Microsoft Warns H-1B Staff: Overseas Travel Risks Visa Delays, Return Uncertainty

• Microsoft advised H-1B and H-4 visa holders against overseas travel due to widespread US consulate appointment rescheduling.
• Delays are prominent at Chennai and Hyderabad consulates, with some appointments pushed to June 2026.
• New online presence review for H-1B/H-4 visas, effective Dec 15, is causing operational pressures and reduced processing capacity.
• Employees traveling abroad risk being stranded, unable to return to the US until a new visa stamp is issued.
• Microsoft urged staff to reconsider international trips and launched a survey to track the extent of the delays.

Why It Matters: H-1B/H-4 visa holders face significant travel risks due to US consulate delays and new screening.