For international executives and managers seeking a permanent move to the United States, the EB-1C visa offers a direct route to a green card—without the need for labor certification. This employment-based immigrant visa category is tailored for individuals who have worked in a managerial or executive role for a multinational company outside the U.S. and are now being transferred to a related U.S. entity. It’s an ideal option for those already in the U.S. on an L-1A visa or for those whose companies are expanding stateside.

To qualify, the foreign employee must have worked for the overseas affiliate, branch, or subsidiary for at least one year in the past three years. The U.S. employer must have been doing business for at least one year and must demonstrate a qualifying relationship with the foreign company. Crucially, the job offered in the U.S. must be in a managerial or executive capacity—meaning the individual either directs an organization or manages a significant part of it with substantial decision-making authority.

The EB-1C visa provides a strong advantage: it skips the PERM labor certification process, making the green card journey more efficient for eligible candidates. Once the petition (Form I-140) is approved, the applicant and their immediate family members can apply for adjustment of status or consular processing to receive their green cards. For multinational companies looking to retain top leadership and ensure global mobility, the EB-1C visa is a powerful and strategic tool.

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Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1 | USCIS

Chapter 4 – Multinational Executive or Manager | USCIS