Apple has issued a strong warning to employees with work visas against leaving the US at this time. This is due to new entry procedures, lengthy processing times, and additional policy measures implemented by the US government. Google and Microsoft have also issued similar warnings. For many international professionals, this represents a significant restriction of their freedom of movement, even though they already possess valid visas.
The current situation is reminiscent of previous interventions in the US immigration system. Back in 2020, President Donald Trump suspended the issuance of certain work visas by executive order, including the H-1B visa for highly skilled professionals. At that time, the focus was primarily on new visas. Apple appealed this decision. Now, the problem affects employees who already hold an H-1B visa and require a new visa stamp to re-enter the US.
Warnings from Apple, Google and Microsoft
According to reports from Business Insider, lawyers for Apple, Google, and Microsoft have instructed their employees to avoid international travel whenever possible. This primarily affects individuals with approved H-1B visas whose passports have expired.
Without a valid entry stamp, re-entry into the USA is impossible. According to the lawyers involved, it can currently take up to a year to obtain a new stamp. The risk of being stranded abroad is therefore correspondingly high.
Role of the law firm Fragomen
Apple is represented in immigration matters by the law firm Fragomen. Fragomen has contacted visa holders within the company directly and explicitly warned against international travel. The statement says that due to recent developments and potential unforeseen delays, travel is strongly discouraged.
If travel cannot be postponed, employees should coordinate with Apple Immigration and Fragomen in advance. The goal is to realistically assess individual risks and clarify potential consequences.
Similar warnings at Microsoft
Microsoft has also informed its employees. Jack Chen, Associate General Counsel for Immigration at Microsoft, described the situation as worrying, especially for employees already abroad. He also announced that clear instructions would be issued as soon as possible.
Despite the understanding tone, Chen made it clear that travel plans should be reconsidered if possible. Particularly critical was the point that there are restrictions on how work for the US can be carried out during an extended stay abroad. For those affected, this could mean that they may not be able to continue their work as usual, at least temporarily.
What's behind the delays?
The long waiting times are due to a change in the re-entry procedure for H-1B visas. Since December 15, 2025, US embassies and consulates abroad have been required to conduct so-called online presence checks. These checks include, among other things, verification of social media activity.
This regulation applies not only to holders of an H-1B visa, but also to their family members who wish to enter the country on an H-4 visa. Checks are carried out every time a visa is re-stamped.
A spokesperson for the US State Department explained that the focus is now less on speedy processing and more on a particularly thorough review of each individual application. This practice is applied worldwide, including in countries like India, where many applications are submitted.
High fees and political backgrounds
In addition to the new screening procedures, the US government introduced a $100,000 fee in September 2025 for applying for a new H-1B visa. This measure is part of a broader strategy to limit immigration.
Apple and Google have been criticizing this policy since 2017. Apple CEO Tim Cook has taken an unusually clear step in the past, publicly and personally condemning the measures. For Apple, not only costs but also access to international talent are at stake.
Apple & Co.: Immigration policy makes it harder for international teams to work
Apple's warning underscores the current precarious situation for employees with work visas. Despite valid permits, international travel can lead to months of delays and significant professional limitations. New review processes, exorbitant fees, and political decisions have made re-entry into the US considerably more complicated.
For Apple, Google, and Microsoft, the situation is yet another example of how strongly immigration policy impacts the daily work of international teams. As long as the current regulations remain unchanged, caution will continue to be the central concern for all affected employees. (Image: kinolebid / DepositPhotos.com)
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