Published 22 days ago • loading... • Updated 19 days ago

H-1B Workers Stranded Abroad by New Visa Screening Rules

On Thursday , BAL Immigration Law emailed Google employees holding U.S. visas advising those needing visa stamps to avoid international travel due to processing delays.
Enhanced vetting measures including a social media screening requirement are causing months-long delays as U.S. Department of State consular officers conduct online presence reviews and move appointments.
Appointments in Ireland and Vietnam have been postponed, with some U.S. embassies and consulates reporting visa stamping delays up to 12 months, affecting H-1B, H-4, F, J, and M categories.
Tech firms reliant on H-1B workers face pressure as the program serves as a core hiring pipeline, and new measures have made recruiting harder for employers and tech companies such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta.
Immigration attorney Jason Finkelman said, `My advice to clients is that if travel isn't essential right now, better to stay put`, noting enhanced vetting can complicate routine trips for foreign nationals with valid visa stamps.

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Major tech companies warn employees against international travel as visa delays mount

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