San Francisco: Google has warned some of its employees who hold US work visas to avoid travelling abroad, citing growing delays at American embassies and consulates that could prevent them from returning to the United States on time.
According to internal guidance shared with staff, the company said visa stamping appointments at US diplomatic missions have become highly unpredictable, with waiting periods in some countries stretching for several months and in extreme cases close to a year. Employees who need a new visa stamp to re enter the US were advised to reconsider non essential international travel.
The advisory was circulated by external immigration lawyers working with **Google**, following reports of worsening backlogs at US embassies, particularly in major visa processing centres such as India. The warning applies to employees on different non immigrant visas, including skilled worker and student related categories.
The delays are linked to stricter screening measures introduced by US authorities, including expanded background checks and closer scrutiny of applicantsâ digital and social media activity. These additional checks have slowed visa processing worldwide and added to an already heavy backlog caused by staffing shortages and renewed interview requirements.
Several technology professionals have reported being stranded outside the US after travelling home for visa renewals, only to find their appointments postponed repeatedly. Some workers now face uncertainty over job continuity, housing and family arrangements while waiting for clearance to return.
Google said employees who already have a valid visa stamp and do not require renewal are generally less affected. However, those whose visas have expired or who need fresh stamping were told to carefully assess the risks before making travel plans.
The situation has raised concerns across the US technology sector, which relies heavily on international talent. Immigration experts say companies may increasingly limit overseas travel for visa holding staff until embassy processing times improve.
US officials have not announced a clear timeline for clearing the backlog, leaving thousands of foreign workers and their employers facing continued uncertainty in the months ahead.