EB-1 Visa: Multinational Managers & Executives

The EB-1 visa (specifically the EB-1C category) offers multinational executives and managers a direct path to U.S. permanent residency. If you’ve worked abroad in a leadership role and are transferring to a U.S. branch or affiliate, this first-preference employment-based immigrant visa may be the fastest route to your green card.

What Is the EB-1 Visa?

The EB-1 visa was established to attract high-level talent, including outstanding professors, researchers, and multinational managers and executives. The EB-1C category is specifically for those in senior roles within multinational companies, transferring to U.S. operations.

Unlike EB-2 or EB-3 visas, EB-1C does not require labor certification and is considered a priority worker visa, often with shorter wait times and visa backlogs.

Eligibility Criteria

• You worked for a qualifying foreign employer for at least 1 of the past 3 years (or preceding your most recent admission to the U.S.).
• Your employment abroad and proposed U.S. role must be in a managerial or executive capacity.
• The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship (affiliate, branch, parent, or subsidiary) with the foreign company.
• The petitioning employer must have been doing business in the U.S. for at least 1 year.

Managerial or Executive Capacity Defined

It's not enough to hold a title like “manager” or “director.” USCIS evaluates the actual job duties. You may qualify if you:

• Direct the organization or a department/component of the organization
• Manage other managers, supervisors, or professionals
• Exercise discretion over goals, policies, or daily operations
• Have authority over hiring/firing or personnel decisions

“Functional managers” may also qualify if they direct a critical function of the business without direct reports.

Employer Relationship Requirements

The U.S. and foreign companies must share common ownership or control. Typical qualifying relationships include:

• Parent and subsidiary
• Branches of the same company
• Affiliates under common control

Benefits of the EB-1C Visa

• Green card for you, your spouse, and unmarried children under 21
• Shorter processing times than most employment-based green cards
• Exempt from PERM labor certification
• Stable legal status for continued U.S. business leadership

Why Hire an EB-1 Visa Attorney?

• Demonstrate your executive/managerial capacity with evidence
• Prepare org charts, personnel records, job descriptions, etc.
• Document the qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign companies
• Avoid delays and Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
• Receive personalized support tailored to your business and immigration strategy