EB-1C Multinational Managers and Executives

A U.S. company may sponsor a current or prospective manager or executive for lawful permanent residency under the EB-1C Multinational Managers and Executives category. For at least one (1) year within the past three (3) years before entry to the United States, the employee must have worked abroad as a manager or executive for a company related by majority common ownership to the U.S. company, and all companies involved must be doing business.

The requirements of this immigrant visa or “green card” category are nearly identical to the L-1A nonimmigrant visa for intracompany transferees as managers or executives, except the beneficiary must have also been a manager or executive outside of the United States. USCIS also appears to have an unwritten requirement that beneficiaries must have managed abroad and will manage at least ten (10) workers, preferably multiple levels of workers including degreed professionals and other supervisors.

Many international investors and entrepreneurs began their careers and maintain a business enterprise overseas, which can serve as the managerial or executive employment abroad. For E-2 Treaty Investors, it’s common to change immigration status to L-1A Multinational Executive or Manager as a stepping stone before pursuing. L-1A allows for immigrant intent, which allows for international travel without issue while the EB-1C green card case is pending.

Although many have heard of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor “green card” strategy, EB-5 is substantially more complex, costly, and involving processing times of 5-7 years, compared to processing times often less than two (2) years for the EB-1C green card strategy, where qualifying.

Employment-based permanent residency strategies involve a significantly greater level of scrutiny than other areas of immigration law, so it’s important to ensure the appropriate category and filing strategy has been identified and vetted and to work with an experienced business immigration attorney who you trust.

The above is informational and not intended to be legal advice. Please consult with an experienced business immigration attorney on your specific facts and circumstances before proceeding with any U.S. immigration strategy.