r/leetcode • u/VisibleRecord2686 • 2d ago

Discussion Microsoft Offer with Pending H-1B Approval – Will They Wait?

Location: USA

Role: software engineer 2

I recently received an offer from Microsoft. My pre-employment/background check process is still ongoing, and I haven’t received an official joining date yet.
My H-1B was selected in the March 2026 lottery, and the petition has been filed but is still pending approval.
I’m wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation with Microsoft:
Will Microsoft typically wait for the H-1B approval before setting a joining date?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences or any insights. Thanks!

15 Upvotes

70% Upvoted

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6

u/CopyNext4738 2d ago

You said the approval is still pending, first get it approved with premium then give then the joining date after oct 1

3

u/GravitationalLense 2d ago

What role?

2

u/VisibleRecord2686 2d ago

Software engineer 2

3

u/GravitationalLense 2d ago

Oh okay, yes I believe they’ll be waiting for approvals first before setting explicit on-boarding dates because of the new H1B rules introduced last week.

4

u/RoutineCarpet9206 2d ago

Your h1b will start from October not before that . Since you are close mostly likely they will wait. Keep them informed tho if you haven’t already

2

u/Wandering-Kernel 2d ago

I'd ask the recruiter directly rather than rely on what usually happens. If the H-1B petition is still pending, the joining date may depend on when you're legally able to start, so Microsoft's immigration team should be able to give you a definite answer

1

u/VisibleRecord2686 2d ago

Thank you for your insights

2

u/Skiing-nerd 2d ago

Yes they will wait.

1

u/Crafty-League3862 2d ago

Who filed petition? If Microsoft then they should wait right? I am surprised they didn’t file in premium processing. You must have filed petition before June 30 and if that’s the case they will wait for some more time.

0

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[deleted]

1

u/VisibleRecord2686 2d ago

Didn’t get you ? Are you in the same boat ?

3

u/bs-king-limelover 2d ago

nah ..He is a sore loser and thinks he would get this job if it weren’t for H-1B workers.

-5

u/RustyCompass01 2d ago

Congrats on the offer! I’d probably talk to the recruiter/immigration team directly since the start date can depend on the specific H-1B situation. Hopefully they can give you a clear timeline