As an international & well-known company, HR is expected to be professional.
I applied online and I am sure I clicked "yes, I will need sponsorship in the future". Got a virtual interview invitation after a week.
HR was nice, questions were basic and easy (I thought I did well). HR still asked my visa status.
After 4 weeks with silence, I emailed to ask for an update and they apologized that this position is not sponsored.
First, HR should have advised candidate about this (sponsor or not, please tell straight away during interview). Second, fail or pass candidate still needs an update. Third, please screen resume well. If you don't sponsor, send candidates a rejection email straight away; don't waste our times, no need interview; we don't need to get to know each other just for fun.
Btw, nice interviewer but unprofessional process.