About: Afzal is a person whose career took root unexpectedly but flourished through hard work, adaptability, and an unwavering passion for people. Afzal has become a trusted name in global mobility. From his early dreams in aviation to leading complex visa cases across borders, his journey is rich with learning, resilience, and impact. In this interview, Afzal shares how he grew into the immigration space, the challenges teams often overlook, and what truly drives him — collaboration, empathy, and the joy of helping others cross borders and build futures.
1. Can you walk us through your journey into immigration services and what led you to become an Immigration Specialist at CloudQ?
My journey into immigration services wasn’t something I planned. I originally dreamt of a career in the airline industry, driven by a passion for travel and tourism. I pursued this dream by completing an IATA certification, believing it would lead me to my ideal job. But life often has its own plans. Shortly after completing the certification, I found myself at an interview with UST Global. I was fortunate to be selected for their U.S. immigration team, and that’s where my journey into immigration truly began.
Starting with managing the H-1B CAP process in-house, I had the opportunity to lead the operation without external legal counsel. The success of our efforts, including significant savings for the company, was recognized with a company-wide bonus. That moment was a pivotal point in my career, confirming that my contributions were making a real difference.
From there, I transitioned into non-U.S. immigration, gaining experience across various countries. I started seeing immigration as more than just paperwork; it became about impacting real lives, both for individuals and the businesses they worked for. My time with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs deepened this perspective, where I learned the importance of structure, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity in immigration work.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that immigration is a niche field, one you may not seek out initially but will eventually grow to love. A big part of why I love it is the level of teamwork involved. No case is ever solved alone. Whether it’s handling document gaps, complex timelines, or navigating last-minute challenges, it’s the collaboration with my colleagues and the shared pressure that makes the victories even more rewarding. When a visa gets approved, it’s not just a professional success, it’s a shared moment of celebration for the entire team.
Along the way, I’ve been lucky to be mentored by incredible professionals. Leaders like Regina and Rajarajaswamy at UST Global helped shape my technical foundation and encouraged me to think beyond the ordinary. During my time in the UAE, I learned the value of patience, structure, and diplomacy from those who had years of experience in government-facing immigration. Today at CloudQ, I’m deeply grateful for the guidance and support of Eva Belasco, who is no longer with the company, and Sanjai Meesala, who believes in my work and continues to motivate me to grow.
Still eager to learn, I found a program at the University of Pennsylvania focused on Global Talent Mobility, which aligned perfectly with my career. Completing the course was a proud moment, reaffirming that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
At CloudQ, I now feel even more energized to leverage all the experiences I’ve gathered. Immigration is not just a job, it’s a career driven by purpose, people, and partnerships, and when I see the joy on a client’s face after an approval, or hear a simple thank you from someone we’ve helped, that’s when I know I’m on the right path. The journey may not have been planned, but I’m incredibly thankful for the path I’ve taken and excited for the future ahead.
2. What’s one unique challenge in immigration processing that teams often overlook but should pay more attention to?
One of the most overlooked challenges in immigration processing, in my opinion, is assuming every case can be handled with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every visa case has its own story, whether it’s a dependent situation, a country-specific compliance rule, or a candidate’s prior travel history, and treating them all the same can lead to delays, denials, or missed documentation. Many teams focus heavily on forms and deadlines, which are, of course, important, but they sometimes miss the human context and legal nuances that require a more tailored approach.
Also, internal coordination is often underestimated. Immigration isn’t a solo task, it needs clear communication between HR, finance, hiring teams, and legal. If that sync is broken, even a small gap can snowball into a major issue. I believe giving attention to the “why” behind each case, not just the “what,” is what truly elevates the success rate and builds trust with both clients and internal teams.
3. What do you enjoy most about helping individuals and businesses with their immigration needs?
What I enjoy most is the human impact behind every single case. For individuals, it’s about more than just a visa; it’s about securing a career move, reuniting with family, or building a future in a new country. For businesses, it’s about unlocking global talent and enabling growth. Playing a role in that transformation is deeply rewarding. There’s a special kind of joy in seeing an approval notice after weeks (or sometimes months) of back-and-forth, coordination, and documentation. You can literally feel the relief and happiness on the other side. That’s the moment we know we’ve made a real difference, not just processed a file, but helped someone move forward in their life or career.
