Apple has warned some of its employees against international travel amid growing concerns over lengthy and unpredictable U.S. visa processing delays.
According to a report from Business Insider, a law firm representing Apple advised certain visa-holding employees that leaving the United States could result in extended delays when attempting to return, in some cases lasting months.
Visa Holders Urged to Avoid Travel
The guidance reportedly came from Fragomen, Apple’s immigration law firm, which sent a memo to some employees cautioning them against international travel if they do not currently have a valid H-1B visa stamp.
The memo warned of “unpredictable, extended delays” in visa processing and recommended postponing travel where possible. Employees who must travel were advised to consult Apple’s immigration team and legal counsel beforehand to understand the risks.
Apple is not alone in issuing such guidance. Business Insider reports that other major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and ServiceNow, are also advising visa-holding employees to limit international travel.
What’s Causing the Delays?
The delays appear to be linked to a new social media screening requirement for U.S. visas. Under updated rules, applicants must disclose all social media usernames used over the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form.
In addition, applicants are required to set their social media profiles to public so consular officers can review online activity as part of the screening process.
Since the policy was introduced, U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide have seen significant appointment backlogs. Some visa applicants are reportedly facing delays of up to 12 months, with disruptions observed in multiple countries, including Ireland and Vietnam.
Why this Matters for Apple
Apple relies heavily on foreign talent. During fiscal year 2024, the company applied for 3,880 H-1B visas, underscoring how critical visa processing timelines are to its workforce.
Extended travel-related delays could leave employees stranded outside the U.S., disrupting teams and slowing work across engineering, product development, and operations.
By discouraging travel, Apple appears to be taking a precautionary approach to avoid staffing disruptions as visa processing remains uncertain.
A Growing Issue Across Tech
The situation reflects broader challenges facing the tech industry as immigration requirements tighten and processing times increase. For visa holders, even routine international travel now carries the risk of prolonged separation from work and life in the U.S.
For now, Apple’s message to affected employees is straightforward: unless travel is absolutely necessary, staying put may be the safest option.
