EB1‑C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives

The EB1‑C green card category is designed for multinational managers and executives who are being transferred to a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of their foreign employer. It enables qualified employees of international companies to obtain permanent residency in the United States.

To qualify, the applicant must have been employed outside the U.S. in a managerial or executive role for at least one continuous year in the past three years (or within the past three years of entering on a nonimmigrant visa). The U.S. employer must petition for the employee and prove a qualifying corporate relationship with the overseas entity.

Managerial capacity refers to leading departments or supervising professional staff with decision-making authority. Executive capacity involves directing the overall management of the organization or a major component or function.

Unlike EB1-A or EB2-NIW, EB1-C requires employer sponsorship and does not allow self-petitioning. However, it also does not require a labor certification (PERM), making the process faster than many EB2/EB3 cases.

The employer must file Form I-140, with documentation proving:

• The qualifying corporate relationship
• The executive or managerial duties abroad and in the U.S.
• Organizational charts
• Business registration documents
• Payroll and tax records

Premium processing was historically unavailable for EB1‑C but may now be offered in phases for certain cases. The priority date for EB1‑C can vary based on visa bulletin demand—particularly for countries like India and China.

This visa is often used by international companies expanding to the U.S., or by foreign executives being permanently relocated. It is also commonly used by L-1A visa holders transitioning from nonimmigrant to immigrant status.

The EB1‑C category offers a streamlined path to a green card for high-level professionals, provided the employer can clearly demonstrate the company’s structure and the applicant’s leadership role.