Amazon has changed its strict return-to-office rule. It will allow certain H1B visa holders stuck in India to work remotely until March 2. This temporary policy, noted in an internal memo, addresses the widespread delays in US visa processing that have prevented employees from returning to the United States.
Amazon Allows Remote Work because of H-1B Delays
Normally, Amazon’s policy lets staff traveling abroad for visa renewals work remotely for up to 20 business days. The new authorization extends this period by several months, but only for employees who were in India as of December 13, 2025, and are waiting for rescheduled H1B or H4 visa slots. However, Amazon has placed significant restrictions on the work these employees can perform while in India.
What the staff can do now?
According to the internal memo and reports of Amazon, the affected staff
- Cannot code, troubleshoot, test, or document software, which sidelines essential tech duties.
- May not interact with customers, partners, or vendors, including pricing or contract talks.
- They are barred from making strategic decisions, managing teams, or giving final approvals.
The memo says that “all reviews, final decision making, and sign-offs should be undertaken outside India.” This highlights that these restrictions aim to follow local laws and internal compliance requirements. This change occurs amid significant H-1B visa appointment backlogs worsened by new US immigration policies requiring more extensive social media reviews for visa applicants.
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