What is the EB1C?

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.

What are the benefits of the EB1C?

The EB1C comes with several key benefits that make it an appealing option for multinational managers and executives:

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.

The EB1C makes moving to the U.S. easier for executives and managers. It speeds up the process to get a Green Card, skips the extra paperwork required for other visas, and lets you bring your immediate family with you. If you qualify, it’s a straightforward way to relocate and start a new life in the U.S.

EB1C approval rate

Unlike EB1A visa which currently has a 71% approval rate, EB1C approval rates are much higher. According to USCIS data for 2023, the approval rate for EB1C petitions was approximately 94%. If your application is thorough and meets all the necessary requirements, you’re in a good position to get approved for the EB1C.

A solid way to improve your chances of getting approved for an EB1C visa is by partnering with an experienced immigration attorney. At Manifest Law, our team of immigration lawyers has decades of experience and has successfully helped thousands of clients secure their EB1 visas.

EB1C Requirements

The EB1C is intended for multinational executives and managers. This means you must show you are eligible based on both your role and your employer’s corporate structure.

At a high level, EB1C requirements generally include: (1) qualifying managerial or executive employment abroad, (2) a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. petitioning entity, and (3) the U.S. company’s ability to employ you in a managerial or executive capacity.

What is the 3 year rule for EB1C?

The “3 year rule” refers to the requirement that you must have worked for the qualifying foreign company for at least 1 year within the 3 years preceding your petition (or, if already in the U.S., within the 3 years before your entry to work for the employer, depending on the specific situation).

This rule is central to EB1C eligibility and is commonly one of the first issues USCIS reviews when evaluating whether you meet EB1C requirements.

What is a “qualifying relationship” for EB1C?

A “qualifying relationship” means the foreign employer and the U.S. petitioning employer are related as a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.

This relationship must be supported by strong corporate documentation (ownership, control, and organizational structure evidence) to meet EB1C requirements.

EB1C Document Checklist

USCIS expects robust evidence for EB1C petitions. While each case varies, common categories include:

• Corporate documents showing the qualifying relationship (articles of incorporation, share certificates, ownership charts, etc.)
• Proof of your foreign employment (payroll records, job offer/contract, HR letters, organizational charts, etc.)
• Detailed job duty descriptions for the foreign and U.S. roles
• Evidence that both companies are doing business (contracts, invoices, payroll, tax documents, marketing materials, etc.)

EB1C Visa Processing Time

EB1C processing time can vary based on USCIS workload and service center. Many cases fall within a 6–12 month window, but timelines can change.

Your overall timeline can also depend on whether you will adjust status in the U.S. or proceed through consular processing abroad.

EB1C Visa Premium Processing

Premium processing is available for EB1C petitions. By paying an additional fee, USCIS offers an expedited review with a stated processing window (commonly referenced as 45 business days for eligible cases).

Premium processing does not guarantee approval, but it can reduce the time to an initial decision or a request for additional evidence.

EB1C Visa Costs

EB1C costs may include USCIS filing fees, potential premium processing fees, attorney fees, and related expenses for supporting documentation.

Total cost depends heavily on case complexity, corporate structure, and how much supporting evidence must be assembled to meet EB1C requirements.

EB1C Lawyer Fees

Attorney fees vary by firm and complexity. EB1C petitions can be document-intensive because USCIS frequently scrutinizes job duties, organizational charts, and the qualifying relationship evidence.

A lawyer’s role typically includes developing the case strategy, preparing support letters, organizing exhibits, and responding to RFEs if issued.

EB1C Processing Fees

USCIS filing fees apply for EB1C petitions, and additional fees may apply for premium processing (if requested) and downstream steps such as adjustment of status or consular processing.

Should you hire a lawyer for the EB1C visa? Yes!

EB1C petitions often involve complex corporate structures and high scrutiny on managerial/executive duties. Working with experienced counsel can help ensure the petition is organized, evidence-backed, and consistent.

If you meet EB1C requirements, careful presentation of evidence can significantly improve the clarity of your case and reduce avoidable issues during adjudication.

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