What is visa support?

The modern workforce is more globalized than ever, as improvements in telecommunications and travel technology allow for a more mobile workforce. However, in most cases, individuals who want to go to another country other than their own to work still require a visa.

Different countries have different types of visas covering various purposes, from studying to working. The application process varies according to the type of visa and the country. However, one important piece of document that is often required is a visa application support letter.

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What is visa support?

Visa support is professional assistance that helps companies sponsor work visas for international hires. It covers eligibility assessments, document preparation, application management, and compliance with immigration laws to ensure smooth, legal employment across borders.

Effective visa support removes the administrative burden from your People Ops team and provides expert guidance to avoid costly delays or rejections. It's about making talent mobility a smooth, predictable, and human-centered experience for both the company and the candidate.

Types of visa support services

Visa support isn't a one-size-fits-all service. Depending on your needs, it can range from light guidance to full-service management. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Eligibility assessment: Experts review a candidate's profile against a country's immigration criteria to determine the most viable visa options, timelines, and potential challenges.

• Documentation guidance: Your team and the candidate receive clear checklists and support to gather all required documents, from passports and educational certificates to employment verification letters.

• Application management: A dedicated case manager oversees the entire application process, ensuring forms are filled out correctly, submitted on time, and tracked through to completion.

• Compliance and coordination: The service ensures all actions align with local labor and immigration laws, coordinating between your company, the candidate, and government authorities.

What is a letter of support for a visa?

Before a country issues a visa, it usually requires people to complete a stringent application process. Part of this is a visa letter of support, also known as a sponsorship letter. This is essentially an endorsement from another person or organization that is meant to validate the applicant and support their visa request.

The type of support letter varies according to the situation. For example, if someone wants the right to live and work in the United States, they are often required to get a support letter from an existing U.S. citizen or permanent resident. This letter vouches for the applicant and verifies their reasons for coming to the country.

When is a visa support letter needed?

There are many situations and contexts in which a visa support letter may be needed. Some examples of the diverse scenarios can help paint a picture of the many varied instances when this document is required.

Say an engineering graduate from another country has been offered a job in the U.S., for example. This is a common scenario, as 65% of H-1B visa approvals in 2023 were for workers in computer-related jobs, who reported a median salary of $123,600. They will need a visa to live and work in America legally. Their prospective employer might provide a visa letter of support that confirms the employment offer and justifies it—for instance, by highlighting the individual's particular skills or education that the U.S. employer needs.

Here's another example: Say a student from a non-European Union country wants to live and study in Germany. They'll need a visa, which often requires a formal letter of financial support. This letter confirms that the student has the monetary means to stay in Germany.

Meanwhile, in Japan, a visa letter of support is called a Letter of Guarantee. In this case, the guarantor must attest to certain facts about the applicant's entry to Japan, confirming that they have enough money to stay in the country and sufficient cash for return travel. The guarantor must even confirm that the individual will comply with Japanese laws.

Keep in mind that these are just examples to illustrate different scenarios. Actual visa requirements vary widely, so always check the relevant government websites for current information.

What's required in a letter to support a visa application?

What actually goes into a visa support letter varies widely—as the above examples make clear. In most cases, certain terms need to be confirmed, such as financial stability or an offer of employment. The relationship between the letter-writer and the visa applicant must also be clarified. Again, the connections can vary significantly. A letter of visa support could come from an employer, teacher, or family member—to name a few options.

From a technical standpoint, the letter may also need to be officially signed, stamped, or notarized to ensure its authenticity. Visa applications often have practical requirements, such as requiring multiple copies of the letter. Whenever completing a visa application, it's important to read the details of these terms.

How can visa support services help?

So, how exactly do visa support services help? They guide you through the entire application process, making sure you don't miss critical requirements. An incomplete application usually means rejection—and that wastes precious time.

Individuals, companies, or organizations that want help with visas can ask for visa support services. A visa support provider helps facilitate the process for individuals aiming to live and work in a foreign country.

They assess specific requirements and outline what you need, including support letters. This is especially valuable if you're dealing with administrative paperwork in another country, especially if you're not familiar with the local language and procedures.

Book a demo to learn more.

A letter of support is only one small part of a more comprehensive visa application. Having a professional who knows the ins and outs of the process can help reduce the administrative burden.

Choosing the right visa support provider

Partnering with the right visa support provider can make the difference between a smooth hiring process and a frustrating one. When evaluating your options, consider a partner that offers:

• Global expertise: Immigration laws vary wildly by country, so you need a team with deep, localized knowledge across all your target markets.

• Integrated platform: A provider that combines visa support with other global employment services—like EOR, payroll, and benefits—can streamline your entire operation. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple vendors and keeps all your Team Member data in one place.

• Transparent process: Your provider should offer clear guidance on timelines, costs, and requirements from the start. A dashboard with milestone tracking helps keep everyone informed and reduces anxiety for you and your new hire.

• Human-centered support: Relocating for a job is a major life event. A good partner provides one-to-one support for your Team Members, answering their questions and guiding them with empathy through every step.

Simplify global hiring with comprehensive visa support

Navigating international immigration adds a layer of complexity to building a global team, but it doesn't have to be a barrier to growth. With the right support, you can confidently hire and relocate top talent while ensuring a compliant and positive experience for everyone involved.

Oyster's Talent Mobility services provide the expert guidance and integrated platform you need to manage visa sponsorship in over 60 countries. We handle the complexities so you can focus on what matters most: building a world-class team. Ready to unlock a world where talent knows no borders? Start hiring globally with a partner that makes it simple.