Alphabet’s Google has issued a stark warning to employees on U.S. work visas, particularly H-1B holders, urging them to refrain from international travel due to unprecedented delays in visa stamping at U.S. embassies and consulates. An internal memo from the company’s immigration law firm, BAL, highlighted that some facilities are facing appointment backlogs of up to 12 months, risking employees being stranded abroad and unable to return to work.
Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/google-to-shut-down-dark-web-monitoring-tool-in-early-2026/
The advisory, reported on December 20, 2025, stems from a new U.S. Department of State policy requiring enhanced vetting, including mandatory reviews of applicants’ public social media accounts. This protocol, effective from mid-December 2025, has led to widespread cancellations and rescheduling of visa interviews, pushing many appointments into 2026. Primarily affecting skilled workers from countries like India and China—who form a significant portion of tech industry’s H-1B visa holders—the delays exacerbate existing strains on the program.
Google’s caution echoes broader concerns in the tech sector, where reliance on foreign talent is high. Under the current administration, the H-1B program has faced increased scrutiny, including higher fees and stricter screening. Employees needing a fresh visa stamp in their passport for re-entry are most vulnerable, as automatic visa revalidation does not apply to long absences or third-country travel.
This development disrupts holiday plans and family visits for thousands, highlighting ongoing challenges in U.S. immigration processing. Google declined to comment officially, but the memo underscores the potential for prolonged separations from work and home.