Question 1

Does Microsoft sponsor green cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Microsoft has filed 18,104 PERM labor certification applications with the Department of Labor, with 17,110 certified. The median processing time from filing to decision has been 222 days.

Question 2

What is the current PERM processing time?

Accepted Answer

The DOL processing time from PERM filing to decision typically ranges from 6 to 18 months. This does not include the prevailing wage determination (1–6 months) or the recruitment period (2–3 months) that happen before filing. For Microsoft, the median processing time from filing to decision has been 222 days. See the processing time chart above for year-over-year trends.

Question 3

How long does it take to get a green card through Microsoft?

Accepted Answer

The full employer-sponsored green card timeline depends on three stages: PERM labor certification (6–18 months), I-140 petition with USCIS (4–6 months, or 15 days with premium processing), and adjustment of status or consular processing. For applicants from countries with visa backlogs like India and China, the wait for a visa number after I-140 approval can add years. The total process from start to green card typically takes 1–5+ years.

Question 4

What triggers a PERM audit?

Accepted Answer

The DOL may audit a PERM application if certain risk factors are present: layoffs within 6 months of filing, the foreign worker having an ownership interest in the company, job requirements that exceed the norm for the occupation, foreign language requirements, or combination occupations. An audit requires additional documentation but does not mean the case will be denied. See the risk factors section above for Microsoft's specific audit triggers.

Question 5

What is Microsoft's PERM approval rate?

Accepted Answer

Microsoft has a 99.4% PERM approval rate across 18,104 total applications (17,110 certified, 95 denied, 899 withdrawn). The national average PERM approval rate is approximately 85%. Note that withdrawn cases are not counted in the approval rate calculation.

Year	Filings	Certified	Denied	Withdrawn	Median Processing Days
2025	60	0	0	60	—
2024	2,300	2,122	2	176	480
2023	2,423	2,146	9	268	437
2022	2,926	2,791	25	110	290
2021	1,571	1,444	16	111	167
2020	2,997	2,934	3	60	212
2019	945	907	5	33	137
2018	2,274	2,241	3	30	91
2017	1,723	1,685	3	35	102
2016	865	839	10	16	90

Microsoft — Green Card PERM Data

Microsoft Green Card Sponsorship

PERM Filings by Quarter

PERM Processing Time by Year

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