Tech Giants Warn Visa Workers of Year-Long Delays

US visa processing faces unprecedented delays due to new social media vetting requirements, prompting major tech companies to warn employees against international travel. Google, Apple, Microsoft, and ServiceNow have issued memos highlighting appointment postponements that could extend up to a year, particularly for H-1B and H-4 visa holders.

Consulates in India, including Chennai and Hyderabad, are rescheduling appointments as far out as June or November 2026, with similar issues reported in Ireland and Vietnam. The policy, effective December 15, 2025, prioritizes thorough online presence reviews over speed, reducing daily capacity and leaving workers abroad unable to return promptly.

For those in the US planning trips, companies recommend canceling plans to avoid being stranded. Employees already outside face extended stays, disrupting careers in the tech sector where foreign workers are vital. The State Department notes case-by-case expedites are possible, but emergency slots are unlikely amid the backlog.

This situation underscores growing uncertainty for the tech workforce, as routine visa renewals turn into major hurdles.

The United States has implemented a new regulation requiring online presence reviews for certain visa applicants, including scrutiny of social media history. This change, effective December 15, 2025, applies to H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas and is causing substantial processing delays at US embassies and consulates globally.

Previously focused on quick processing to reduce wait times, embassies now prioritize thorough vetting. This shift has led to operational constraints, limiting daily appointment slots and resulting in rescheduling for existing bookings.

Affected locations include major consulates in India, such as Chennai and Hyderabad, where notifications are concentrated. Unverified reports suggest impacts elsewhere, with confirmed postponements also in Ireland and Vietnam.

• Reviews examine applicants' online activity for security purposes.
• Delays stem from implementation time and reduced capacity.
• No confirmed rescheduling for other visa types yet, though secondary effects may occur.

Foreign workers on H-1B visas, the primary work authorization for tech professionals, face acute challenges. If a visa stamp expires during travel abroad, holders must secure a new one at a consulate before re-entering the US, turning routine trips into potential year-long disruptions.

Thousands of employees at leading tech firms are affected, as these workers form a critical part of the industry's talent pool. Those already abroad may remain unable to return for extended periods, while planned travel risks stranding individuals outside the US.

The crisis amplifies uncertainty, with some receiving rescheduling notices post-travel or even pre-departure. Emergency appointments are highly unlikely, exacerbating the bind for H-1B and dependent H-4 holders.

Companies note limitations on remote work during such delays, per global mobility policies, further complicating professional lives.

Microsoft's Guidance

Microsoft issued an update from Jack Chen, associate general counsel for immigration, detailing rescheduling in Chennai and Hyderabad, with new dates up to June 2026. The memo attributes delays to the online presence review reducing capacity.

Preliminary advice includes:

• For those outside the US needing a new stamp with rescheduled appointments: Company will contact affected employees.
• For those in the US with upcoming travel requiring a new visa: Strongly consider canceling plans due to return barriers.
• For other visa categories: Proceed but monitor changes.

Microsoft encourages a survey to track trends and identify stuck employees.

Google's Alert

Lawyers at Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, representing Google, warned of delays up to 12 months for enhanced screening. They recommend avoiding travel if a new stamp is needed to re-enter the US.

Employees are directed to review travel advisories and consult attorneys for questions.

Apple's Recommendation

Apple's immigration team advised employees without valid H-1B stamps to avoid international travel due to unpredictable delays. If unavoidable, consult with immigration experts in advance to assess risks.

ServiceNow's Update

ServiceNow's Global Mobility Team highlighted cancellations for H-1B and H-4 appointments post-December 15, 2025, mainly in India, with new dates possibly to November 2026. They suggest reaching out for work-from-anywhere exceptions in emergencies and applying for expedites if qualifying, such as medical needs or revenue impacts.

Travel plans requiring stamping should be canceled to avoid delays.

A Department of State spokesperson confirmed conducting online presence reviews for applicants. Appointments may shift with resources, and expedited slots are available case-by-case, though not guaranteed for emergencies.

The spokesperson emphasized: "While in the past the emphasis may have been on processing cases quickly and reducing wait times, our embassies and consulates around the world, including in India, are now prioritizing thoroughly vetting each visa case above all else."

This policy reflects a broader security focus but creates immediate hardships for the tech sector. As the situation evolves rapidly, companies continue monitoring and updating guidance. Foreign talent remains essential to US innovation, and prolonged delays could hinder industry growth. Stakeholders urge streamlined processes to balance security with efficiency, ensuring the workforce can contribute without undue disruption.