Google Advises U.S. Visa Holders to Pause International Travel Amid Embassy Delays

Google has advised some employees holding U.S. visas to halt international travel due to prolonged delays at several American embassies. The guidance, shared via internal email this week, targets employees who need visa stamps to return to the United States.

According to reports, visa processing delays have stretched to several months, with some embassies showing wait times of up to 12 months. The email, issued by BAL Immigration Law—a firm that works with Google—urged employees not to schedule international trips unless they already hold valid visa stamps, warning that travel could result in “extended time outside the U.S.”

The advisory comes amid stricter visa checks, including increased social media reviews and additional security measures under U.S. immigration policies. H‑1B visa holders, many from India and China, are particularly affected. Extended delays threaten to disrupt project timelines and operations for tech teams reliant on cross-border collaboration.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, issued similar guidance in September, encouraging H‑1B employees to remain in the U.S. The current advisory reflects heightened urgency as long processing times create risks for employees and potential talent gaps for employers.

Visa backlogs continue to grow due to high application numbers and more extensive security screening, leaving many embassies struggling to keep up.