In my experience guiding organizations through the realities of cross-border hiring, the process of international relocation, work authorizations, and especially green card sponsorship can overwhelm even the most prepared teams. Yet, with the world growing more interconnected, businesses—especially in IT and fast-growth sectors—can’t ignore the need to bring global talent on board. The goal of this guide is simple: help global employers understand each phase of the immigration journey, with a focus on legal requirements, timelines, green card strategy, and how the right support, such as from EWS Limited, can de-risk and accelerate the process.
I have watched over the past decade as international team-building shifted from occasional to routine, especially for startups scaling after Series B funding. According to the International Labour Organization, there were 169 million migrant workers globally in 2019, almost 5% of the world’s labor force. Remarkably, more than two-thirds of these professionals work in high-income countries, such as those in North America and Europe. This upward trend, also driven by digitalization and shortages in key skills, is set to continue.
On the entrepreneurial side, OECD’s International Migration Outlook 2024 shows migrant entrepreneurs now make up 17% of self-employed workers in OECD economies—a significant jump from 11% in 2006. These numbers matter for employers. Global recruitment is no longer just about compliance; it’s a strategic lever for company growth, operational resilience, and innovation.
Whenever a company considers hiring international employees in the United States, the journey usually starts with work visas and, for key or long-term team members, the green card. I’ve found that, for HR leaders and C-level executives, confusion about green card types, requirements, processing, and post-hire compliance is one of the biggest obstacles to making the leap.
A green card (officially, a Permanent Resident Card) grants a non-U.S. citizen the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It is a step towards U.S. citizenship but not automatic; green card holders can also renew their permanent residency indefinitely, as long as they follow legal requirements.
Permanent residency means freedom and opportunity in the U.S. job market.
While there are several routes to obtaining a green card, many workers depend on employer sponsorship. The process can be lengthy, detail-driven, and prone to pitfalls if mistakes occur, so I always urge HR professionals and global mobility managers to treat company-sponsored immigration like any other large-scale operational project—one that requires sound planning, precise documentation, and ongoing management.
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) is the central agency handling most employment-based immigration cases in the U.S. It reviews petitions, evaluates green card applications, schedules interviews, and issues approvals, denials, or requests for more evidence.
Other bodies may get involved too, such as:
I’ve seen even the most sophisticated companies struggle with these overlapping bodies, so clarity here can prevent many headaches as the process unfolds.
Before jumping into permanent residence, most foreign workers arrive on temporary (nonimmigrant) visas. For global employers, the most common include:
After arrival, the next goal for both worker and employer is often to transfer to a green card, which ensures the employee can stay long-term and doesn’t depend on annual visa lotteries or renewals.
Both individuals and companies often ask me which green card category fits their situation. The two broadest types are:
Each type includes several subcategories, each with unique processes, requirements, and timelines. Let’s take a closer look.
These are handled in two main preference groups:
I often tell employers to be aware that family-based green cards can affect an employee’s plans, such as if they marry a U.S. citizen or receive sponsorship through another route.
These are organized into five preference categories (EB-1 to EB-5), each with its own focus and qualifying criteria:
For most tech, management, and engineering professionals, I’ve seen the EB-2 and EB-3 routes used most frequently. If your candidate is a well-established leader or expert, EB-1 is an option that can move much faster due to lighter backlog.
The standard journey to permanent residency for most global hires involves several steps. These must be done in order and with attention to U.S. labor law and immigration policy.
Throughout these steps, attention to detail is absolutely needed. Failing to advertise the job properly, using the wrong wage level, or missing document signatures can set the process back months, or even cause a permanent denial.
To illustrate the green card process, here is a typical document flow:
Correct forms and supporting documents are the foundation for a successful application.
I always suggest maintaining a clear filing system, tracking each step’s deadline, and keeping copies of everything submitted. Mistakes or missing paperwork are leading causes of agency delays or denials.
The U.S. government is strict about employer roles and employee eligibility during the residency process. Here are the key legal checkpoints:
In my work supporting global businesses, compliance on these requirements has been critical. Mishandled wage calculations, insufficient recruitment details, or missed deadlines can mean starting over or permanent ineligibility for employee and employer alike.
I’m often asked how much employer-sponsored permanent residency will cost. While every case is different, companies should expect fees for official filings, legal support, and sometimes premium processing. Here’s a sample breakdown:
Employers often cover many or all costs, especially for strategic hires or in highly competitive sectors.
Accuracy in the application—and investing in experienced support—can save far more than it costs, by preventing delays and avoiding costly re-filings or denials.
In my experience advising clients, one of the hardest aspects to predict is timing. Each stage has its own queue, and government backlogs are common. As of recent years:
Sometimes, employment-based applicants’ families (spouses and children) can apply together for green cards, but only if certain conditions are met. Managing the expectations of new hires is something I do with regularity, especially in high-mobility fields.
