The US Visa Approval Process: A Barrier to Attracting Foreign Talent
The growing intensity of the US visa approval process has made it increasingly difficult for companies to attract, support, and retain foreign talent. However, despite these challenges, recruiters continue to source talent from abroad at an increasing rate.
Recent Report Highlights Resilience of Corporate Demand for Foreign Talent
A recent report published by Envoy, a corporate workforce immigration management platform, highlights the resilience of US corporate demand for foreign talent in the face of stricter immigration policies. The 2019 Immigration Trends report surveyed 405 high-ranking human resource and recruiting professionals across various companies regarding changes and trends in the employment-based immigration process.
Challenges Faced by Companies
Many of the report’s major conclusions are not new revelations, but they reiterate the vital trend in regards to the sustainability of the US knowledge economy. Recent difficulties in the H-1B visa process have placed significant burdens on US companies. As we’ve discussed previously, data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services department shows that approvals for H-1B visas have fallen nearly 10% in consecutive years, while requests for additional agencies from reviewing agencies have become over 30% more frequent over the same period.
Survey Respondents’ Concerns
A significant portion of survey respondents noted that the application process had become more difficult or costly (47%) and had caused them to reevaluate their internal immigration assistance processes (47%). Most respondents desired quicker processing times (97%), expediting filing allowances (95%), and more clarity throughout the process (93%). Additionally, many companies were attracted to Canada as a progressively attractive location for non-US employees.
Contrasting Views: Companies Expecting Growth in Foreign Talent
In my mind, the report’s most interesting data point was the fact that despite less frequent visa approvals and a slower, more arduous application process, many companies expected their recruitment of foreign talent to actually expand. According to the data, roughly half of responding companies expected their foreign headcount to increase, while 80% expected it to increase or stay the same. While the expected growth rates were very modestly down versus previous years, the data seems to indicate that many companies have not significantly changed foreign hiring practices.
Increased Budgets and Compliance Burdens
A meaningful portion of participating companies indicated that compliance with various immigration stipulations had become more difficult, with many having to increase budgets and hiring associated with immigration-related services and compliance. At the same time, the data also showed companies were providing more immigration services and offering visa sponsorship to employees earlier in their tenure.
Talent War: The Battle for STEM Expertise
The data points reach the same conclusion – that the talent war is far from over. Companies must adapt to the new reality of attracting and retaining foreign talent. This requires a better understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration policies and processes. As the competition for top talent intensifies, companies must be prepared to invest in compliance and ensure they have the necessary resources to navigate the increasingly complex visa approval process.
The Future of Immigration: What’s at Stake?
As the US continues to grapple with its immigration policies, it’s essential to consider the broader implications on the economy and society. The influx of foreign talent has significant benefits for the country, including driving innovation and economic growth. However, as we move forward, it’s crucial that policymakers prioritize creating a more streamlined and efficient visa approval process.
What’s Next?
In the face of these challenges, companies must remain proactive in addressing their immigration needs. This includes investing in compliance and ensuring they have the necessary resources to navigate the complex visa approval process. As the talent war intensifies, it’s essential that companies adapt quickly to attract and retain top talent from around the world.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while the challenges faced by companies in attracting foreign talent are significant, it’s clear that many organizations remain committed to hiring international workers. The report highlights the resilience of US corporate demand for foreign talent and underscores the need for policymakers to create a more efficient and streamlined visa approval process. As we move forward, it’s essential that companies prioritize compliance and invest in resources necessary to navigate the complexities surrounding immigration policies.
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