New York: Tech giant Google has warned some employees not to travel abroad after learning that US visa re-entry processing at American embassies and consulates is facing "significant" delays that can stretch up to 12 months.
The report from Business Insider said that Google's external counsel, BAL Immigration Law, cautioned employees needing visa stamping to return to the US, saying overseas travel could leave them stranded due to visa stamping appointment delays up to 12 months.
BAL Immigration Law's email urged affected staff to avoid international trips because of unusually long appointment backlogs at diplomatic missions and warned travellers they could "risk an extended stay outside the US."
The delays are being reported across several countries as US missions implement enhanced social-media screening requirements that apply to H-1B workers, their dependents, and to students and exchange visitors on F, J, and M visas.
The US Department of State acknowledged the delays, the report said, adding that it is conducting "online presence reviews for applicants" and that applicants can request expedited processing on a case-by-case basis.
