In July 2025, Microsoft is initiating another wave of layoffs — its third major round this year. Over 1,000 U.S.-based employees, primarily in sales and customer-facing roles, are expected to be impacted.
If you’re one of those affected, this isn’t just a career disruption — it’s a turning point. Whether you’re navigating an H-1B visa, considering a move into software or product roles, or wondering how to future-proof your career, this guide breaks it all down for you.
Microsoft’s layoff strategy in 2025 isn’t about poor performance — it’s about realignment. The company is aggressively pivoting toward AI infrastructure and cloud expansion, with plans to spend over $80 billion on AI-related capital projects this fiscal year.
Here’s a timeline of the key layoff events:
These layoffs are occurring even as Microsoft posts strong earnings and a record-high stock price. It’s not about financial trouble — it’s about repositioning for the future of AI and automation.
And this isn’t just a Microsoft trend. Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta are making similar cuts as they automate roles and concentrate investments in high-growth areas like artificial intelligence, large language models, and developer platforms.
If you’re affected by these layoffs, it’s essential to act quickly and decisively. One of the most effective ways to re-enter the tech job market is through career-focused bootcamps.
Two of the most promising paths? Software Engineering and Product Management.
Software engineers remain in high demand across startups and enterprise firms alike. Many laid-off employees from sales engineering, tech support, or analytical roles find this pivot to be both natural and rewarding.
Why it’s worth considering:
Average salary: $100,000–$200,000 starting in the U.S.
Ideal for: Tech-oriented professionals who want to build software, automate processes, or work on AI tools.
Product managers sit at the intersection of user needs, business goals, and technical implementation. This makes PM an excellent pivot for ex-salespeople, marketers, and customer success managers.
Key skills bootcamps teach:
Average salary: $150,000–$230,000+ in the U.S.
Best for: Professionals with business acumen, strong communication skills, and an interest in technology.
One of the most stressful parts of a layoff in the U.S. is how it affects your visa. If you’re on an H-1B, you have 60 days from your last day on payroll to either:
Key steps:
Most H-1B holders think of green cards as a long, uncertain process. But there’s one exception: the EB-1A visa, which offers a fast-track green card for individuals with extraordinary ability.
This isn’t just for Nobel laureates. High-achieving software engineers — especially those who’ve:
...may qualify.
Advantages of EB-1A:
Tip: If you think you may qualify, speak with an immigration attorney now. It’s one of the best paths to long-term stability in the U.S.
Here’s how to structure the next 8 weeks:
| Week | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm severance details, update your resume, and consult an immigration attorney |
| 2 | Explore bootcamps that align with your goals (software or product) |
| 3–4 | Begin the bootcamp enrollment process and apply for jobs simultaneously |
| 4–6 | Launch a portfolio or capstone project to demonstrate new skills |
| 6–8 | Start interviewing, apply for H-1B transfer, or consider EB-1 filing |
Microsoft’s layoffs are a reflection of the larger shift happening in tech — toward AI, automation, and streamlined operations. If your role has been eliminated, it’s not a failure. It’s a sign of how fast the industry is evolving.
You now have the chance to reset, re-skill, and re-enter the market stronger. Whether through a software engineering bootcamp, a move into product management, or by filing for an EB-1 green card, there are pathways forward.
And you're not alone.
Let us know if you'd like help finding the right bootcamp, understanding your EB-1 potential, or drafting a roadmap for your next career move. You're not starting from scratch — you're starting from experience.
