Apple’s legal and immigration teams have advised certain employees on U.S. work visas to avoid international travel if they require a visa stamp to re-enter the United States, amid reports of extended backlogs and processing delays at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world. The guidance aligns with similar warnings issued by other major technology firms as new immigration screening procedures impact routine visa renewal and stamping timelines.
The advisories stem from a broader shift in how the U.S. Department of State and Department of Homeland Security process visa applications. Recent policy changes require expanded reviews of online presence, including social media history, as part of what officials call “online presence reviews” for visa applicants. These enhanced screenings have led to longer wait times for appointments and stamping, particularly for H-1B visas used by many tech professionals and their dependents.
Internal Legal Guidance
Immigration law firm Fragomen, which represents Apple, reportedly sent memos to visa-holding employees explaining the situation and recommending that staff “avoid international travel” if they do not currently have a valid visa stamp in their passport. The memos note that unpredictable delays can leave employees unable to return to the U.S. for extended periods, in some cases stretching toward a year.
Employees who cannot postpone travel are advised to contact both Apple’s internal immigration team and the law firm ahead of time to discuss the risks and possible alternatives. Similar guidance has circulated at other tech companies, including Google and Microsoft, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.
New Visa Screening Procedures
The extended delays are driven by changes in U.S. visa processing requirements. Under revised policies, consular posts now conduct more comprehensive reviews of applicants’ online presence as part of adjudicating H-1B and related visas. This added layer of screening can lengthen appointment wait times and complicate routine visa stamping procedures, even for individuals who already hold valid visas.
The new procedures affect a range of visa types, including H-1B work visas and their dependent H-4 counterparts, as well as other categories such as F and J visas. Embassies and consulates in high-demand locations, particularly in countries like India, have reported the longest wait times, with individuals facing appointments being delayed or rescheduled for months.
Impact on Travel Plans and Employment
The situation creates uncertainty for employees planning to travel outside the United States for family, holidays, or work-related trips. Without a valid visa stamp, returning to the U.S. requires securing a consular appointment — and with available slots booked far in advance due to backlogs, there is a risk of being unable to return in a timely manner.
The guidance from Apple’s legal counsel underscores the practical risks of travel under current conditions. Typical visa stamping procedures that once took weeks are now susceptible to rescheduling and extended review, significantly altering travel planning for affected staff.
Wider Tech Industry Context
Apple is not alone in issuing such guidance. Memo communications reviewed by multiple sources show that firms including Google and Microsoft have conveyed comparable advisories to their visa-dependent employees, reflecting a broader industry response to the policy environment. The rise in processing times and expanded vetting protocols have prompted companies to prioritize continuity of work and minimize disruptions caused by potential re-entry obstacles.
These developments coincide with broader immigration policy changes implemented in 2025, such as increased screening measures and administrative adjustments aimed at more thorough vetting of visa applicants. These changes, while framed by government officials as security enhancements, have complicated established processes for routine renewals and re-entry approvals.
Planning Travel Under Current Conditions
Employees affected by the visa guidance are encouraged to evaluate whether travel can be delayed until processing times improve. For those who must travel, early coordination with company immigration support and legal counsel is recommended to understand appointment availability and potential alternatives.
Recent reports suggest that expedited appointments may still be available in certain cases, though these are granted on a case-by-case basis and can vary substantially by region.
