Microsoft barred from sponsoring foreign workers for US residency

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Published: 2026-10-09T15:15:35.181Z • Permanent link

Microsoft's bid to sponsor foreign workers for US residency has been rejected by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The move comes as part of the tech giant's aggressive expansion into artificial intelligence research, with a particular focus on its Google DeepMind acquisition. In 2014, Microsoft acquired DeepMind, a UK-based AI firm founded by Demis Hassabis, Shane Legg, and Mustafa Suleyman. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move to bolster Microsoft's AI capabilities and expand its presence in the UK.

The rejection of Microsoft's sponsorship bid is significant, as it highlights the challenges faced by tech giants in navigating the complex and often bureaucratic US immigration system. The USCIS has faced criticism in the past for its slow processing times and strict requirements, which can make it difficult for companies to sponsor foreign workers. In this case, Microsoft's bid was reportedly rejected due to concerns about the potential impact on the US workforce and the need to ensure that no jobs were displaced by the influx of new talent.

Demis Hassabis, the CEO of DeepMind, has been a vocal advocate for the importance of international collaboration in AI research. In a statement to Bloomberg, Hassabis expressed disappointment at the rejection, but emphasized the need for the US to remain competitive in the global AI landscape. "We're committed to working with the US government to find a solution that benefits both our companies and the American people," he said.

The rejection of Microsoft's sponsorship bid is part of a larger trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly seeking to expand their global presence and talent pool. However, this trend is also being driven by a growing recognition of the need for international cooperation in AI research. The European Union, for example, has launched a number of initiatives aimed at promoting collaboration between EU and non-EU researchers, including a new AI research program that will provide funding for joint projects between EU and non-EU institutions.

Meanwhile, China has emerged as a major player in the global AI landscape, with a number of high-profile investments in AI research and development. The Chinese government has also launched a number of initiatives aimed at promoting the use of AI in industry, including a new "Made in China 2025" program that aims to boost the country's manufacturing capabilities through the use of AI and other technologies.

The rejection of Microsoft's sponsorship bid has significant implications for the Google DeepMind domain, where researchers are working on a number of high-profile projects, including the development of AlphaFold, a new AI system that can predict the structure of proteins. The company has also been investing heavily in its Azure cloud platform, which provides a range of AI tools and services for developers and researchers.