travel.
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