Microsoft Urges Visa Holders to Return Now or Risk Being Stranded

Amid increasing delays and administrative hurdles at United States consulates, Microsoft has issued a detailed internal advisory to its employees holding H-1B and H-4 visas. The message highlights urgency around international travel, visa stamping, and the uncertainty surrounding future appointments, reflecting growing concern within the company about employees potentially being stranded outside the US.

Global technology firms like Microsoft rely heavily on skilled international professionals. However, recent disruptions in visa processing have made overseas travel far more complicated. Visa appointments at major Indian consulates, especially in cities such as Chennai and Hyderabad, are reportedly being pushed several months ahead. In some cases, fresh appointment slots are only becoming available well into 2026, leaving employees unsure about whether it is safe to travel abroad.

The advisory provides clear guidance based on different situations. Employees who are already outside the United States and still have a valid visa stamp are urged to return before it expires, even if their visa renewal appointment has been rescheduled for a later date. Doing so helps avoid a situation where individuals are unable to re-enter the country because their appointment is too far away.

For employees planning travel that would require a new visa stamp, Microsoft strongly recommends reconsidering those plans. If a visa appointment is delayed by months, there is no assurance that it will be moved to an earlier date. Without a valid visa stamp, returning to the United States is not possible, which could disrupt work responsibilities and employment continuity.

The advisory also points out that extended stays outside the US may affect an employee’s ability to perform job duties linked to their US-based role. This could have professional and personal implications, particularly for those working on time-sensitive projects or managing teams across locations.

These warnings come as part of a broader trend affecting the global workforce. Stricter screening processes and enhanced vetting measures have slowed visa processing across several regions, creating uncertainty for thousands of professionals and their families.

For many employees, the situation goes beyond paperwork. It affects travel plans, family commitments, and long-term career decisions. Microsoft’s proactive communication reflects the real challenges faced by international workers navigating an increasingly complex immigration landscape, and serves as a reminder to plan travel cautiously during this period of uncertainty.