Google Warns U.S. Visa Holders to Halt International Travel Amid Long Embassy Delays

Google has told some employees on U.S. visas to stop international travel at once. The company shared this guidance after long delays at several U.S. embassies. The warning went out this week in an internal email. It affects workers who need a visa stamp to return to the United States.

The shift comes as visa processing slows around the world. According to Reuters, delays have stretched to many months. This creates real risk for workers who may not be able to return to their jobs on time.

Google Travel Advisory Linked to Severe Visa Delays

Reports from Business Insider say the email came from BAL Immigration Law, an outside firm that works with Google. The note said some embassies now show wait times as long as 12 months. This means workers who leave the U.S. may be stuck abroad for a long stay.

Short paragraphs in the memo urged caution. It said workers should not book travel unless they hold a valid visa stamp. It also said any new trip could bring “extended time outside the U.S.” due to slow processing.

Reuters reported that Google did not respond to a request for comment. The warning comes at a time of rising visa checks. The Trump administration recently ordered tougher vetting for H‑1B applicants. The order includes reviews of social media accounts and more security steps.

H‑1B visas are common in the tech sector. Many workers from India and China rely on them. The new U.S. rules and long delays add stress for staff and employers. Some companies fear talent gaps if workers cannot return quickly.

Impact on Tech Workers and Global Operations

The delays may also affect project timelines. Many tech teams rely on cross‑border movement for key roles. A long wait for a visa stamp can slow product work, hiring plans, and support operations.

Google’s parent company Alphabet gave similar guidance in September. At that time, it urged H‑1B workers to stay inside the U.S. The new message repeats the same concern but with greater urgency.

These delays reflect wider pressure on the visa system. Security checks take longer. Application numbers remain high. This creates a backlog that many embassies cannot clear fast.

Info at your fingertips-

Q1: Why did Google warn employees about travel?

Google warned staff because U.S. embassies show long visa delays. Workers who leave may not get new stamps in time. This could block their return to the United States.

Q2: How long are visa wait times now?

Some embassies show waits of up to 12 months. These delays vary by country. They make any travel risky for visa holders.

Q3: Who is most affected by the delays?

H‑1B holders are the most affected. Many work in tech jobs at large firms. These delays can interrupt jobs and project work.

Q4: Did the U.S. change visa rules recently?

The Trump administration increased vetting for H‑1B visas. The new steps include tighter checks. This adds more time to processing.

Q5: Has Google given travel warnings before?

Yes. Alphabet sent earlier warnings in September. It asked visa holders to avoid travel then as well.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Business Insider