Employment-based immigration
EB1C: Clear and Comprehensive Guide
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about the EB1C, including a thorough explanation of eb1c requirements, exactly which documents are needed to prove your eligibility, processing times, and associated costs.
By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Simon Craven, Esq.
14 min read • Aug 28, 2024
Key takeaways
The EB1C is an efficient path to permanent residency for multinational managers and executives, offering priority processing, no labor certification, and the ability to bring your family.
EB1C requirements include that you were employed in a managerial or executive capacity outside the U.S. for at least 1 year in a 3-year period.
Your foreign employer must be related to your US employer to meet EB1C requirements ( a branch, subsidiary, or an affiliate of your US employer).
The EB1C petition approval process typically takes 6-12 months. You can pay an extra $2,805 to USCIS for premium processing for a 45 business day processing time.
The approval rate for EB1C petitions was around 84% in 2023, making it an incredible option if you meet eb1c requirements.
The EB1C is an excellent option for high-level professionals looking to move to the U.S. It’s designed for executives and managers with international experience and offers a straightforward application process. With no need for labor certification and priority processing, the EB1C provides a fast and efficient path to a Green Card.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything you need to know about the EB1C visa, including a thorough explanation of EB1C requirements, EB1C processing times, and associated lawyer costs and USCIS fees.
The EB1-C is a U.S. visa category designed for multinational managers and executives. It’s part of the Employment-Based First Preference (EB-1) visa program, which is known for its focus on high-priority immigrants. If you’re a manager or executive working for a company with international operations, this visa could be a fast-track route to a US Green Card.
To qualify for the EB-1C, you need to have been working in a managerial or executive role outside the U.S. for at least a year in the past three years (or before your transfer, if you’re sponsored by the company on another visa). Your company must also have a branch or affiliate in the U.S.
EB1C does not require the labor certification process, which can save you time and hassle compared to other routes.
Pathway to Green Card: One of the biggest advantages of the EB1C is the speed at which it can lead to permanent residency. Unlike some other visa options, the EB1C typically has a shorter processing time, which means you could get your EB1C petition decision as quickly as 45 business days.
No Labor Certification Required: The EB1C doesn’t require the labor certification process, which can be lengthy and complex.
Family Benefits: With the EB1C, you can bring your immediate family—including your spouse and children under 21—along with you to the U.S.
High Priority Status: Being part of the Employment-Based First Preference (EB1 visa) category means you’re considered a priority for visa issuance. This high-priority status can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to move to the U.S. quickly.
Keep in mind: The EB1C visa had an 94% approval rate in 2023.
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International Experience: You must have worked outside the U.S. in a managerial or executive role for at least one year in the past three years (or prior to transfer on a visa).
Job Offer: You need a job offer from a U.S. company that is managerial or executive.
Company Relationship: Your current employer must have a qualifying relationship with the U.S. company, such as being a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
To prove you meet these EB1C requirements, you’ll need to provide evidence like:
Proof of Employment: Documentation of your managerial or executive role and your time spent in this position.
Company Structure: Evidence showing the relationship between your current employer and the U.S. company, such as corporate structures or ownership documents.
Job Offer Letter: A detailed job offer from the U.S. company outlining your role and responsibilities.
Evidence of International Experience: Documentation of your international employment experience, such as pay stubs, employment contracts, and letters of reference from previous employers that verify your role and tenure in a managerial or executive position.
Proof of Ongoing Employment: Evidence showing that you have been continuously employed in a managerial or executive capacity. This might include performance reviews, promotions, or other indicators of ongoing high-level responsibilities.
Manifest Tip: Strengthen your eb1c requirements eligibility with detailed letters from your current employer describing your role and achievements, as well as how your skills and experience will benefit the U.S. company. These letters can highlight your qualifications and make your case stronger.
Incorporation Documents/Partnership or Joint Venture Agreement:
Articles/Memoranda of Incorporation
Bylaws
Stock certificates/ledger
Name change/registration documents
Business Permits/Licenses/Registration
Company Annual Report/Marketing Brochure/Resume
Lease/Deed/Mortgage or Rent Receipts
Organizational Chart
Articles/Promotional Materials: Information about the company, its products, services, or key personnel.
Recent Company Tax Return or Financial Statement
Copies of Awards, Memberships, or Special Achievements: Recognitions received by the company or key personnel.
Photographs: Images of the inside and outside of the facilities.
Incorporation Documents/Partnership/Joint Venture Agreement
Branch Qualification: Proof that the U.S. company is legally qualified to do business in the U.S. or the specific state.
Business Permits/Licenses/Registration
Company Annual Report/Marketing Brochure/Resume
Latest Financial Statement or Federal Tax Return
Information on Corporate Structure Changes: Any recent changes affecting the company's corporate structure, if applicable.
Lease/Deed/Mortgage or Rent Receipts
Organizational Chart
Articles/Promotional Materials: Information about the company, its products, services, or key personnel.
Copies of Awards, Memberships, or Special Achievements: Recognitions received by the company or key personnel.
Photographs: Images of the inside and outside of the facilities.
Manifest Tip: You don’t need all of the above documents to get started for an eb1c petition. Manifest law immigration attorneys can help you better understand the exact list of documents required for your petition.
Keep in mind: EB1C has expedited processing option which takes 45 business days under Premium Processing by USCIS and costs $2,805
Not sure if you’re eligible for EB1C?
Book a free consultation with Manifest Law. Our team will ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and help you gather evidence needed.
Here's a quick overview of the current filing fees for the EB1C visa (keep in mind, these fees can change).
Most Organizations
Organizations with 25 or fewer employees
Nonprofits
I-140 Fee
$715
$715
$715
Asylum Program Fee
$600
$300
N/A
TOTAL
$1,315
$1,015
$715
Manifest Law©️. Learn more on www.manifestlaw.com
Handling your EB1C visa application on your own can be challenging and time-consuming. Without professional guidance, you might find the process complicated and could miss crucial details, impacting your chance of visa approval.
At Manifest Law, our team of immigration lawyers is dedicated to supporting you throughout the EB1C process, ensuring your application is thorough and accurate.
We offer flexible payment plans of up to 6 months and stand by our work with a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply). Reach out to us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you obtain your EB1C visa.
How long does the EB1C visa last after approval?
The EB1C visa itself is a pathway to permanent residency (green card), so once your application is approved, you can move on to the next steps in the green card process, allowing you to live and work in the U.S. on a permanent basis.
Can you self-sponsor EB1C?
No, you cannot self-sponsor for an EB1C visa. The EB1C visa requires a job offer from a U.S. employer that has a qualifying relationship with your current employer. This means you must have a U.S. company sponsoring you for this visa. Self-sponsoring isn’t an option because the visa is designed for individuals transferring from an international company to its U.S. counterpart in a managerial or executive role.
Can I apply for EB1C without L1A?
Yes, you can apply for an EB1C visa without having held an L-1A visa. While the L-1A visa is commonly used by those transitioning to an EB-1C visa, it’s not a mandatory requirement. The EB1C visa focuses on your role and experience as a manager or executive with a qualifying company relationship, not necessarily on prior L-1A status.
What is the difference between EB1C and EB-1?
The EB1C visa is a specific subcategory of the broader EB1 visa category. The EB1 category is divided into three subcategories: EB1A for individuals with extraordinary ability, EB1B for outstanding professors and researchers, and EB1C for multinational managers and executives. The EB1C specifically targets those transferring to a managerial or executive role with a U.S. company from a foreign office, whereas the other EB1 categories are for individuals with exceptional skills or achievements in their fields.
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