Companies planning a global expansion into new markets or hiring talent in another country are sometimes faced with the need to obtain work visas for their employees. This typically occurs if the business is relocating one or more employees to another country, or if an employee they wish to hire is not a resident in the country where they live.
In addition, there is an uptick in workers who want to stay with their employer, but live and work as an expat. This is leading to an increased need for sponsored visas and work permits. The process of applying for and obtaining a work visa can be a time-consuming hassle. There are specific immigration requirements that need to be followed, which can include obtaining authorizations and work permits, paying fees, and otherwise making sure that you’re compliant with the visa requirements every step of the way.
One way employers can reduce the headache of the visa application process is by partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR). Working with an EOR can simplify the application process, mitigate risks, and expedite the hiring of international talent.
What services does an Employer of Record provide?
An EOR acts as an intermediary legal entity between a company and its international talent. Essentially, the EOR becomes the legal employer of an international employee, taking responsibility for:
- Running any necessary background checks
- Staying on top of employment laws
- Compliance
- Employment contracts
- Managing global payroll, benefits, health insurance, and other HR responsibilities
When it comes to issuing foreign visas, EORs take on the administrative tasks associated with obtaining visas and work permits for international employees.
Changes in immigration laws can pose challenges when it comes to issuing visas. EORs stay on top of any regulatory changes and adapt their processes accordingly to help mitigate risks. EORs with a global presence and multicultural teams can also provide invaluable support navigating cultural nuances and language differences. Partnering with an EOR service to manage the visa application process can help a company reduce their chance of a time consuming error, speed up the processing time, and provide a much smoother overall experience.
For example, if a company based in the United States is expanding its operations to France and Croatia, they might choose to partner with an experienced global EOR that specializes in talent acquisition and global workforce solutions. The EOR can navigate the visa application processes in multiple countries, enabling the U.S. company to efficiently onboard their global talent.
A multinational corporation with a global team based in different countries faces different challenges when it comes to obtaining visa sponsorship for a workforce scattered around the world. By centralizing visa processing through an EOR, the corporation can rely on the EOR to follow standardized procedures, ensure compliance with local regulations, and achieve significant cost savings.
The role of an EOR in applying for visas
As a service provider, the EOR assumes several critical responsibilities when it comes to obtaining a visa. This includes:
- Determining an employee’s eligibility and requesting any required documents
- Navigating the complex landscape of immigration laws and regulations, and types of visas
- Confirming that all supporting documents and processes adhere to local laws and requirements
- Obtaining visas for an employee’s spouse, dependents, and other family members if necessary
- Working with immigration authorities to ensure a smooth visa application process
- Maintaining compliance with local labor laws
- Minimizing the risk of penalties, legal issues, or delays
- Working to mitigate issues if a visa application is initially denied
There are many advantages of working with an EOR to obtain foreign visas. The most significant is expedited visa processing. Obtaining a visa takes a long time, typically several months. Because of their expertise and established networks with local entities, EORs can accelerate the approval timeline, allowing companies to onboard international talent more quickly.
EORs can also rely on the in-depth knowledge of their partners regarding immigration regulations, reducing the likelihood of errors or delays in visa applications. Finally, partnering with an EOR is typically more cost-effective than setting up an in-house visa processing system, especially for companies that don’t need to apply for worker visas on an ongoing basis. EORs can also manage any required visa renewals.
Key considerations when choosing an EOR for visa applications
Selecting the right EOR partner is important to ensure a successful visa application process. When evaluating potential EORs, there are several factors companies should consider:
- The reputation and track record of the EOR in handling visa processing matters
- That scope of visa services align with the company's needs and requirements
- Compatibility with the company's culture, values, and long-term goals
- Transparent pricing structures and clear communication channels to establish trust and ensure a smooth collaboration
Successfully partnering with an EOR for visa services
There are several key steps to follow when working with an EOR to obtain employee visas, including:
- Assessing your company's visa needs and requirements, including the anticipated volume of international hires, target locations, and visa types
- Establishing clear communication channels and expectations with the EOR, including timelines, deliverables, and pricing
- Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the EOR's services, addressing any issues or concerns promptly to ensure a smooth visa process
As the global workforce landscape continues to evolve, EOR solutions will play an increasingly important role in facilitating hiring international talent and supporting business growth on a global scale. By leveraging the expertise and resources of an EOR, companies can streamline the process of obtaining work visas for their employees, mitigate compliance risks, and focus on their core business objectives.
Learn more about RemoFirst’s visa and work permit services, then book a demo and we can discuss your specific needs and how RemoFirst can help.
