Google has cautioned employees working in the US on work visas against travelling overseas after the company found that visa re-entry processing at American embassies and consulates is facing significant delays, in some cases stretching up to 12 months, according to a Business Insider report.
In an internal advisory reviewed by Business Insider, Google’s external counsel, BAL Immigration Law, cautioned employees who need visa stamping to return to the US that overseas travel could leave them stranded for months.
The email, sent on Thursday, urged affected staff to avoid international trips because of unusually long appointment backlogs at diplomatic missions.
Visa stamping delays stretch up to a year
“Please be aware that some US Embassies and Consulates are experiencing significant visa stamping appointment delays, currently reported as up to 12 months,” the memo said, as quoted by Business Insider. It warned that employees who travel internationally could “risk an extended stay outside the US.”
The delays are being reported across several countries as US missions grapple with routine visa backlogs following the rollout of enhanced social media screening requirements. These checks apply to H-1B workers and their dependents, as well as students and exchange visitors on F, J, and M visas, Business Insider reported.
Google’s lawyers said the disruption is affecting multiple visa categories, including H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M visas. The advisory did not spell out next steps for employees who are already outside the US and facing postponed appointments. A Google spokesperson declined to comment, according to Business Insider.