Deel operates a global audit and ongoing compliance program across all EOR engagements to ensure we meet work authorization obligations throughout the entire employment lifecycle. The Work Authorization Monitoring (WAM) fee specifically covers the compliance work we perform for non-sponsored, non-national employees; those working on passports, international agreements, residence permits, independent visas, or other non-sponsorship pathways.
What's the difference between the audit and the WAM fee?
Global RTW Audit: Applies to all employees (sponsored and non-sponsored). Deel conducts this as part of our standard compliance program.
WAM Fee: Applies only to non-sponsored migrant (non-national) employees. Why the difference? Sponsored employees' work authorization is managed as part of Deel's visa sponsorship function; that cost is already factored into your EOR arrangement. Non-sponsored employees require separate, dedicated compliance monitoring, and that's what you're paying for with WAM.
Who counts as a non-sponsored employee?
Non-sponsored employees include:
- Workers with visa-free work rights under international agreements (e.g., certain skilled worker pathways)
- Employees with passport nationality rights (e.g., EU citizens working in other EU countries)
- Workers on residence permits or independent visas obtained outside of Deel's sponsorship
- Skilled migration pathway participants specific to their country
- Any employee with legal work rights that don't require Deel to sponsor their visa
If your employee holds valid work authorization but Deel is not sponsoring their visa or permit, they're likely a non-sponsored employee and subject to WAM.
What does the WAM fee cover?
The WAM fee covers four categories of ongoing compliance work:
Verification & Documentation
- Initial right-to-work checks for non-sponsored hires
- Passport validity verification and expiry tracking
- Work authorization status validation based on country regulations and international agreements
- Document collection and file management
Monitoring & Lifecycle Management
- Continuous monitoring of work authorization eligibility throughout employment
- Tracking passport expirations and work authorization status changes
- Monitoring employment condition changes and reporting obligations to authorities
- Leave, absence, and compliance tracking
- Annual work authorization reviews and status updates
Compliance & Risk Management
- Maintaining current records in case of government audits
- Preparing compliance documentation for immigration authorities
- Identifying and remediating work authorization gaps proactively
- Managing multi-jurisdictional work rules (some employees can work across borders under international agreements)
- Staying current with changing immigration regulations
Regulatory & Administrative Obligations
- Maintaining compliance records for non-sponsored workers
- Responding to immigration authority inquiries about non-sponsored staff
- Supporting permit renewals and status verifications
- Managing work authorization changes and updates
How much does WAM cost?
WAM is billed once per year, on the EOR contract anniversary, at $1,800/year (the previous monthly economics annualised). It is NOT billed as a separate monthly charge. This is invoiced separately from your payroll costs under "Immigration Services."
Why is Deel charging for WAM?
There are four key reasons:
1. Regulatory Obligation - Immigration authorities hold employers (Deel) accountable for verifying and monitoring work rights of all employees, including non-sponsored ones. We're legally required to do this.
2. Specialist Work - Managing non-sponsored work authorization requires dedicated immigration expertise, systems infrastructure, and ongoing monitoring. Previously, we absorbed this cost into general EOR fees. As we scale globally and face increasing immigration regulation, we're now charging transparently for this specialist function.
3. Risk Management - Without proper monitoring, both Deel and your business face penalties, work authorization violations, and legal liability. WAM ensures this critical work is properly resourced and documented.
4. Differentiated Services - Sponsored employees' compliance is covered under visa sponsorship. Non-sponsored employees' compliance requires a separate service. WAM formalizes the compliance work we've been doing for non-sponsored employees.
When will I be charged the WAM fee?
For new contracts (created June 1, 2026 onwards):
- The fee is displayed and included at the point of contract creation
- You'll see it clearly before you sign
For existing contracts:
- No change during the current contract term
- The fee applies when you renew your contract at your contract anniversary (typically 12 months from the start date)
Not sure when you renew? Your Deel account manager or customer success manager can tell you your renewal date. Renewal timing varies by organization.
If you received a backdated invoice in June 2026, it covers work authorization monitoring for January–May 2026. Going forward, the fee appears monthly on your invoice.
Can we opt out of WAM?
No. If you have non-sponsored employees, WAM is mandatory. Immigration authorities require employers to monitor and verify work authorization for all employees; they don't distinguish between sponsored and non-sponsored. Both Deel and your organization are accountable for this compliance.
If you have questions about whether specific workers on your account should be subject to WAM, your customer success manager can review your situation.
Is WAM the same as Right to Work (RTW)?
They're related but different:
- Right to Work (RTW) check - A one-time verification conducted when a non-sponsored employee is first hired, confirming they have legal work rights
- Work Authorization Monitoring (WAM) - Ongoing annual compliance monitoring that ensures work authorization remains valid throughout the entire employment relationship
WAM includes the initial RTW check plus continuous monitoring, lifecycle management, and regulatory obligations throughout employment. Think of RTW as the starting point; WAM is the ongoing assurance.
What happens if something needs attention with a non-sponsored employee?
Deel proactively identifies and remediates any work authorization gaps immediately. Immigration authorities expect employers to self-monitor and correct issues. This happens as part of our standard compliance practice, and we keep you informed of any necessary follow-up actions.
Will this affect my payroll or employees?
No operational disruption. WAM is an internal compliance framework Deel manages continuously. Our goal is to keep everything compliant so you never have to worry about work authorization risk.
Where can I find WAM on my invoice?
WAM appears as a separate line item under "Immigration Services" (not under payroll). The line item is named:
- eor_right_to_work_monitoring_visa_management_fee
What if I have questions about a specific worker?
If you're unsure whether a worker should be subject to WAM, or if you think there's an error on your invoice, reach out to your customer success manager or contact our support team.
Need help? If you have any other questions about WAM or how it applies to your account, please reach out to your Deel account manager or contact our support team.