Employing a new worker is always a great thing for any business but, when that employee comes on an H-1B work visa, there are additional steps you’ll need to take to help facilitate a seamless and legal onboarding. H-1B visa allows employers in the US to employ foreign professionals, but there are a few steps and rules. So, in this blog, we’re going to take you through 7 essentials on how to onboard a new H-1B hire.
1. Know Your New Employee’s Work History and Immigration History.
But before your new H-1B hire starts working for you, it’s critical to know what they’ve done at a previous job, and if they have immigration in the U.S. Questions to consider include:
- Does this being their first work in the U.S., or do they have any previous employers?
- Where did they come from first to the United States? Did they come on an H-1B or did they have some other visa (such as the F-1 student visa)?
Learn about your new employee’s industry and immigration experience so you know how qualified they are and if they are the right fit for the position.
2. Be Prepared for the New Hire’s Arrival
Your new H-1B worker is preparing to move to the United States and there are a few practical steps to take. They will be made easier to accommodate by getting them housing, transportation, and other details. These acts are your way of showing that you care about them and it saves time for them and their family, as well as giving them time to get back to work and adjust to their new job.
3. Provide Support Beyond the Workplace
Support that isn’t only job-specific for those who are new or have never worked in the US is needed. Here are a few easy ways you can contribute:
- Helping to get them a Social Security number if they do not have one.
- Having them open an account with a US bank and teaching them the ropes of the U.S. banking system.
- Helping explain healthcare and the U.S. healthcare system.
- Informing clients on the tax filing process for the U.S. so they know how to pay taxes in the U.S.
- Such assistance will help your H-1B employee get adjusted in the US and more at home in the country.
4. Give the New Hire an Immigration Contact
Handling an employee’s H-1B visa needs is an integral part of working for you. Check that you have a plan in place for the key immigration deadlines like visa renewals and extensions. You should also make sure your new H-1B hire is aware of who to go to for immigration-related questions or issues.
Set up an immigration contact in your company — internal legal counsel, the immigration attorney your company hires, or someone from the HR team. A single point of contact allows your employee to feel heard and is kept up to date about visa status.
5. Involve the Employee’s Supervisor & Team Members
Getting the employee’s manager and teammates onboarded early will be the trick to successful onboarding. Make sure all of your team members know who is the new employee and what his visa status is. Ask your bosses and coworkers to be around if they have any questions for your new hire and to provide tips while they get used to the new role.
An active and friendly team will make it easier for your H-1B hire to become a part of the culture and feel valued on the team right from the get-go.
6. Culture and Organizational Integration
This onboarding of an H-1B employee isn’t only about following the law — it’s also about setting up an environment in which your new employee can flourish. Help them feel welcome by:
Encourage them to go to the company functions or social events.
Including cultural sensitivity training if needed to keep the space inclusive and open.
You’ll make sure your new team member feels at ease and ready to work with the culture and organization by focusing on cultural and organizational integration.
7. Monitor Compliance Throughout Employment
And it doesn’t stop after your H-1B employee comes on board. Compliance with immigration rules is also something you have to stay abreast of while working for them. Ensure they’re updated with the most important visa requirements (visa renewal, change of employment status, or any other circumstance that can influence their legal status). Constant tracking can keep you compliant with U.S. immigration rules and help avoid future lawsuits.
Onboarding a new H-1B worker is an effort and planning process. From learning about their immigration history to supporting them on the job and personally, these seven points will make sure your new hire gets off to a smooth start. You’ll make your H-1B employee feel welcome and compliant and will give them the tools they need to do their new job well.
