As reported by Business Insider, a law firm representing Apple has cautioned some visa-holding employees against international travel, citing extended and unpredictable delays when returning to the U.S. Here are the details.
‘Possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S’
According to Business Insider, Apple is among a list of tech companies that also includes Microsoft, Google, and ServiceNow, advising some employees to avoid international travel.
From the report:
A memo from Fragomen, a law firm representing Apple, sent to some visa holders at Apple last week similarly warned them not to travel.
“Given the recent updates and the possibility of unpredictable, extended delays when returning to the U.S., we strongly recommend that employees without a valid H-1B visa stamp avoid international travel for now,” the memo says. “If travel cannot be postponed, employees should connect with Apple Immigration and Fragomen in advance to discuss the risks.”
Business Insider says that during fiscal year 2024 alone, Apple applied for 3,880 H-1B visas.
According to the report, there have been significant visa processing delays of up to 12 months since the new social media screening requirement was introduced. Business Insider says that appointments have been postponed at embassies worldwide, including in Ireland and Vietnam.
From the report:
American consulates and embassies around the world are seeing delays with routine visa appointments following the introduction of a new social media screening requirement, which applies to H-1B visa workers and their dependents, as well as students and exchange visitors.
This policy applies to H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents (among others), and requires them to list all social media usernames from the past five years on the DS-160 visa application form, which is used for both new applications and renewals.
In addition to providing that information, they also need to set their social media profiles to “public,” so consular officers can review their online activity.
What’s your take on Apple’s guidance? Let us know in the comments.
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