Here's Why You've Got To Go Beyond the Visa: Understanding Corporate Hesitation Sponsoring H1-B Visas

Here's a sensitive recruitment topic no one talks about.

"The intricate dynamics of H1-B visa sponsorship (and other countries' work visas)"

Have you thought about it?

Why do really so many HR Departments typically deter applicants from applying if they need visa sponsorship?

[PS: even if you're not in the US, the psychology is all the same.]

Let me start by breaking the myth:

"While many perceive financial burdens as the core deterrent for companies sponsoring visas, the reality is profoundly more complex. And different."

Understanding the H1-B Sponsorship Reluctance:

Many believe that the hesitation to sponsor H1-b visas stems from the associated immigration costs.

Rumoured to be around $5K to $6K.

But really...

These companies spend more on an employee's set up, a flight, or a 3 day trip for business.

90% of the time, it has NOTHING to do with $$$.

It has to do with...

Drums please..........

RISK

Has to do with the broader responsibilities and risks the company acquires when it decides to sponsor an international employee [versus hiring a national].

To illustrate, consider the case of a young engineer, "Josh".

John, lands a coveted engineering position in Northern California that sponsors his H1-b.

His subsequent actions post-hiring, culminating a very unfortunate accident - for which John is liable - spotlights the unforeseen liabilities companies must consider.

In such scenarios, the sponsoring firm may face significant financial and reputational damages, far exceeding the initial visa sponsorship costs.

So to get sponsored, you need to understand and flex the following muscles:

1. The Business Case For Hiring You

What you'll bring to the table, needs to support their business case. The case of you generating, directly or indirectly, more revenue than the liability that hiring you may bring.

Revenue > Risk

After that, you need to understand that:

2. It's The Hiring Manager [Not HR] That "Sponsors" You

And this is something I see that a lot of international candidates fail to see before working with us.

The person that needs to perceive the value of your work is the Hiring Manager. He/She is actually the best positioned to understand if there's a business case to hire you.

He/She will be the one to rally for you.

So make sure you nurture that relationship VERY well.

The Bigger Picture

Having arrived to this point, it is clear that companies view visa sponsorship as an investment in an individual, not just a financial transaction.

The potential risks, especially those tied to unpredictable human behavior, play a pivotal role in their cautious approach.

So let me show you how to nail this process.

Strategic Insights for International Job Seekers:

1. Holistic Presentation:

Beyond technical expertise, you have to be able to demonstrate your awareness of the broader implications of visa sponsorship.

Show potential employers that you understand and respect the magnitude of their commitment by showing that you're 10x better than local candidates.

This is many times very easy for foreign candidates.

(If you know how to sell yourself of course).

2. Build Genuine Connections:

Leverage platforms like LinkedIn to establish your personal brand.

In short, what LinkedIn can do is Speed Up your networking, and increase it's quality.

10X

Enhance your ability to engage with industry leaders, fast.

Contribute to relevant discussions.

Showcase your professional ethos in every comment you make.

It's all there for those that "want to see" who you are.

Let potential sponsors see you as a holistic asset beyond your technical skills.

Everything counts, trust me.

3. Risk Mitigation:

Articulate how you can minimize risks.

Go further.

This might include sharing your understanding and commitment to community integration,

or any other factor that underscores your reliability and stability.

So, In All...

It's undeniable that securing H1-B sponsorship is a challenge.

The question is, are you up for the challenge.

I love them. Tell me I can't do something, and that's what I'll do.

Just remember, it has to be with the right approach and understanding.

You need to recognize the broader context in which companies (and Hiring Managers) operate.

So you can better position yourself as the candidate of choice, mitigating their perceived risks and showcasing your comprehensive value.

If you're eager to explore deeper strategies or discuss potential blind spots in your job search approach, and you don't know where to start...

Reach out to me and let's connect over a Strategy Session.

We'll pave the way to not just a job, but a fulfilling career that aligns with your aspirations and [FULL] potential.

-Gonzalo

#h1b #newcomers #opt #interviewpsychology #emotional intelligence