Microsoft offer - Visa issues
Hi all I recently got an offer from Microsoft as a Senior Program Manager. I wanted to discuss Visa Firstly, I have a non-stem OPT which expires in a month. No extensions. No h1b. Now, potentially I have two options: Register in a day 1 CPT program or sit in Vancouver office and travel every other week on b1. This is from my perspective, I haven't had a chance to discuss this with Microsoft lawyers yet. Anybody from Microsoft here who was in similar situation? How flexible is Microsoft in this regard especially since Vancouver is couple hours drive away.
I think they will just move to a team in Vancouver or somewhere else.
I was hired into a specific team. I am not sure how flexible will they be to send me to another team in Vancouver.
Are you sure there aren't any issues in traveling into the US every 1-2 weeks on a B1 visa?
I am not sure. Is frequency the problem or the fact that working on b1 Visa is not allowed? Isnt that the purpose of business Visa?
Doing actual work is definitely not allowed. But you'd probably wanna check if the frequency can also become a problem after a certain number of trips.
I'd go with option 2
You’re not supposed to work in the US if you come on B1. The “business” aspect of it is to only attend meetings and stuff. Also if you visit the US too frequently and stay for a long period of time, border officers will start questioning the purpose of your trip. MS will probably send you to Vancouver so you can come back when you get your H1B or after a 1-1.5 years on L1
Option 2 is not possible. You need a local address and travel everyday in b1 is not allowed. Are you a Canadian citizen?
No, but my Canadian PR is due in December through Express entry.
@suferss Can you bet PR without being in the country?
Try MasterCard
You're hilarious. So fun. Not.
Nice to Canada. It's a better option
Your offer will be rescinded. Microsoft's Immigration is known to rescind a lot of offers.
Incidentally my friend who is a PM is being sent to Vancouver. His offer from Canada has been generated. My issue is that I just joined and I am not sure how flexible will the team be regarding having someone start from Vancouver right from the get go
Almost same situation in which the team I applied is based only in Redmond and I cleared the onsite. As far as I know, They want me and talked to another team in Vancouver. I talked with the new HM about the project and I'm waiting for next steps.
hello I have the same case I have case and supposed to move to Vancouver but they are taking super long to get the offer letter from the vancouver office it has been already 1 month and half. did you got an offer letter or do you know how is the visa process look like ?
I've been waiting for a month. I'm supposed to get an update today. I Will let you know
Option 2 seems like breaking the law. You need to ask Microsoft lawyers.
If someone gets a b1/b2 (business visa) how frequent can they travel to US?
They can travel however frequently they need. The issue will be with a reason for this travel.