for the Company to sponsor a person means to issue for him a Work visa. Work visa cannot be issued for any other purpose, rather than WORK. Another thing if the Company hired her husband, than yes. Person sponsored by the company has to be employed by and work for this (and only this) company.
"A visa.. is a document issued by a country giving a certain individual permission to formally request entrance to the country during a given period of time and for certain purposes ". (wikipedia)
In other words, visa is expressed permission to reside in the country for a finite period of time, which is contingent on a purpose for the residence – examples of purpose are Work, tourism, family, study, etc.
An appropriate visa type is required for any purpose of visit!
Trying to penetrate to the country using the visa which is different from its original purpose is illegal.
Too bad, a Sr. Civil Engineer (PM) doesn't understand it. If at your office you handle all legal issues in the same manner (i.e. with absolutely no any clue + no any sensible understanding).. well.. too bad..