A temporary policy shift has given relief to some US based Amazon employees who are unable to return from India because of visa delays.
Amazon has allowed certain employees awaiting H 1B visa renewals to work remotely from India until 02 March 2026. The decision applies only to staff who were already in India as of 13 December and are waiting for rescheduled visa appointments. This move is a rare exception to Amazon’s five day office work policy.
Under the temporary arrangement, employees can remain on the company payroll but face strict limits on what they can do. They are not allowed to code, test or troubleshoot software. They also cannot make strategic decisions, manage teams, interact with customers or partners, negotiate or sign contracts, or visit Amazon offices. Any activity that directly benefits Amazon entities in India is also prohibited.
“All reviews, final decision making, and sign offs should be undertaken outside India,” the internal memo states. It further adds, “In compliance with local laws, there are no exceptions to these restrictions.”
The decision follows prolonged delays in US visa processing after recent changes to the H 1B programme. These include expanded social media checks of applicants, which have pushed visa appointment dates back by several months at some embassies and consulates. As a result, many workers have been unable to return to the US.
Amazon typically allows overseas remote work for up to 20 business days during visa renewals. This extension goes beyond that limit but applies only to employees in India. The company has not clarified what options may be available if visa delays continue beyond March.
Other major technology companies such as Google, Apple and Microsoft have also issued travel advisories to employees affected by the delays.
A spokesperson from the US State Department previously said that social media screening is intended to use “all available tools” to identify visa applicants who may be inadmissible.
Amazon remains one of the largest users of the H 1B programme. During the 2024 fiscal year, the company filed 14783 certified H 1B applications, according to US government data.
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