US Visa Delays: Immigration Lawyer Urges Immediate Return

Business immigration lawyer Tahmina Watson is advising clients to return to the United States immediately if they possess a valid visa stamp. Based in Seattle, Watson has issued this warning in response to severe disruptions and delays at US embassies and consulates globally. Her firm, Watson Immigration Law, assists founders and businesses with employment visa applications.

Since November 2024, Watson has consistently recommended that clients avoid all non-essential international travel. The current situation involves a confluence of policy changes and administrative backlogs that are stranding visa holders outside the country. Major technology firms have echoed these concerns, issuing internal memos warning employees about travel risks. The primary issues facing immigrants include extended visa stamping delays, expanded vetting requirements, and a lack of guarantees regarding appointment rescheduling.

Visa processing delays have created a critical situation for many foreign workers and students. According to Tahmina Watson, many employees schedule visa appointments during the holiday season, as they are already planning to leave the country. However, these appointments are now being rescheduled for dates in June, July, or August of 2026, leaving them stuck outside the US.

The situation is particularly acute for H-1B work visa holders. A large group of these workers is currently unable to return to the United States. The delays stem from several factors:

• Visa-stamping delays at US embassies and consulates
• Expanded vetting and processing backlogs
• Increased risk that visa holders cannot return in a timely fashion
• Lack of guarantees once appointments are rescheduled

Major tech companies, including Google, Apple, and Microsoft, have taken proactive steps by sending memos to employees warning against international travel due to these long delays.

The current challenges are exacerbated by a series of new policy changes implemented by the administration. Watson describes the situation as a "fire hose of policies" coming in simultaneously. One significant change is the replacement of the lottery system for H-1B work visas. The Department of Homeland Security has announced that the system will now prioritize higher-paid, higher-skilled workers rather than using a random selection process.

Social media disclosure requirements have also been expanded. Originally applying to F-1 visa holders, this requirement now extends to H-1B workers. Applicants are required to change their social media privacy settings to public. Watson notes that this could easily expand to other visa categories. The government has not provided clear guidance on what specific content is being reviewed, creating uncertainty for applicants.

Tahmina Watson has maintained a consistent message for her clients since late 2024: "Avoid travel unless necessary." For those currently outside the US with a valid visa stamp, her advice is to return as soon as possible.

For individuals who have left the country to obtain a new visa stamp, the path to return is unclear. This includes F-1 student visa holders who traveled to visit family. Watson suggests that workers stuck abroad ask their employers if remote work is an option. It is crucial for these individuals to ensure their employment remains active, as an appointment months away is of little use if there is no job waiting upon return.

Watson warns that the uncertainty extends to green card holders with past criminal convictions, many of whom are suddenly facing deportation proceedings after decades in the US. She advises clients to limit what they post online and to keep social media accounts public to comply with current vetting standards.

The landscape for US immigration is currently characterized by high alert and uncertainty. Tahmina Watson highlights that everyone in the immigrant ecosystem—including lawyers, immigrants, employers, investors, and founders—is feeling the impact of these rapid policy shifts. The lack of transparency and clear standards is creating ripple effects across families and the US economy.

As the administration continues to coordinate delays and implement new vetting procedures, the advice to limit travel and return to the US immediately remains paramount for those with valid documentation. The situation remains fluid, and immigrants are advised to stay informed and consult with legal professionals regarding their specific circumstances.