EB-1C for Executives: Key Requirements and Benefits Explained
If you’re an executive or manager working for a multinational company and you’ve been asked to relocate to the United States, or if your employer wants to make that move permanent, the EB-1C visa category may be your path to a green card.
At Passage Immigration Law, we’ve helped many professionals make this transition smoothly from VP-level leaders in Latin America to regional operations heads in Asia and Europe. Most of them weren’t immigration experts. They just wanted to move forward with their lives and careers in the U.S. without unnecessary delays or legal headaches. We stepped in to help them make it happen.
This isn’t just a visa. It’s a chance to live where you lead. Let’s talk about what the EB-1C visa is, who qualifies, and how to approach this process the right way.
What Is the EB-1C Visa?
The EB-1C visa is a green card route for executives and managers who have worked abroad for at least one full year with a company that also operates in the United States.
Unlike the L-1A (a temporary, non-immigrant visa), the EB-1C grants permanent residence, meaning you and your family can live, work, and build your life in the U.S. without worrying about visa renewals or sponsorship transfers.
Think of it this way: the EB-1C category rewards you for leading, growing, or shaping a business and allows you to continue doing that in the United States, permanently.
EB-1C Visa Requirements: What You Must Prove
USCIS isn’t just looking at job titles. They want proof that you’ve had real leadership authority and that you’ll continue to play a strategic role.
Here are the EB-1C visa requirements broken down clearly:
1. You Must Have Worked Abroad for at Least 1 Year
- The employment must have been outside the U.S.
- It must be with the same company or a related affiliate
- The role must have been within the last 3 years before filing
2. You Must Have Been a Manager or Executive
- Your position must meet the standards of a functional manager or a high-level executive
- More on this below, because it’s where many people get stuck
3. The U.S. Company Must Be the Same Employer or a Qualified Affiliate
- There must be a real relationship between the overseas company and the U.S. entity parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
- Shell companies or recently formed U.S. entities can raise red flags.
4. The U.S. Position Must Also Be Executive or Managerial
- You’re not just transferring for convenience; you must continue leading people, departments, or business functions
Who Qualifies as an EB1C Functional Manager?
This is one of the most misunderstood parts of the EB 1C category.
It’s not enough to have a managerial title. You need to function like a true functional manager, someone who:
- Has authority over an essential function, not just people
- Makes high-level decisions regularly
- Works independently with little to no supervision
- Has influence over budgets, hiring, or business direction
What Is an “Executive” Under EB-1C?
Executives are decision-makers. They set goals, manage leaders, and drive the company forward.
To qualify, your role should include:
- Directing the management of the organization or a major component
- Establishing goals and policies
- Exercising wide latitude in decision-making
- Receiving only general direction from higher-ups
If you’re a general manager who approves final budgets, hires division leaders, and reports only to the CEO, you likely meet the executive visa USA standard.
Advantages of the EB-1C Green Card
This visa comes with serious benefits, especially compared to other employment-based categories:
- No PERM labor certification required
- Premium processing now available
- No need to show you’re the “best in your field” (like EB-1A)
- Allows permanent residency for spouse and children under 21
And most importantly, it gives long-term stability. No more worrying about expiring visas or employer transfers. With the EB1C green card, your leadership becomes your legacy, not a limitation.
EB-1C vs. L-1A: What’s the Difference?
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | EB-1C | L-1A |
| Type | Immigrant (Green Card) | Non-Immigrant (Temporary) |
| Validity | Permanent | Max 7 years |
| Labor Certification | Not Required | Not Required |
| Premium Processing | Available | Available |
| Family Benefits | Green cards for spouse/children | Dependents get L-2 (with work rights for spouses) |
What Documents Are Needed for EB-1C Green Card?
Here’s a basic list of what’s needed to build a strong EB1C green card petition:
- Proof of company structure and relationship between entities
- Job descriptions (past and present roles)
- Org charts
- Employment verification letters
- Tax returns or financials from both companies
- Evidence of your managerial or executive duties
- Evidence of duration and timing of your foreign employment
We help you build a petition that’s not just accurate but persuasive. The details matter, especially in leadership cases.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Leadership Count
If you’ve built your career on high-level decision-making, vision, and leadership, you shouldn’t have to fight through outdated visa paths. The EB-1C was made for executives like you, and with the right support, you can get there.
At Passage Immigration Law, we specialize in building strong, clear, and convincing EB-1C petitions. We’ve helped global leaders make the leap to the U.S. with confidence and without sacrificing time, dignity, or opportunity.
Schedule a consultation today. We’ll help you prove your leadership and make it permanent.
Disclaimer: This article offers general legal information, not legal advice. Do not rely upon this information without seeking legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you may contact us directly to speak with an attorney. We disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. Every case is different, and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case.
