Import organizational data using API-based import (preview)

Important

This feature is for public preview customers only. Features in preview might not be complete and could undergo changes before becoming available in the broader release.

You can import organizational data into Microsoft 365 apps and services through an API-based data import that you and your Microsoft 365 Global Administrator set up. Here's how.

With an API-based import, you bring data from your source system to the Microsoft 365 API through a .csv file. You can either:

• Create a custom app to export data from the source system to a .csv file. Then, using the same app, import that data using the API information in these articles.

• Create a custom app to export data from the source system to a .csv file. Then, run a C# console app we created to import data to Organizational Data in Microsoft 365.

• Create a custom app to export data from the source system to a .csv file. Then, run a PowerShell script we created to import data to Organizational Data in Microsoft 365.

Before setting up the connection, you need to coordinate a few tasks between you and your global admin. See the Workflow below for an overview of required steps and instructions, and links to the relevant articles.

Workflow

1. Set up connection between data source and Organizational Data in Microsoft 365

Role	Steps (in order)
Organizational Data Source Administrator or HRIS Source system admin	Generate a security certificate, secret, or federated credential and share it with the global admin.
Microsoft 365 Global Administrator	Register a new app in the Microsoft Entra admin center using the security certificate created above, and share the application ID with the data source admin.
Microsoft 365 Global Administrator or Organizational Data Source Administrator	1. Set up a secure import in the Microsoft 365 admin center using the app registration ID shared above. 2. Configure attribute access and mapping. 3. Validate the data.

See the detailed instructions.

2. Call Microsoft 365 API to transfer organizational data

Role	Steps (in order)
Microsoft 365 Global Administrator or Organizational Data Source Administrator or HRIS Source system admin	Prepare and export your data from source system on a set frequency.
Microsoft 365 Global Administrator or Organizational Data Source Administrator or HRIS Source system admin	Call the Microsoft 365 API to transfer organizational data from the data source to Organizational Data in Microsoft 365 using either: C# or Powershell Script or Custom Application GitHub Repository for sample C# and Powershell script

See the detailed instructions.

3. Make changes to the connection or data

Role	Steps
Microsoft 365 Global Administrator or Organizational Data Source Administrator	Edit .csv file and mapping Edit attribute access and attribute mapping Edit connection name or app ID

See the detailed instructions.