UPDATE: H-1B visa holders face escalating travel risks as major tech companies issue urgent warnings. Immigration attorney Tahmina Watson reports growing uncertainty for visa holders outside the U.S., with many unable to return due to significant delays in immigration appointments.
In a startling development, Google, Apple, and Microsoft have advised employees with H-1B visas to avoid international travel. The alerts come amidst reports of appointments being rescheduled into June 2026 and beyond, creating a precarious situation for many.
Watson, who leads Watson Immigration Law in Seattle, emphasizes that employees who have left the U.S. may struggle to return, particularly if they need new visa stamps. “If you have a valid visa stamp, return to the U.S. as soon as possible,” she advises. However, for those seeking new stamps, the path remains murky.
Many employees typically schedule immigration appointments during holiday travel, but with current disruptions, those plans are crumbling. Watson notes that employees must ensure their employment remains active during this turbulent period. “If an employer decides they cannot keep someone on the books, even an appointment months from now will not help,” she warns.
Adding to the complexity, the Department of Homeland Security recently announced changes to the H-1B visa lottery system, now prioritizing higher-paid and higher-skilled workers. This shift raises further concerns about the future of visa applicants.
Social media requirements are also expanding. H-1B applicants now face demands to make their social media profiles public, a policy that initially targeted F-1 visa holders. The lack of clear guidance on what is being reviewed is causing anxiety among applicants, as the government’s approach appears to broaden under the banner of national security.
“By casting an overly broad net without clear standards or transparency, the administration is creating uncertainty that affects families, employers, and the U.S. economy,” Watson states.
The urgency for H-1B and F-1 visa holders to navigate these challenges is palpable. Many individuals who have resided in the U.S. for years are now facing deportation risks due to past criminal convictions, further complicating the landscape for immigrants.
As we enter the final months of 2023, Watson predicts continued challenges for travelers. “It’s tough to know how things will unfold,” she reflects, with everyone in the immigrant ecosystem on high alert.
For H-1B visa holders, the message is clear: travel with caution and keep informed about the rapidly changing policies that could impact your ability to return to the United States.
Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops and continues to unfold, affecting thousands of individuals and families across the nation.
