What is visa approval

Visa approval is a crucial aspect of global human resources (HR), especially for companies looking to expand their operations across borders. Whether hiring international talent or facilitating business travel, ensuring that the visa process is handled smoothly is essential for compliance and global business success.

What is visa approval and why is it important in HR?

Visa approval refers to the authorization granted by a country to a foreign national, allowing them to enter, remain within, or leave that country. In the US, the body handing all visa approvals is the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). All applications are submitted to this federal government organization, either on paper or, more commonly, via an online portal.

For HR professionals, this process is particularly important when managing international employees or facilitating business travel. Without the necessary visa approval, employees may face delays, legal complications, or even be denied entry into the country.

For companies that regularly hire international talent, understanding visa approval is not just a legal requirement—it’s a strategic necessity. Proper handling of visa applications ensures that the company can tap into global talent pools without unnecessary disruptions.

“I can't even begin to imagine how I would create a visa application by myself. Thankfully, Deel drafted a detailed TN visa application for me and made an otherwise daunting immigration super straightforward.” – Tanay Desai, Standard Metrics

How can HR improve the visa approval process?

Optimizing the visa approval process is key to ensuring that international hires and business travel plans go smoothly. Here are some best practices for HR teams:

• Stay updated on immigration laws: Immigration laws and visa requirements can change frequently. HR departments should keep abreast of the latest regulations in the countries where they operate. Consulting with immigration law experts can help companies stay updated on legislative changes
• Partner with immigration experts: Establishing relationships with immigration attorneys or visa specialists can expedite the visa approval process and help avoid common pitfalls
• Streamline documentation: Having a systematic approach to documentation can prevent errors and delays. HR should ensure that all required documents are collected, verified, and submitted promptly
• Communicate clearly with employees: Regular communication with prospective employees about the visa process can lead to a smoother experience. It’s important to set expectations and provide updates throughout the process

By leveraging tools like Deel’s Global HR Platform, companies can manage their visa processes more efficiently, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of delays.

The role of visa approval in global hiring

Visa approval is a critical step in global hiring. When a company hires an international candidate, the HR team must ensure that the candidate obtains the appropriate work visa before they can begin employment.

Eligibility for overseas employment may depend on the candidate’s seniority, sector, expertise, education, or country of origin. For instance, specialist visas exist to facilitate the entrance of individuals whom the US government deem worthy of priority. The O-1 visa prioritizes workers with extraordinary skills in a particular field, whereas the E-3 visa is for Australian citizens in specialty occupations.

The visa application step is crucial not only for legal compliance, but also for the employee’s ability to enter and work in the country. Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions, and HR teams must be well-versed in these to ensure successful visa approval.

Get visa applications wrong and the hiring process can be delayed significantly or made far costlier and more complex than it need be. Although there are more than 10 types of US work visa, an immigration expert will know the eligibility criteria, timescales, and requirements of each type, and will be able to advise accordingly.

Related resource: For more information on hiring international talent and navigating visa requirements, explore Deel’s Global Hiring Guide.

“The Deel team are not human, they are some supernaturally gifted folks. They handle things with clarity, take you by the hand, and they're super responsive.” – Simeon Ononobi, ThankUCash.

How does visa approval affect the global workforce?

Visa approval directly impacts the mobility of the global workforce. Countries with streamlined visa processes tend to attract a more diverse and skilled labor force, as they make it easier for foreign workers to enter and contribute to the local economy.

For companies, this means that an effective visa approval process can enhance workforce diversity and bring in unique perspectives and skills that may not be available locally. Some countries are better placed than others to send talent to the US, of course.

Following the Australia–United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA) of 2005, the US Congress established the E-3 visa, for example, facilitating the immigration of over 10,000 Australian workers to America each year.

Facilitating the entry of international talent can help companies remain competitive in the global market, as well as cementing positive trade relations between countries.

The role of visa approval in remote work

With the rise of remote work, visa approval has taken on a new dimension. Some countries have introduced specific visas for remote workers, allowing them to live in the country while working for a foreign employer. These visas can open new talent pools for companies looking to hire remotely.

There are even “digital nomad” visas available in Africa, Central and South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

HR departments must be aware of these options and consider them when developing remote work strategies. For instance, employees who frequently travel to the United States may require specific visas, such as the B-1 business visa, to legally conduct business within the country.

Related resource: Learn how Deel’s immigration services can help you manage remote work visas and stay compliant with global employment laws here.

“After working with [Deel], I wouldn’t consider working with anyone else for my immigration needs. They're simply spectacular. Call to all startup founders: Deel is the best out there." – Mohak Nahta, Atlas.

Potential legal issues related to visa approval

Navigating the visa approval process involves several legal considerations. Common legal issues include:

• Non-Compliance with Immigration Laws: This can occur if an employee works on a tourist visa or if a company provides inaccurate information during the visa application process. Non-compliance can result in fines, deportation, and damage to the company’s reputation.
• Visa Denials: If an application is denied due to incomplete or incorrect documentation, it can delay the hiring process and affect business operations.
• Employee Misclassification: Ensuring that employees are classified correctly for visa purposes is essential to avoid legal repercussions.
• Hiring Delays: Sufficient lead time needs to be allowed, particularly for popular visas, although expedited processing is often available for a premium fee.

To mitigate these risks, HR teams should work closely with immigration experts and use reliable visa management tools like Deel.

Long-term benefits and maintenance of visa approval

The benefits of successful visa approval extend beyond just allowing an employee to enter a country.

It also lays the groundwork for long-term residency and career development within the company. For instance, certain visas, like the L-1B, allow for eventual green card eligibility, which can be a significant incentive for top talent.

Regular maintenance of visa status is also important. This includes staying aware of expiration dates, understanding the conditions of stay, and renewing visas as needed.

A proactive approach to visa management helps ensure that employees remain compliant and can continue contributing to the company without interruption.

“Deel has all the qualities of an agile and modern startup and the expertise and talent of a large firm. I had my O-1 and later my EB-2 visas approved with no issues and Deel did all the heavy lifting. Highly recommended." – Sofia Quintero, EnjoyHQ.

Discover how Deel can simplify visa management

Managing visas is a complex but essential part of global HR. With Deel’s People Platform, you can streamline the visa approval process, ensuring compliance and smooth operations as you expand your global team.

Ready to learn more? Book a demo with Deel today and discover how we can help you navigate the complexities of global hiring and visa management.