Permanent Residency for Multinational Managers & Executives
The EB-1C is an employment-based, first-preference (EB-1) immigrant visa category that leads to a US green card for multinational managers and executives. It allows a US company to permanently transfer a manager or executive from a related foreign company — parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
The EB-1C closely mirrors the L-1A nonimmigrant visa, which is why it's the natural next step for L-1A holders. But unlike many green card routes, the EB-1C is part of the prestigious EB-1 "priority worker" category — meaning no PERM labor certification is required, saving a year or more of processing time.
EB-1C Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EB-1C green card, the following requirements must be met by both the employee (beneficiary) and the company (petitioner):
Qualifying Relationship
The US employer must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company — parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
One Year of Employment Abroad
The beneficiary must have been employed abroad by the related company for at least 1 year in the 3 years preceding the petition.
Managerial or Executive Role Abroad
That foreign employment must have been in a managerial or executive capacity.
Managerial or Executive Role in US
The beneficiary must be coming to work in the US in a managerial or executive capacity.
US Employer Doing Business 1+ Year
The US petitioning entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year before filing the EB-1C petition.
Ongoing Business Operations
Both the US and foreign entities must continue to do business throughout the entire process.
Two Routes to the EB-1C Green Card
How you reach the EB-1C depends on whether your US company is brand-new or already established. This is one of the most important strategic decisions — and where USAIS adds real value.
Via L-1A First
If you're starting a brand-new US branch, the US entity must operate for at least one year before EB-1C can be filed. The L-1A visa bridges that first year.
- File L-1A new office petition
- Establish & run US entity for 1 year
- Build revenue, hire staff, document management
- File EB-1C (Form I-140) after 1 year
- Adjust status (I-485) or consular process
Direct EB-1C Filing
If your US entity is already more than one year old and actively doing business, the EB-1C can be filed directly — no L-1A needed.
- Confirm US entity has operated 1+ year
- Document the qualifying relationship
- Prepare managerial/executive evidence
- File EB-1C (Form I-140) directly
- Adjust status or consular process
Why the Direct Route Matters
Many business owners already have a US entity that's been operating for over a year. In these cases, you may not need the L-1A step at all. We assess your existing US operations and, where eligible, file the EB-1C directly — saving significant time. If your company is newer, the L-1A acts as the bridge.
EB-1C Priority Dates by Country
The EB-1 category is subject to per-country annual limits. Your country of birth (not citizenship) determines your queue. Your priority date is set when Form I-140 is filed. When your priority date becomes "current" under the Visa Bulletin, you can take the final green card step.
Below is a snapshot from the Visa Bulletin. These dates change every month — always verify via the official links below.
| Country of Birth | EB-1 Status () | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| All Other Countries | Current | No backlog — eligible applicants can proceed without waiting on a priority date. |
| India | Dec 15, 2022 | Longest EB-1 backlog. Retrogressed in June 2026; further movement forward or backward is possible monthly. |
| China | Apr 1, 2023 | Second-longest EB-1 backlog. Cutoff date moves month to month based on demand. |
Source: U.S. Department of State, Visa Bulletin. These figures are illustrative and go out of date monthly — use the official tools below for current dates.
Check Your Priority Date — Official Sources
Always confirm the current cutoff dates directly from US government sources. The State Department publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin, and USCIS announces which chart applies for adjustment of status each month.
How to Read the Visa Bulletin
- "Current" (C): No backlog — proceed regardless of priority date.
- A specific date: Only applicants with a priority date earlier than the listed date may proceed.
- "Unavailable" (U): No visa numbers available right now — usually resolves at the start of the next fiscal year (October).
- Final Action Dates vs Dates for Filing: USCIS announces each month which chart to use for the I-485. Final Action Dates govern when the green card is actually issued.
EB-1C Process & Timeline
Form I-140
Employer files the immigrant petition for the manager/executive
Priority Date
Set at I-140 filing; wait for it to become current in the Visa Bulletin
I-485 / Consular
Adjust status in the US or process at a consulate abroad
Green Card
Receive lawful permanent residence — and eventually, US citizenship eligibility
Premium processing is available for the Form I-140 step, giving a USCIS decision within 15 business days. The overall timeline depends heavily on your priority date and country of birth.
EB-1C vs Other Green Card Routes
| Feature | EB-1C | EB-2 / EB-3 (e.g. from L-1B) |
|---|---|---|
| Category | EB-1 (first preference) | EB-2 / EB-3 (second / third) |
| PERM labor certification | Not required | Usually required |
| Best for | Managers & executives | Specialized knowledge / skilled workers |
| Typical speed | Faster (esp. non-backlogged countries) | Slower; longer backlogs for most countries |
| Common pathway from | L-1A visa | L-1B / H-1B visa |
| Family included? | Yes — spouse + children under 21 | Yes — spouse + children under 21 |