Tech giant Google has warned employees holding US work visas to avoid international travel. The advisory has been issued due to significant delays in visa stamping appointments at the United States embassies and consulates. The visa stamping process is reportedly taking up to 12 months in several locations.
According to Business Insider report, citing internal memos, immigration law firms representing the companies said the delays stem from new social media screening requirements, warning that staff risk being stranded outside the US if appointments are postponed. This is largely impacting H-1B, H-4, F, J and M visa holders. Earlier, in September, Google’s parent company Alphabet had strongly advised its employees to avoid international travel and asked H-1B visa holders to remain in the country. Google has not yet issued an official comment on this matter.
Trump intensifies measures to tighten visa regulations
This development comes at a time when President Donald Trump has intensified measures to tighten immigration and visa regulations. Some of the measures have already raised concerns for international travellers and employees on US work visas. Earlier, this month, the Trump administration had announced increased vetting of applicants for H-1B visas for highly skilled worker. This included screening of social media accounts as well. Moreover, the H-1B visa program, used by US tech companies to hire skilled workers from India and China, has come under attention as the administration introduced a $100,000 fee for new applications this year.
Meanwhile, the US State Department says that thorough vetting of every individual is now a priority. Under the new policy, online presence is being reviewed, leading to cancelled appointments and new dates being scheduled if the criteria is not fulfilled. The U.S. government sent a message to all its embassies on December 2, telling visa officers to closely check the resumes and LinkedIn profiles of people applying for H-1B visas, as well as their family members who plan to travel with them. The officers must look for any past work in areas such as misinformation, disinformation, content moderation, fact-checking, compliance, or online safety.
Indians impacted
H-1B visas are crucial for US tech companies, which recruit heavily from countries including India and China. This visa is valid for three years and can be extended. However, a new stamp is required upon leaving and re-entering the country, which has now become difficult. Furthermore, the US H-1B visa is widely used by Indian techies, so stricter checks will definitely affect Indians more than any other group. Under the Trump administration’s new rules, some categories of Indian applicants are more vulnerable to delays, extra questioning, or even visa denials. Even spouses and children of H-1B workers will face additional background checks.