Green card cases often stall (or fail) due to some predictable mistakes and risks. If I could share a checklist for busy HR teams, it would include:
Avoiding these mistakes is easier with checklist-driven project management and, where appropriate, outside expertise.
Something I notice in the OECD’s recent migration outlook is the growing number of founders applying for residency as business investors (EB-5) or as “extraordinary ability” professionals (EB-1). Startups—especially those at Series B or C—may want to use this path for co-founders or senior talent.
While not available to everyone, these options are comparatively flexible but require thorough documentation and, often, a legal or consulting partner to prepare a case that meets strict standards.
Permanent residency is not citizenship, but it does set the stage for becoming a U.S. citizen. Green card holders gain many rights—work, live, travel, and bring family—but not all (such as voting). The next stage, “naturalization,” brings both additional requirements and benefits.
Applicants must meet:
Naturalization opens doors—and responsibilities—to life as a full member of U.S. society.
Citizenship grants additional privileges, including the right to vote, run for office, obtain a U.S. passport, and sponsor family for immigration.
I have often seen that with the right planning and support, even companies doing this for the first time can succeed. My best advice for global employers includes:
I recommend global mobility managers review the latest data and insights on international mobility to align their HR strategies with current trends. The right foundational knowledge can de-risk even the most challenging relocations.
I’ve seen first-hand how EWS Limited supports businesses at every point of the global workforce journey—offering management of Employer of Record, payroll, and compliance across more than 100 countries. For HR teams tackling green card cases, working with a global mobility partner adds assurance that all rules are followed and no compliance gaps appear.
Companies growing into new markets can often feel intimidated by legal and logistical red tape. Using a central point of contact for traditional employment tasks or an HR strategy designed for international expansion frees up time and resources for business priorities, rather than paperwork and government filings.
Hiring trends and immigration laws aren’t fixed—they evolve as economic, political, and societal priorities change. For instance, data from the Pew Research Center shows cities like New York, D.C., and San Jose were leaders for H-1B visa approvals in 2023, reflecting demand in tech and finance.
With the U.S. considering updates on wage calculation, quota allocation, and employer obligations, I advise reviewing strategies yearly. Engaging with specialists and leveraging global mobility solutions prepares organizations to adapt—ensuring they remain agile, compliant, and competitive in global talent markets.
For startups, looking at guidance like the global expansion guide for startups can clarify when to consider sponsorship, payroll, or international onboarding. It pays to think not just of today’s hires, but also how residency and mobility efforts set a foundation for sustainable global growth.
To finish this practical guide, here’s a summarized step-by-step list based on my consulting experience:
Success in global mobility rests on preparation, precision, and partnership.
From PERM labor certification to green card interviews, every phase in bringing international employees into your company’s workforce comes with unique challenges and opportunities. In my years working with global teams and scaling organizations, I have seen that those who prepare—investing in documentation, compliance, and the right partners—are best positioned to reap the rewards of global talent and achieve meaningful, sustained growth.
If you’re considering cross-border hiring or want to refine your organization’s green card strategy, EWS Limited’s tailored solutions can help. Whether you’re ready for your first international hire or seeking to streamline processes for dozens of transfers, our team stands ready to support your business at every step. Reach out now to discover how EWS Limited connects the dots for your company’s growth and expansion.
The typical employment-based process involves proving there is a legitimate need for foreign talent, ensuring compliance with wage and recruitment laws, and sponsoring the employee through a multi-step green card process supervised by USCIS. Most cases start with labor certification (PERM), move to an immigrant visa petition (I-140), and finish with either adjustment of status or a consular interview, depending on the candidate’s location.
It varies by case type, employee nationality, and government workload. Recently I’ve seen timelines of 18–36 months from start to finish for standard employment-based green cards, with possible backlogs for certain countries or categories. Steps like labor certification, petition processing, and final adjustment all add months. Premium processing, where available, can speed up certain steps.
Employers generally need job descriptions, proof of business legitimacy, evidence of recruitment efforts (ads, responses, results), wage documentation, and ongoing payroll records. For the employee, expect copies of passport, visa history, educational credentials, and proof of prior immigration status if applicable. Keeping originals plus scanned files is my strong recommendation for every employer.
Direct government filing fees may total $2,000–$5,000 for an employment-based green card, but overall costs (including legal fees, advertising, medical exams, and translations) for a single hire often reach $10,000–$15,000 or more. Complex cases or premium processing increase budgets further. I advise budgeting for the full process, not just government fees, to avoid surprises.
Yes, most U.S. work visas and green cards require active employer sponsorship. For example, H-1B and L-1 visas, as well as most employment-based green cards, can only be obtained when the employer initiates the process, submits all supporting documents, and ensures compliance with government audits or follow-up requests. Only a few categories (like certain extraordinary ability visas) allow for self-sponsorship.
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