You're facing visa approval delays for overseas hires. How can you ensure onboarding timelines are met?

1. Plan for Contingencies: Develop a flexible onboarding plan that accommodates potential delays and allows for adjustments as needed. 2. Maintain Regular Communication: Keep in touch with overseas hires and provide updates on their visa status to manage expectations and maintain engagement. 3. Pre-Boarding Activities: Begin the onboarding process with virtual introductions, training modules, and access to resources while waiting for visa approval. 4. Leverage Temporary Solutions: Consider temporary or contract positions for roles that can be filled while awaiting the final visa approval. 5. Work with Immigration Experts: Collaborate with immigration consultants or legal experts to expedite the visa process and address any issues promptly.

Communicate proactively with the new hire about the visa delay and manage expectations. Provide remote onboarding materials and access to necessary tools. Explore alternative work arrangements, such as project-based work or virtual collaboration. Leverage existing team members to provide initial training and support. Maintain regular communication with the new hire and HR to address concerns and provide updates. Flexibility and adaptability are key during this challenging period.

Know the clerks at your public authority! They are the key drivers of moving visa processes through quickly. This can happen on different levels: - State - County - Municipal For example, in Munich it can take up to 6 weeks, while in Tyrol in Austria it can be as quickly as 2 weeks. By connecting with clerks you will know what documents your candidates need to bring and what the frequently asked questions are. This way you can prepare candidates for the process.

Providing a clear estimated timeline and a list of what is needed is key to lay the foundations on what documents, degree certification and where forms need to be completed and signed. Very early on, it is ideal to list the types of software the team will need and the reasons why they are used which is likely to minimize the downtime. Visa processing times and then relocation plans do change frequently for a number of factors that are often unavoidable. Setting up weekly Video calls as a check in. Providing a specific channel to drop feed all requested documents into, can ensure the company and candidate can remain responsive/up to date, and to have numerous times to offer encouragement and to align on any outstanding documents needed.

Virtual onboarding platforms have been a game-changer for me when dealing with visa delays. These platforms allow new hires to complete essential paperwork, learn about the company culture, and even connect with their future colleagues virtually. It's a great way to make them feel welcome and engaged even before they physically join the team.

Flexibility is key when dealing with visa delays. I've found that breaking down the onboarding process into smaller, more manageable chunks that can be completed remotely and onsite can be very effective. This approach allows new hires to make progress even while waiting for their visa.

When facing visa delays, it's easy for new hires to feel isolated or forgotten. That's why I make a concerted effort to connect with them regularly, check in on their progress, and answer any questions they may have. I also encourage them to participate in virtual team-building activities to foster a sense of belonging.

Many recruiters keep you waiting for a long time without an update. This is not the way to go. If there is a delay in the process, we want to keep in tough with you weekly. It doesn't have to be a deep talk - just a short confirmation that both sides are still interested. So important.