Overview
- Internal memos from BAL (for Google) and Fragomen (for Apple) advise employees who need visa stamps for reentry to avoid international travel, citing appointment delays reported up to 12 months.
- The State Department confirms “online presence reviews” of applicants and says posts are prioritizing thorough vetting over speed, with expedited slots possible only case by case.
- U.S. consulates have canceled or rescheduled many December appointments, particularly in India, with reports of hundreds or possibly thousands stranded and some dates moved into 2026 and 2027.
- The advisories cover H‑1B, H‑4, F, J and M visas, reflecting wider disruption beyond employment visas to students and exchange visitors.
- Amazon has issued a similar internal warning about the risk of being stuck abroad, underscoring operational risks for tech employers that rely heavily on H‑1B talent.