Microsoft's H-1B hiring spree draws criticism amid US job cuts
Microsoft is facing increasing criticism over its H-1B visa filings, with fresh scrutiny linking the company's foreign hiring plans to recent job cuts in the United States.
According to US labour department filings, Microsoft put in 14,181 visa applications in FY2025 Q2.
An X user, Mariners Curse, said, “@howardlutnick take a look at Microsoft and other firms are clearly abusing the H-1B visa system to undercut American tech workers and other industries. Making America Great Again means hiring Americans. We should not have to compete for American jobs against the entire world.”
Microsoft announced global layoffs impacting 9,000 employees. The cuts affect less than 4% of its total workforce and span several divisions, including gaming. At the same time, the company is increasing its international investments, including a $3 billion commitment in India and plans to train 10 million people in artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
Also Read: Tech layoffs: Microsoft, TikTok lead latest round of job cuts
According to news website WorldNetDaily, around 82% of those (14,181 for whom H-1B visa filing has been done) have reportedly been offered wages below the local US market average. Many filings were routed through the Indian outsourcing firm Integreon (India) Pvt Ltd, raising further questions about the company’s labour strategy.
Microsoft has consistently stated that the US does not issue enough H-1B visas to meet labour market demands. On its lobbying blog, the company states, "The number of H-1B visas remains very limited. Congress sets a limit on the number of H-1B visas that can be issued each year. Demand far exceeds supply."
According to US labour department filings, Microsoft put in 14,181 visa applications in FY2025 Q2.
An X user, Mariners Curse, said, “@howardlutnick take a look at Microsoft and other firms are clearly abusing the H-1B visa system to undercut American tech workers and other industries. Making America Great Again means hiring Americans. We should not have to compete for American jobs against the entire world.”
Microsoft announced global layoffs impacting 9,000 employees. The cuts affect less than 4% of its total workforce and span several divisions, including gaming. At the same time, the company is increasing its international investments, including a $3 billion commitment in India and plans to train 10 million people in artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
Also Read: Tech layoffs: Microsoft, TikTok lead latest round of job cuts
According to news website WorldNetDaily, around 82% of those (14,181 for whom H-1B visa filing has been done) have reportedly been offered wages below the local US market average. Many filings were routed through the Indian outsourcing firm Integreon (India) Pvt Ltd, raising further questions about the company’s labour strategy.
Microsoft has consistently stated that the US does not issue enough H-1B visas to meet labour market demands. On its lobbying blog, the company states, "The number of H-1B visas remains very limited. Congress sets a limit on the number of H-1B visas that can be issued each year. Demand far exceeds supply."
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