EB‑1C green cards for executives and managers of multinational companies

What our EB-1C service covers

• Review of the corporate relationship, the foreign role and the U.S. role.
• Duty descriptions with percentages of time, and organization charts for both entities.
• The employer's job-offer statement, the petition letter and Form I-140.
• RFE responses within scope, and coordination of the I-485 or consular stage.

Who qualifies under 8 CFR 204.5(j)

• One year abroad: in the three years before the petition (or before entering the U.S. as a nonimmigrant for the same employer), you worked at least one year outside the U.S. for the company, its parent, a subsidiary or an affiliate, in a managerial or executive capacity (204.5(j)(3)(3))).
• Same or related employer: the U.S. employer is the same company or its affiliate or subsidiary.
• Doing business for a year: the U.S. employer has been doing business for at least one year.
• Managerial or executive U.S. role: shown by a job-offer statement from the U.S. employer (204.5(j)(5)(5))).

The qualifying corporate relationship

USCIS needs proof of ownership and control: share registers, stock certificates, operating agreements, articles and annual filings showing that the U.S. and foreign entities are parent and subsidiary, branches of one company, or affiliates under common ownership. Both entities must still be doing business. A dormant foreign parent is a frequent reason for denial.

Managerial or executive duties

The definitions in 204.5(j)(2)(2)) are strict. A manager manages the organization, a department or an essential function; supervises other supervisory, professional or managerial staff (or manages an essential function); has authority over personnel actions; and exercises discretion over day-to-day operations. An executive directs the management of the organization or a major component, sets goals and policies, has wide decision-making latitude, and receives only general supervision from higher executives, a board or shareholders.

In a small U.S. company, the risk is that the beneficiary looks like the main operator. The answer is evidence that others perform the day-to-day work: payroll, contractor agreements and specific descriptions of who does what. Titles alone do not establish managerial capacity.

From L-1A to EB-1C

The L-1A and EB-1C use similar definitions, so a well-documented L-1A is a strong base. The differences: the U.S. employer must have done business for a year, and USCIS reviews the matter fresh, without deferring to the L-1 approval. New-office L-1A holders should build payroll and structure during the first year with the EB-1C in mind. See our L-1 visa page.

Fees and premium processing

Government fees as of Oct. 24, 2026, from USCIS Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26. Confirm before filing.

EB-1C premium processing runs on a longer response clock than most classifications (8 CFR 106.4). Confirm current amounts on the G-1055. For regular processing, see the USCIS processing-times tool. Your I-485 timing depends on the EB-1 chart in the Visa Bulletin.

If USCIS is slow or denies the EB-1C

Denials usually argue that the role is operational, or that the corporate relationship was not proven. Both can be cured on refiling, and a misapplied definition can be challenged by motion, appeal or an APA suit. See I-140 denial options and L-1A denial options. For delays, see I-485 delay lawsuits.

Who handles your case

Immigration filings are prepared and signed by a licensed U.S. immigration attorney who works with DC Federal Litigation PLLC. Consultations are available in English, Spanish, French and Arabic. If an agency delays or denies your case and federal court is the right next step, DC Federal Litigation PLLC handles the litigation.

DC Federal Litigation PLLC works from its Washington, DC office on the strategy and on any federal-court action. If the agency sits on your case or denies it on grounds the regulation does not support, the litigation stays with the firm. You are told in writing, before any work begins, who does what on your matter and how the fee is shared.

Frequently asked questions