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Microsoft employees on H-1B and H-4 visas face months-long delays for visa stamping in India, particularly in Chennai and Hyderabad. New social media screening has reduced processing capacity, prompting Microsoft to advise staff to reconsider travel plans to avoid being stranded.

Microsoft has sent a detailed advisory exceeding 600 words to its employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas, urging caution amid widespread rescheduling of visa stamping appointments at US consulates in India. The advisory informs its employees of its 'rapidly developing situation' and urges them to 'return before your current visa expires.'

Sudden rescheduling causes uncertainty

Visa stamping appointments, particularly at the US consulates in Chennai and Hyderabad, are being rescheduled with little notice, pushing new dates as far out as June 2026. Some employees have received rescheduling notifications after travelling to India, while others have been informed before departure. Reports suggest the delays are concentrated in these two cities, though unverified accounts indicate possible spread to other consulates.

The advisory, authored by Jack Chen, Microsoft's associate general counsel for immigration, describes the situation as 'rapidly developing' and offers preliminary guidance to affected staff.

New social media screening reduces processing capacity

The delays stem from operational constraints linked to a new online presence review for H-1B and H-4 visas, introduced on December 15. This vetting procedure, which includes social media screening to prevent potential abuse of the H-1B programme, has significantly reduced daily processing capacity at consulates. Officials reportedly needed additional time to implement the enhanced checks.

Emergency appointments are considered highly unlikely under the current circumstances.

Microsoft relays specific warnings for employees outside the US

The advisory provides clear instructions tailored to different scenarios:

- Employees needing a new visa stamp whose appointments have been postponed for months are advised to report their situation through a dedicated survey, even if they have already contacted internal support channels.

- Those with some remaining validity on their current visa are urged to return to the US before it expires, provided it is in the proper work-authorised category.

- Staff planning travel that requires a new visa stamp, but facing rescheduled appointments, are strongly recommended to reconsider or alter their travel plans. Without the new stamp, return to the US would not be possible, and advancing the appointment date is deemed improbable.

- Even for those whose appointments remain unchanged, there is a risk of last-minute rescheduling during travel, potentially leaving employees stranded abroad.

Microsoft has assured that employees stuck outside the US will receive direct guidance for resolution.

Microsoft launches survey to track impact

To better understand the scale of the issue, Microsoft has created an internal survey titled 'Census of Upcoming Visa Stamping Appointments'. Employees are encouraged to submit details of their scheduled appointments and any subsequent changes. The data will help the company monitor affected consulates, notification patterns, and delay durations. Insights gathered are expected to be shared with staff by the end of the week.

Microsoft is not alone in addressing the issue. Other major technology firms, including Apple and Google, have reportedly issued similar advisories to their employees on H-1B and H-4 visas, reflecting widespread concern across the industry over the evolving immigration landscape.

Read the memo sent by Jack Chen below: