Policy uncertainty and tougher enforcement are creating challenges for US employers managing immigration programs in 2025, according to Envoy Global’s Corporate Immigration Trends Report 2025, as reported by Lubna Kably in The Times of India. The survey covered 518 HR and mobility professionals across industries.
Employers reported barriers ranging from visa caps to processing backlogs. About 23% cited the limited supply of H-1B visas as the biggest challenge, while 22% pointed to Department of Labor delays. In the past year, 53% of companies lost foreign staff who had to leave the US due to visa denials or lengthy delays. Larger firms sponsoring over 1,000 employees said labor department delays were their top concern.
“The uncertainty surrounding case outcomes, the complexity of navigating sponsorship pathways and longer processing times that delay onboarding are all significant hurdles. Yet companies continue to hire foreign talent because the skills they bring often outweigh these sponsorship challenges,” said Jennifer Yeaw, Senior Attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners.
To cope, nearly 49% of employers relocated staff abroad in the past year, with Canada, the UK and Mexico emerging as top destinations. Among larger firms, the relocation rate rose to 61.5%.
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Enforcement and compliance pressures
The second Trump administration has stepped up enforcement. USCIS conducted more than 2,200 audits in its first 100 days. Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for H-1B visas have also surged, with 84% of employers reporting an increase over the past four years, as per Lubna’s TOI report.
Sherry Neal, Partner at Corporate Immigration Partners, said, “Employers often feel reasonably confident in their level of preparedness. However, during most internal audits, employers tend to be surprised at the number and types of the I-9 violations they have.” She added that Department of Labor audits remain another pressure point, especially with remote work complicating compliance around wages and work locations.
Some developments were viewed positively. A USCIS policy extending green card validity from 24 to 36 months won support from 74% of employers. But experts warned that such measures are not enough. “USCIS must resolve the root causes of lengthy processing times—including administrative inefficiencies, outdated technology, staffing shortages and paper-heavy systems,” said Anne Walsh, Partner at Corporate Immigration Partners.
The report cautioned that without broader reform, US employers risk losing ground to competitors in Canada, Germany and the UK, where immigration systems are seen as more favorable for global talent.
(With TOI inputs)
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Employers reported barriers ranging from visa caps to processing backlogs. About 23% cited the limited supply of H-1B visas as the biggest challenge, while 22% pointed to Department of Labor delays. In the past year, 53% of companies lost foreign staff who had to leave the US due to visa denials or lengthy delays. Larger firms sponsoring over 1,000 employees said labor department delays were their top concern.
“The uncertainty surrounding case outcomes, the complexity of navigating sponsorship pathways and longer processing times that delay onboarding are all significant hurdles. Yet companies continue to hire foreign talent because the skills they bring often outweigh these sponsorship challenges,” said Jennifer Yeaw, Senior Attorney at Corporate Immigration Partners.
To cope, nearly 49% of employers relocated staff abroad in the past year, with Canada, the UK and Mexico emerging as top destinations. Among larger firms, the relocation rate rose to 61.5%.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Enforcement and compliance pressures
The second Trump administration has stepped up enforcement. USCIS conducted more than 2,200 audits in its first 100 days. Requests for Evidence (RFEs) for H-1B visas have also surged, with 84% of employers reporting an increase over the past four years, as per Lubna’s TOI report.
Sherry Neal, Partner at Corporate Immigration Partners, said, “Employers often feel reasonably confident in their level of preparedness. However, during most internal audits, employers tend to be surprised at the number and types of the I-9 violations they have.” She added that Department of Labor audits remain another pressure point, especially with remote work complicating compliance around wages and work locations.
Some developments were viewed positively. A USCIS policy extending green card validity from 24 to 36 months won support from 74% of employers. But experts warned that such measures are not enough. “USCIS must resolve the root causes of lengthy processing times—including administrative inefficiencies, outdated technology, staffing shortages and paper-heavy systems,” said Anne Walsh, Partner at Corporate Immigration Partners.
The report cautioned that without broader reform, US employers risk losing ground to competitors in Canada, Germany and the UK, where immigration systems are seen as more favorable for global talent.
(With TOI inputs)
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