In recent months, major tech U.S. tech companies have quietly begun advising their immigrant employees on work visas to avoid international travel. The reason? Increasing uncertainty around visa reentry, processing delays, and potential policy changes that could leave them stranded abroad—or even cost them their jobs.
This development is sparking fear and frustration among thousands of highly skilled workers who are already navigating a complex U.S. immigration system. Most of them are on H-1B, L-1, or O-1 visas, which are non-immigrant work permits tied directly to their employment.
“We are advising employees on temporary visas to postpone travel outside the U.S. unless absolutely necessary,” said an HR director at a large software firm in California, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
Tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and many mid-sized startups employ large numbers of skilled foreign workers. These employees are often the backbone of product development, engineering, AI research, and cybersecurity.
But if these workers leave the country—even for a short vacation or a family emergency—they could face major hurdles returning.
A report from Boundless Immigration notes that delays in visa processing have worsened post-pandemic, with wait times in some countries stretching to 300+ days for appointments.
Many visa holders are deeply worried—not only about travel but also about their legal standing in the U.S. If their visa expires or their status changes while they are abroad, reentry can become impossible.
One employee at a fintech company, currently on an H-1B visa, told us:
“My grandmother passed away in India, and I couldn’t go for her funeral. My lawyer advised me not to leave because I might not get a visa stamp in time to come back. It’s heartbreaking.”
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), over 300,000 H-1B visa holders work in the U.S., many of them in STEM fields. These employees are often sponsored by their companies, but the process is time-consuming, expensive, and tightly regulated.
While tech companies are not formally banning travel, internal policies are becoming stricter. Some HR departments are requiring mandatory consultations with legal teams before any international trips are approved.
Microsoft, for example, has included new travel advisories in its internal employee portals. Similarly, Meta (Facebook’s parent company) has sent updated guidance reminding foreign workers of the risks associated with international travel.
“We want to support our employees, but we also have to protect ongoing projects,” said a senior HR executive from a San Francisco-based tech startup. “A single delay could derail an entire launch schedule.”
Some firms are also pre-emptively filing H-1B extensions earlier than usual and seeking more permanent residency (green card) pathways for employees to avoid future disruption.
This situation is taking a toll on the mental health of immigrant tech workers. Being advised not to leave the U.S.—even for family emergencies—can feel isolating.
“I haven’t seen my parents in four years,” shared a senior software engineer from Google, originally from Nigeria. “It’s hard to keep explaining why I can’t come home.”
According to a survey conducted by Envoy Global, 67% of visa workers in tech feel their immigration status causes “significant stress,” and 48% have considered leaving the U.S. due to uncertainty.
This stress can also affect team productivity, focus, and retention. While companies try to offer wellness programs and legal resources, many workers still feel vulnerable.
At the root of the problem is the U.S.’s outdated and overstretched immigration system. Despite ongoing efforts, meaningful reform—especially for high-skilled immigration—has not progressed in Congress.
As of 2025, there is still no path for many long-term workers to gain permanent residency quickly. Some employees have been stuck in H-1B renewals for over a decade, waiting for green card approval.
Industry groups like the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) argue that the U.S. is risking its global tech leadership by failing to retain top talent.
“The current visa policies are forcing brilliant minds to look elsewhere,” said Stuart Anderson, NFAP’s Executive Director. “Countries like Canada and the UK are becoming more attractive to global tech workers.”
For those on work visas, here are some actionable steps based on current best practices:
More tips can be found on the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website.
As the U.S. gears up for another election cycle and global policies shift, visa-holding tech workers remain in limbo. They power some of the most innovative technologies shaping the future—but they can’t safely leave the country that depends on their skills.
Unless immigration policies evolve to reflect the realities of the global workforce, more companies may struggle to retain international talent, and more skilled workers may choose to take their talents elsewhere.
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