WASHINGTON, December 21, 2025
Visa Stamping Chaos: International Travel Now a Risk for Tech Workers
Table of Contents
Delays linked to new social media vetting rules are leaving H-1B visa holders facing potential months-long stays abroad.
- New Department of Homeland Security rules require a review of social media activity dating back five years, significantly slowing visa processing.
- H-1B visa interview appointments are being cancelled or rescheduled as far out as June 2026.
- Google and Apple have warned employees to avoid international travel unless absolutely necessary.
- Visa renewals, once routine, now carry a significant risk of extended delays.
- Even minor past issues can now lead to visa denials or revocations.
International travel has become unexpectedly risky for a large number of foreign workers in teh U.S., particularly those on H-1B visas. The shift, beginning in late 2025, means what was once a predictable process is now fraught with uncertainty, possibly stranding employees overseas for extended periods. The situation is compounded by a surge in visa appointment cancellations and cancellations of visa appointments.
impact on Tech giants
For companies like Google and Apple – collectively employing over 300,000 people globally – the growing appointment backlogs and heightened scrutiny have prompted warnings to staff.”We recommend avoiding international travel at this time as you risk an extended stay outside of the US,” Berry Appleman & Leiden, a law firm working with Google, advised employees. The advice reflects a genuine concern about employees being unable to return to the U.S.in a timely manner.
Visa Renewals Present New challenges
Visa renewals, which traditionally required a brief return to the applicant’s home country for visa stamping, are now considerably more precarious. Routine trips that previously took weeks can now potentially result in delays lasting months, highlighting the disruptive impact of evolving immigration policies on the foreign-born workforce in the U.S.
Why 2025 Became a Turning Point
In 2025, the visa process underwent a dramatic shift, becoming unpredictable and risky for H-1B, H-4, F-1, J-1, and othre nonimmigrant visa holders. Key factors contributing to this change included:
- Social media vetting: New U.S.rules (effective December 15, 2025) require a review of applicants’ online activity, causing delays.
- Appointment chaos: Numerous H-1B visa interviews were cancelled, with some rescheduled for June 2026 or later.
- Mandatory in-person interviews: The dropbox waiver was largely discontinued, requiring most applicants to secure limited consulate appointments.
- Longer processing times: Background checks, including social media screening, are extending the issuance timeline even after interviews.
- Higher denial risk: even minor past issues, such as traffic violations or online activity, can now trigger visa refusals or revocations.
- Personal & professional impact: Workers may face job loss, H-4 spouses may lose work eligibility, students may miss academic terms, and families may experience prolonged separation.
Practical advice for Visa Holders
- Avoid international travel if visa stamping is required.
- Plan well in advance: complete the DS-160 form, pay the necessary fees, and closely monitor appointment availability.
- Be prepared for last-minute rescheduling of appointments.
- Thoroughly review your social media profiles and documentation for consistency.
- Disclose any prior arrests or charges to legal counsel.
- Stay informed about the latest updates from official embassy and consulate sources.
Careful planning is now essential to navigate the unpredictable visa stamping process and avoid being stranded abroad.