It’s also exciting because immigration is dynamic; every day brings a new puzzle to solve. It keeps us sharp, collaborative, and constantly learning. That’s what keeps the passion alive.
4. How do you start your day to stay organized and efficient while handling multiple visa cases and client consultations?
We start our day by reviewing our To-Do list, which helps us prioritize tasks based on urgency. As a team, we assess which cases need immediate attention, whether it’s based on deadlines, client urgency, or any internal dependencies. I personally focus on high-priority cases first, but we always ensure that we’re aligned on what needs to be tackled, so nothing gets overlooked.
Our shared spreadsheet is key to keeping us organized. It serves as a central hub for the entire team, allowing us to track the status of each case in real-time. Whether it’s a document submission, approval, or follow-up, we all stay updated, ensuring we’re collaborating seamlessly with HR or any other departments. This transparency is crucial for maintaining smooth communication and efficiency.
We also have weekly calls with HR and with employees, and sometimes multiple calls during the week, depending on case complexity. These calls keep us all in sync, providing an opportunity to discuss any challenges and align our efforts on next steps. This level of collaboration helps us stay organized and efficient, making sure that every case is handled with care and that no one is left behind.
By starting the day with this collective focus and using our shared tools, we stay on top of everything and handle cases effectively as a team 😀
5. When issues arise, like delays, rejections, or last-minute document requirements, do you jump in immediately or take time to assess the situation?
First, we make sure to assess the situation as a team. Our approach is to stay calm, evaluate the root cause, and determine the best course of action together. While we always aim to act swiftly, we understand that jumping in without assessing could lead to further complications. So, we take a moment to align on the facts and identify the most efficient path forward.
In these situations, communication becomes even more crucial. We immediately reach out to the necessary person or team, such as HR or clients, to clarify details and ensure everyone is on the same page. Once we have the complete picture, we swiftly implement a solution, whether it’s securing documents, resolving issues, or negotiating timelines.
We believe in tackling challenges as a unified team, which helps us to stay focused and efficient while minimizing stress. By taking a moment to evaluate, we ensure we’re not just reacting but responding with purpose, leading to better outcomes for everyone involved.
6. If you could describe your approach to immigration support in three words, what would they be?
Collaborative, Proactive, and Empathetic
7. Can you share a complex immigration case you’ve handled and how you ensured a smooth and successful outcome?
One notable case involved an RFE ( ie, Request for Evidence) on an H-1B petition processed through the California Service Center. Although our initial documentation was thorough and met USCIS requirements, we received three identical RFEs requesting the same information about the employee’s salary and educational qualifications. This repetitive request felt like a loop, as we had already submitted compliant documents.
To address this, our team collaborated closely, revisiting and resubmitting the same documents with added clarification. For example, we included an expert opinion letter from a credential evaluation service to support the equivalency of the degree and provided extra evidence on salary details, such as market research and salary surveys.
Despite the repetitive nature of the RFEs, we maintained a proactive stance, coordinating with HR and legal teams and communicating with the employee to ensure alignment. After our third submission, USCIS eventually approved the case, highlighting the persistence and attention to detail required.
Ultimately, the case underscored the importance of teamwork and resilience in navigating challenges beyond our control, serving as a valuable lesson in patience and perseverance.
8. What aspect of your role as an Immigration Specialist do you find most fulfilling?
In my opinion, fulfillment results from a strong sense of collaboration within the team. Immigration is a complex process, and having the support of my colleagues allows us to approach each case strategically, ensuring we deliver the best outcome possible for our clients. Whether it’s brainstorming solutions or tackling unexpected hurdles together, teamwork is a vital element that makes this role even more rewarding. And of course, there’s a personal satisfaction that comes from seeing our hard work pay off, whether that’s a visa approval, a successful green card application, or a family finally reunited. Those moments remind me of why I do what I do and inspire me to keep pushing forward in my career.
9. Do you have a favorite mantra or quote that keeps you motivated during long documentation or follow-up cycles?
I would say… One line that truly keeps us grounded, especially during those long cycles of documentation, follow-ups, or waiting on responses, is: “Do the work. Let the work speak.” It’s not about rushing, it’s about doing it right, together, every single time.
