For multinational companies looking to transfer executives and managers to the United States permanently, the EB-1C visa offers a streamlined path to a green card. This first-preference employment-based category allows qualified individuals to work in the U.S. in a managerial or executive capacity without needing to go through the labor certification (PERM) process.

What is the EB-1C Green Card?

The EB-1C visa classification is designed for multinational executives and managers who are transferring from a foreign office to a U.S. entity with a qualifying corporate relationship. Unlike temporary work visas, the EB-1C provides a direct route to permanent residency, enabling beneficiaries to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely.

Key Benefits of the EB-1C

• No labor certification (PERM) required
• Faster processing times compared to other employment-based green card categories
• Ability to file for a green card (Adjustment of Status) and work authorization at the same time (if eligible)
• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for green cards as dependents

Who Qualifies for the EB-1C?

To be eligible for EB-1C classification, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Qualifying Employment Abroad

• Must have worked outside the U.S. for at least one year in the past three years before filing the petition (or before entering the U.S. if applying from within the country).
• Employment must have been in a managerial or executive capacity for a qualifying multinational company.

2. Job Offer from a U.S. Employer

• Must have a permanent, full-time job offer in an executive or managerial role at a U.S. company.
• The U.S. employer must have been operating for at least one year before filing the petition.

3. Qualifying Relationship Between the U.S. and Foreign Companies

• The U.S. employer must be a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the foreign company.
• Both companies must be actively engaged in business and maintain their qualifying relationship throughout the process.

Understanding Executive and Managerial Roles

To qualify, the position abroad and in the U.S. must be primarily executive or managerial in nature.

Executive Roles

An executive must:

• Direct the management of the organization or a key part of it
• Establish company-wide goals and policies
• Have significant decision-making authority
• Operate with minimal oversight from higher leadership

Managerial Roles

A manager must:

• Supervise and control the work of other professionals, supervisors, or managers
• Have authority over personnel decisions (such as hiring and firing)
• Direct a function, department, or subdivision of the company
• Exercise discretion over day-to-day operations

The EB-1C Application Process

Step 1: Filing the I-140 Petition

The U.S. employer must file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must include evidence proving the managerial or executive role, qualifying business relationship, and operational status of the U.S. employer.

Step 2: Applying for Permanent Residency

Once the I-140 petition is approved, the beneficiary can apply for a green card through one of two methods:

• Adjustment of Status (if in the U.S.) – File Form I-485 to become a permanent resident.
• Consular Processing (if outside the U.S.) – Apply for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.

Step 3: Green Card Issuance

Once approved, the beneficiary and their eligible family members receive green cards, granting them permanent resident status in the U.S.

Required Documentation

To strengthen the EB-1C petition, applicants should provide:

• Proof of Qualifying Employment Abroad (employment contracts, payroll records, tax documents)
• Evidence of Managerial or Executive Role (detailed job descriptions, organizational charts, company policies)
• Proof of the U.S. Company’s Operations (financial statements, business licenses, tax returns)
• Documentation of the Qualifying Relationship (corporate formation documents, stock ownership records, agreements between the entities)

Is the EB-1C Right for You?

The EB-1C green card is ideal for:

• Executives and managers working for multinational corporations with U.S. operations
• Businesses looking to transfer key personnel to their U.S. office permanently
• Companies expanding their operations into the U.S. and needing experienced leadership on the ground

Get Started with Your EB-1C Application

Applying for the EB-1C green card requires careful planning and thorough documentation. If you believe you or your employees qualify, contact us today for expert guidance on navigating the EB-1C process and securing permanent residency in the United States.