Advantages
The EB-1C visa offers significant benefits for multinational executives and managers seeking permanent residency in the United States, particularly those currently in the U.S. on L-1A visas.
- [email protected]
- 2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 130-743, Franklin, TN 37067
- +1 (615) 405-8696
EB-1C Visa
Attention Multinational Executives and Managers - Get a FREE EB-1C Evaluation
A US Immigration Attorneys will examine, evaluate and advise next steps for your case with in 2 business days.
EB-1C Visa - Multinational Executives & Managers
For international executives and managers transferring to a U.S. branch of their company
The EB-1C visa is a first-preference employment-based immigration category for multinational executives and managers who have worked for a qualifying foreign company and are being transferred to a U.S. affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company in an executive or managerial capacity.
It provides a direct path to permanent residency (green card) for qualified business leaders, often serving as a natural progression from the L-1A nonimmigrant visa category.
Priority Processing
As a first preference category, EB-1C applications are processed faster than most other employment-based categories.
No Labor Certification
Bypasses the lengthy PERM labor certification process required for many other employment-based green cards.
Permanent Residency
Provides a direct path to a green card without temporary visa stages (if not already on L-1A).
Family Benefits
Spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive green cards as derivatives.
L-1A Transition
Natural progression for L-1A visa holders, using much of the same documentation and qualifications.
Business Expansion
Supports international companies expanding operations into the U.S. market.
Applicant Requirements
To qualify for an EB-1C visa, both the applicant and the sponsoring companies must meet specific requirements related to employment history, company relationships, and the nature of the position.
01
Employment Requirements
• Must have worked for the foreign entity for at least 1 year within the 3 years preceding the petition
• Must be coming to work in an executive or managerial capacity
• Must have been employed abroad in an executive or managerial capacity
• Must be qualified for the position based on education and experience
• Must be coming to work in an executive or managerial capacity
• Must have been employed abroad in an executive or managerial capacity
• Must be qualified for the position based on education and experience
02
Company Relationship Requirements
• The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship
• Qualifying relationships include parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office
• Both entities must be doing business for the duration of the permanent residence
• The U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year
• Qualifying relationships include parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office
• Both entities must be doing business for the duration of the permanent residence
• The U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year
03
Executive Capacity Definition
• Directs the management of the organization or a major component
• Establishes goals and policies
• Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making
• Receives only general supervision from higher executives, board of directors, or stockholders
• Establishes goals and policies
• Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making
• Receives only general supervision from higher executives, board of directors, or stockholders
04
Managerial Capacity Definition
• Manages the organization, department, subdivision, function, or component
• Supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees
• Has authority to hire and fire or recommend personnel actions
• Exercises discretion over day-to-day operations
• Supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees
• Has authority to hire and fire or recommend personnel actions
• Exercises discretion over day-to-day operations
05
Documentation Requirements
• Detailed description of duties abroad and proposed duties in the U.S.
• Organizational charts for both companies
• Evidence of the qualifying relationship between entities
• Financial documents showing both companies are actively doing business
• Evidence of executive or managerial capacity in both positions
• Organizational charts for both companies
• Evidence of the qualifying relationship between entities
• Financial documents showing both companies are actively doing business
• Evidence of executive or managerial capacity in both positions
Timelines
The EB-1C visa process involves several stages, each with its own timeframe. While processing times can vary based on USCIS workload and your specific circumstances, here are general timelines to expect.
Case Preparation
2-3 months
I-140 Processing
4-8 months (standard processing)
Premium Processing
15 calendar days (for I-140 only)
Adjustment of Status
8-14 months (if in the U.S.)
Consular Processing
3-6 months (if outside the U.S.)
Total Time to Green Card
12-24 months (can be faster with premium processing)
Comparison with Other Visas
This comparison highlights key differences between the EB-1C visa and other related visa options for business executives and managers.
| Criteria | EB-1C | L-1A | EB-5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| For whom | Multinational executives and managers | Intracompany transferee executives and managers | Investors |
| Status Type | Permanent (Green Card) | Temporary (Nonimmigrant) | Permanent (Green Card) |
| Prior Employment | 1 year in past 3 years | 1 year in past 3 years | Not required |
| Investment Required | No | No | Yes ($800,000 - $1,050,000) |
| Company Relationship | Required | Required | Not required |
| Job Creation | Not required | Not required | Required (10+ jobs) |
| Duration | Permanent | 7 years maximum | Permanent (conditional for 2 years) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions applicants ask about the EB-1C visa process, eligibility, and benefits.
-
What is the difference between EB-1C and L-1A visas?While both are for multinational executives and managers, the L-1A is a temporary nonimmigrant visa valid for up to 7 years, whereas the EB-1C is a permanent immigrant visa (green card). The EB-1C is often the next step for L-1A holders who want to stay permanently in the U.S. Both have similar requirements regarding the qualifying relationship between companies and the executive/managerial nature of the position.
-
Do I need to have an L-1A visa before applying for EB-1C?No, having an L-1A visa is not a prerequisite for an EB-1C green card. However, many EB-1C applicants are current L-1A visa holders because the requirements are similar. You can apply directly for an EB-1C if you meet all the requirements, even if you have never held an L-1A visa.
-
What qualifies as a "managerial capacity" for EB-1C purposes?Managerial capacity means you primarily manage the organization, department, or component; supervise and control the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees; have authority to hire and fire; and exercise discretion over day-to-day operations. Simply having a managerial title is not sufficient—you must actually perform managerial duties.
-
Can I apply for EB-1C if my foreign company is new?The foreign company must have been in existence long enough to employ you for at least one year in the three years preceding your application. Additionally, the U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least one year at the time of filing the EB-1C petition. This is different from the L-1A "new office" provision, which allows for establishing new U.S. offices.
-
What happens if I change employers after getting an EB-1C green card?Once you receive your permanent resident status through EB-1C, you are not required to continue working for the sponsoring employer indefinitely. However, USCIS may question your intent if you leave too soon after receiving your green card. Generally, working for the sponsoring employer for at least 6 months to a year after receiving your green card demonstrates good faith.
-
Can my family come with me on an EB-1C visa?Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can receive green cards as derivatives of your EB-1C application. They will go through the same adjustment of status or consular processing as you do.
Attention Multinational Executives and Managers - Get a FREE EB-1C Evaluation
A US Immigration Attorneys will examine, evaluate and advise next steps for your case with in 2 business days.