Google, Apple Warn Visa-Holding Staff: Don't Leave the U.S.

Google and Apple are advising their U.S.-based employees on work visas to postpone or cancel international travel, a stark warning fueled by crippling administrative delays at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The guidance was first reported by Business Insider, citing Reuters.

The risk for thousands of high-skilled workers is simple but severe: leaving the U.S. for a family visit or business trip could result in being unable to return. The lengthy backlogs for visa stamping appointments mean employees could be stranded abroad for months, effectively locking them out of their jobs, homes, and lives in America.

For the tech giants, this isn't just an HR memo—it's a significant operational threat. A key engineer or project manager stuck in limbo overseas can derail product launches and disrupt critical timelines. What used to be a routine bureaucratic step has morphed into a high-stakes gamble that puts both employees' careers and billion-dollar projects at risk.

This 'visa trap' is a direct consequence of post-pandemic administrative bottlenecks and staffing shortages plaguing U.S. diplomatic missions. In some countries, wait times for a necessary visa interview can stretch for many months, making short-term travel a career-threatening decision.

The message from two of the world's most valuable companies is a clear red flag for the entire tech industry and any multinational firm relying on global talent. For now, the U.S. border has become a one-way street for many of their most critical employees, posing a direct challenge to America's ability to attract and retain the world's best minds.