Analysis of the Impact of U.S. Visa Processing Delays on Google and Apple's International Business and Talent Mobility

1. Event Background and Core Reasons
   : Google and Apple have issued internal memos through immigration law firms, warning employees holding non-immigrant visas such as H-1B and H-4 to avoid international travel [1][2][3][4]. The main reason for visa processing delays is the new policy implemented by the U.S. government this month, including stricter screening of visa applicants’ social media accounts [3][4]. Visa stamping appointments at some U.S. embassies and consulates are delayed by up to 12 months [1][2][3].

2. Impact on International Business Operations
   : If employees are “stranded” overseas due to visa delays [1][2][5], cross-border project execution may face a shortage of key talent, leading to project delays and reduced efficiency in cross-departmental collaboration. Additionally, business activities such as international client visits and overseas branch management will be restricted, which may affect the companies’ global market expansion and service quality.

3. Impact on Talent Mobility
   : Visa-holding employees avoid international travel for fear of not being able to return to the U.S. in time, which will affect their family reunions and participation in important international events, reducing employee satisfaction and sense of belonging. In the long run, the uncertainty of visa policies may lead tech companies to shift more positions to overseas offices [1], thereby diluting the attractiveness of the U.S. as a global tech hub and affecting the flow of global talent to the U.S.

• Structural Impact Emerges
  : Visa delays are not just short-term travel restrictions; they may prompt tech companies to adjust their global talent strategies and shift core business functions overseas, having a long-term structural impact on the U.S. local tech ecosystem.
• Market Reaction Lag
  : Currently, Google (GOOG) closed at $315.68 (+1.40%), and Apple (AAPL) at $272.36 (+0.51%) [0]. Stock prices have not significantly reflected the potential impact of visa delays, indicating that the market is still evaluating its long-term effects.
• Interaction Between Policy and Corporate Strategy
  : Companies may alleviate the impact by strengthening remote work support and adjusting international travel policies, but the continuous tightening of visa policies will force companies to re-examine their global business layout.

• Main Risks
  :
  • Operational Risks: Delays in key projects, reduced efficiency of international business, affecting the company’s short-term financial performance and long-term innovation capabilities.
  • Talent Risks: Increased employee turnover, reduced attractiveness of U.S. tech companies to outstanding international talent.
  • Strategic Risks: Shifting business focus overseas may bring issues such as increased compliance costs and affected brand image.
• Potential Opportunities
  :
  • Companies can strengthen the construction of remote work infrastructure to improve the collaboration efficiency of global teams.
  • Expansion of overseas market layout may help companies diversify risks and explore new business growth points.

This analysis is based on public reports and market data, verifying the fact that Google and Apple issued visa travel warnings and the core reasons for visa delays. The current incident has no obvious short-term impact on the companies, but in the long term, it may trigger adjustments in global talent strategies and changes in business layout. Investors and enterprises should continue to pay attention to visa policy dynamics and the companies’ response strategies, and evaluate their potential impact on international business operations and talent mobility.