Sorry to hear what, I'm just wondering.. what group were you hired for?

MSN AdCenter. Are you waiting for your H1B?

Yeah, heard absolutely nothing. The lawyers just seem to ignore email now... The recuiter doesn't know anything...

Louis,

I am sorry to hear this. Are you sure they have explored all possible Visa options (J-1, H-3, etc. etc ) ?

Adarsh

"Twenty-five (Or More) Strategies for the Capped-Out H-1B" : http://www.klaskolaw.com/articles.php?action=view&id=14

I hope people find this article useful.

Thanks,

-A

Hey Adarsh,

Microsoft said that they explored and exhausted the other options - but I'll have to agree to disagree with them ;). At this point, I've moved-on to better things so stay-tuned for the news!

Any news on your end?

Hey Louis,

But do go though that link I posted above. It has some less explored options that might still be applicable.

From my end - I got my receipt from USCIS a few weeks back. My case is "pending" as of today.

-A

hey just came across this:

http://awesomearpit.blogspot.com/2007/06/life-is-lottery.html

someone with a story similar to your own.. just thought u might want to know

I am one of the MS International hire still waiting for the status. I realized that there is no point in waiting any more as the chances seems very bleak and took up plan B and taking the risk of withdrawing the offer from MS even if selected. If I do not take this plan B, I may end up loosing both the opportunities.

If you're Canadian a TN visa is a no-brainer. I'd be interested in knowing why you cound't apply on a TN basis visa, it's for unlimted time on a year-by-year basis - it's so easy for Canadians!. I know a few candians on TN visas in the US.

AdCenter is full of a bunch of morons anyway. Trust me, 2 weeks in Redwest and you wouldn't want to work there.

C'est pas une grande perte, crois moi... MSFTSDE a raison!

You dodged a bullet, my friend. Anyone working for Microsoft when they finally collapse isn't going to be employable by another company.

I'm on the same boat. The laywers ignored my emails. Don't know how it will be.

I have the same problem. I was hired by MS as SDE in march. However, I have been rejected my H1B and now, waiting for other options that MS is considering. My question is this, if they are unable to take me to US this year, will my job offer be cancelled?

"I was born in Moncton, New Brunswick (Eastern Canada)"

Assuming you have Canadian citizenship, the job title at MS included the term "software engineer", and you had a letter from MS stating you had accepted the job offer...the North American Free Trade Agreement states all you had to do was show your credentials and the offer letter at the U.S. border for a renewable 1 year Visa. I know a few Canadians who've used NAFTA like this and I did myself when I lived in Canada a few years ago.

TN status, I think, is up to the discretion of the immigration officer. I've been told that the airports are most vicious -- you have to be a "Computer Systems Analyst" not a manager, or a programmer (auto-denial)

I got mine, but it was stressful. Sorry to hear about yours.

Hi Louis,

I know what you must be going through. Microsoft missed my visa last year (by one day), and this year they've not been able to secure a visa for me either. And of all the options I've asked them to explore for me (even though I have a B1 visa), I get a cold response. And looking from these comments, I think there are quite a few people out there who've missed their H1s.

Can I ask how everyone else is doing and coping up with this...I had to endure 1 and a half years of this...

sigh...

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the late reply, but I’m just getting caught-up on things since I got back. First, I just want to thank everyone for all your comments. So here’s my answers to some of your questions/comments:

XIN: Thanks for the link. Arpit and I have been in communications since March 07. Also, there are many similar stories from other Microsfies (that are in the same boat) at http://groups.google.com/group/Microsofties2b?hl=en

WAITING & STILLWAITING: After what you experienced over the past months, along with all the similar stories from other Microsofties (over the past year), it should make your choice an easy one.

RICARDITO, UMM, & DAVE: Microsoft legal did attempt to obtain my TN Visa: The application got rejected twice because the agent at the border said the paperwork that Microsoft legal submitted was “confusing” and “inadequate”. I even offered to retain my own lawyer (and cover my own legal fees) because I had found another lawyer who guaranteed to obtain my TN Visa on the third attempt. Microsoft legal did not want to proceed because it would have taken too long to get my lawyer on the “Microsoft Approved” list.

GERMAN: Microsoft will either (1) withdraw your offer or (2) make you wait. I only know one lucky SDE Manager who kept the same role and got relocated to Vancouver because his entire division relocated to Canada.

S: If it makes you feel any better, it is estimated that over 500 Microsofties have been unlucky with the H1B lottery this year (and are in the same situation as you and I). The “cold” response is very common. Most people are keeping their sanity during the process by simply blogging about their experience, while exploring other options. One person told his story to Google and ended-up getting selected for an interview. Google also said that they’ll allow him to work in his home country until US Immigrations sorts-out the H1B mess!

What an interesting read considering I was born in America and spent some time working for the Royal Bank of Canada. The situation in reverse was much easier compared to what you have gone through. This is the side of the immigration issue no one talks about.
Best of luck to you, although I would count my blessings not having to work for a large corporation. Been there - ran screaming from that.
Catherine, the redhead