Visa Support at Toku FAQ

Overview

Toku provides visa support exclusively for employees hired through our EOR (Employer of Record) service. We do not provide visa support for contractors or travel visas.

What we can do:

• Provide supporting letters for your visa application (included in EOR service)

• Facilitate full visa processing through local counsel (additional fees apply)

• Assist with country-specific work permits in locations where we have entities (e.g., UAE free zone)

• Handle visa cancellations when employment terminates What we cannot do:

• Sponsor visas for contractors

• Provide travel visa support

• Sponsor certain visa categories that require specific employer types (e.g., UK Skilled Worker, US EB-1B)

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Client Guidance for Visa & Work Authorization Process

When Toku provides visa sponsorship on behalf of a client, we act as the employer of record to help them hire talent in a country where they do not have a legal entity.

Because immigration and work authorization requirements vary widely, we handle each case individually to ensure compliance with local law and alignment with the employee’s unique situation.

→ Please email [email protected] for more support.

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What Factors Influence the Process

The visa and work authorization process depends on a combination of:

• Current work authorization(s): Whether the individual already has a visa, permit, or other authorization - and what type it is.
• Current residence: Where the person is currently living.
• Destination country: Where the client wants the individual to work or relocate.
• Skills, education, and experience: Some visa types require proof of qualifications or minimum salary thresholds. Because of these variables, each case may follow a slightly different timeline and process.

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What Clients Should Do

If you are a client planning to sponsor a new hire or relocate an existing employee:

1. Reach out early. Email [email protected] as soon as you are considering sponsorship.
2. Share details. Provide as much information as possible (employee’s current location, citizenship, existing visas, start date target).
3. We will guide you. Our team will explain the next steps, outline expected timelines, and help coordinate any required documentation.

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Why This Matters

Immigration compliance is critical for both your company and the employee. Early engagement with Toku’s immigration team reduces risk of delays, ensures compliance, and provides a smoother onboarding experience.

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Helpful Visa Resources

Before you begin your visa journey, these official resources can help you understand requirements and check your eligibility:

Visa Eligibility Checkers

Official Government Immigration Sites

Note: Visa regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before beginning any application.

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General FAQs

Can Toku support visas for contractors?

No. Toku can only provide visa support for employees hired through our EOR (Employer of Record) service. Contractors are not eligible for visa sponsorship.

What type of visa support does Toku provide?

For employees under our EOR arrangement, Toku can provide a supporting letter that you can use when completing your own visa application. If you need us to facilitate the full visa process through local counsel, this requires additional fees (typically $1,000+ USD).

Can Toku support travel visas?

No. Toku cannot support travel visas. We can only provide visa support for work authorization purposes where we are your employer.

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Work Permit Sponsorship by Country

Can Toku sponsor UK Skilled Worker visas?

No. Toku cannot sponsor under the UK Skilled Worker route due to UK Home Office regulations regarding EOR arrangements. However, you may be able to apply independently under non-sponsored visa options such as:

• Global Talent Visa – for recognized leaders in tech, science, engineering, etc.
• High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa – for recent graduates from eligible universities Once you obtain your visa independently, Toku can then employ you.

Can Toku sponsor US work visas?

H-1B: Yes, Toku can technically file H-1B petitions as the EOR. However, be aware that new H-1B petitions now carry a $100K+ government fee in addition to standard filing and legal costs.

EB-1B: No. Toku generally cannot sponsor EB-1B visas because this category requires the sponsoring employer to be a university or qualifying research institution. This petition would need to come from your client organization directly.

Can employees with their own visa sponsorship use Toku's EOR?

Yes. If you have your own visa sponsorship (not employer-sponsored), you should be eligible for Toku's EOR services.

How does Toku handle UAE work permits?

Toku's entity is registered in a UAE free zone. Workers engaged under our company typically hold a free zone work permit issued under that entity. You can live or work from Abu Dhabi or other emirates without issue, as long as Toku sponsors your visa through our free zone entity.

What are the requirements for UAE work permits?

A key requirement is that you must have attested degrees from the university where you obtained them. This should be prioritized before leaving your current location, as it can be difficult to arrange once you've relocated.

Can I relocate to the UAE on a dependent visa while staying employed under another Toku entity?

Yes. You can relocate to the UAE on a dependent visa (sponsored by your spouse's employer) while remaining employed under a different Toku entity temporarily. Once your dependent visa is issued, Toku can support the process of applying for a local work permit and transition you to the local entity.

Can I enter the UAE as a tourist and then apply for a work permit?

Yes. For candidates from certain countries where immigration applications are more complex, Toku's local partners may recommend entering the UAE as a tourist first and then applying for the work permit once in-country.

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Before You Start Work

Can I start work without a valid visa?

No. If you do not have a valid visa in place on or before your start date, you will not be able to commence work. Valid work authorization is a strict requirement.

What happens if my visa expires during employment?

You cannot continue working under Toku if your visa has expired - this creates compliance issues. All employment contracts state that employment is contingent upon providing legal proof of identity and authorization to work. If your visa expires, payment may be withheld until valid documentation is provided.

Does visa sponsorship coverage include costs for my dependents?

This depends on your client's agreement with Toku. Please ask us to confirm whether your visa cost coverage also includes application fees for dependents.

Can Toku help with visa cancellation when I leave?

Yes. Toku can initiate visa cancellation when your employment terminates. This process typically takes a couple of days.

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Questions? Contact [email protected] for more support