10. If you could work from anywhere in the world as an immigration consultant, where would it be and why?
If I had the freedom to choose, I’d love to work while traveling aboard a cruise ship, constantly on the move, exploring new places, meeting people from all walks of life. There’s something incredibly energizing about the ocean and the idea of working while watching the world unfold across different continents. It perfectly reflects the spirit of immigration itself: movement, connection, and transition.
Two places that matter to me are Turkey and Switzerland. Turkey’s rich history and cultural diversity inspire our global approach, while Switzerland’s calm and structured environment reflects how we handle complex immigration processes. Ultimately, our work goes beyond location; it is about purpose. The real joy is in supporting people as they take bold steps across borders, which can be done from anywhere.
11. What non-work hobby or interest helps you recharge and approach immigration challenges with a fresh perspective?
One way I recharge is by experiencing the immigration processes I help with. I believe that to guide someone well, it helps to understand their situation. For example, while I was in Dubai, I went through immigration procedures as an applicant. This gave me a new view on the system and the feelings involved in each case.
Since then, I have made it a habit to explore what it’s like to go through each country’s immigration process myself. Whether it’s getting a U.S. visa stamp or using government websites, experiencing it firsthand helps me become a better consultant. Real-life experiences teach me more than any documents could. This understanding helps me approach challenges with more empathy, precision, and care.
12. How do you prefer to celebrate a successful visa approval or client milestone?
Getting an H-1B approval brings us joy. It shows our hard work has paid off. However, we truly celebrate when we overcome a tough Request for Evidence (RFE). These cases test our teamwork and determination, and when we finally get approval after communicating with the service center, it feels great.
We like to celebrate these wins together, whether through shoutouts or team messages. Each success also helps us learn and improve for the future. Most importantly, these moments remind us of our purpose. We’re helping our employees reach their goals, and that’s always worth celebrating.
13. If you weren’t an Immigration Specialist, what other role in global mobility or international operations would you explore?
With my background and dream of working in aviation, I can see myself in roles like Airline Operations or Global Talent Acquisition. In these jobs, I would work with different teams to recruit, onboard, and relocate staff around the world. I love the mix of travel, people, and process that brought me to immigration.
No matter which path I choose, my focus will stay the same: collaborating as a team to create smooth experiences for people and organizations dealing with global movement.
14. Who’s had the biggest influence on your professional journey, and what’s the best advice they’ve given you?
One important piece of advice I received from my former manager at UST Global is that hard work will always pay off. He said:
“Any sincere effort you make, whether recognized now or later, will be rewarded. You should trust that your dedication will bring value.”
This idea has guided me throughout my career. It taught me to stay consistent, grounded, and focused on my goals, especially when results are not immediate. I still believe this today because it reminds me that honest and heartfelt work will eventually shine through.
15. Do you have any personal routines to unwind after a day of handling cases and client interactions?
I find peace through personal reflection or prayer (mainly falling on prostration), as it helps me feel grounded and grateful for the strength I’ve received to face each challenge. This practice, along with spending quality time with family, allows me to recharge, clear my mind, and return to work with renewed energy and perspective.
16. What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in immigration or global mobility services?
Start by learning as much as you can about the rules and the people involved in immigration. Find mentors who can guide you; experienced individuals will share valuable insights.
Build strong relationships with HR, legal, and other teams. Immigration involves more than just paperwork; it requires teamwork. Stay organized, proactive, and try to foresee challenges before they happen.
Whenever possible, go through the immigration process yourself, like getting a visa stamp. This experience will help you understand what your employees/ clients face.
Lastly, keep learning. Take courses and stay updated on policy changes; ongoing learning is essential. Remember that hard work and dedication pay off. Stay focused, and you can build a successful career in global mobility!
That’s a wrap on our conversation with Afzal! We hope you enjoyed diving into his inspiring journey as an Immigration Specialist at CloudQ. A heartfelt thank you to Afzal for sharing his experiences, wisdom, and the passion he brings to global mobility each day.
Want to meet more of the brilliant minds behind CloudQ? Explore our full series of Get to Know stories—each one offering fresh insights, career journeys, and personal reflections from our incredible team here. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the next spotlight!
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