Google tells employees on US visas to think twice before travelling abroad: Here’s why

Google

Google has asked some of its employees in the US who are on work visas to be careful about travelling outside the country, as per a report by Business Insider. The reason is simple: getting back into the US after travelling abroad is taking much longer than usual.

Many foreign workers in the US need something called visa stamping if they leave the country and want to return. This stamping is done at US embassies or consulates abroad. Right now, appointments for this process are extremely hard to get. In some countries, people are being told the wait could run into several months, and in some cases, even close to a year.

Because of these delays, Google’s immigration lawyers have warned employees that leaving the US could mean getting stuck outside for a long time. Even if someone plans a short trip to visit family or attend a wedding, there is a risk they may not be able to return as planned.

The delays are happening because US authorities have increased checks on visa applications. Background checks and extra screening have slowed down the process at embassies. While these checks are meant to improve security, they have also created long backlogs and fewer available appointments.

For employees, this situation can be stressful. Someone who travels abroad might have to wait months for a visa appointment, during which time their work, housing, and daily life in the US can be affected. Not everyone can easily work from another country, and long absences can cause personal and professional problems.

This issue is not limited to Google. Many foreign workers across the US tech industry are facing the same uncertainty. Immigration experts say the delays are widespread and there is no clear timeline for when things will improve.

Google has not made a public announcement, but the internal message shows how serious the situation has become. Until embassy delays ease and visa appointments become easier to get, employees on US visas are being encouraged to think carefully before making any international travel plans.

For now, many are choosing to stay put, even if it means putting important trips on hold.