Apple has joined other tech giants like Google in issuing a warning to its international workforce, according to Business Insider. The message is clear: if you are currently in the United States on a work visa, you should think twice before booking an international flight. New reports indicate that routine travel could now lead to months of being stranded outside the country.
The warning comes as U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide grapple with a massive backlog in visa stamping appointments. According to internal memos, some wait times have stretched to a staggering 12 months. Apple’s immigration counsel, the law firm Fragomen, recently circulated a memo advising staff to postpone any non-essential travel. The firm noted that “unpredictable, extended delays” have become a serious threat for those returning to the U.S. without a currently valid visa stamp.
The primary driver behind these delays appears to be a new, more rigorous vetting process. The U.S. Department of State has confirmed the rollout of “online presence reviews,” which require a thorough screening of an applicant’s social media history. While the government prioritizes security, the sheer amount of time required for these manual checks has slowed the visa renewal process to a crawl in key hubs like India and China.
Apple relies heavily on the H-1B visa program to attract the world’s best talent for hardware engineering and software development. If key team members are unable to return to the U.S. for an entire year, it could lead to project delays and logistical hurdles for upcoming product launches.
What do you think about these new travel restrictions and their potential impact on tech innovation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Stay updated with the latest news and deals by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
