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Quick Answer

The EB-1C category allows multinational managers and executives to obtain green cards without PERM labor certification. Qualifying positions require managerial or executive capacity, employment with a qualifying multinational organization, and at least one year of qualifying foreign employment within the three years preceding the petition. Premium processing is available for faster adjudication.

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Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Newport Coast, one of Southern California's most prestigious business communities, attracts multinational executives and business leaders from around the world. Whether you work in the corporate offices near Fashion Island, manage operations for an international company headquartered along Pacific Coast Highway, or oversee business interests in the Newport Beach area, the EB-1C multinational manager category offers a direct path to permanent residency. This employment-based first preference category provides faster processing and no labor certification requirement for qualifying executives and managers.

Understanding the EB-1C Category

The EB-1C classification is designed for multinational managers and executives being transferred to the United States by their employers. As an employment-based first preference category, EB-1C offers significant advantages including no PERM labor certification requirement, current priority dates for most countries, and the option for premium processing. This category recognizes the value that experienced international business leaders bring to the U.S. economy.

•Employment-based first preference (EB-1) priority
•No PERM labor certification required - saves 12-18 months
•Premium processing available (15-45 day adjudication)
•Spouse and children under 21 eligible as derivatives
•Current priority dates for most countries (no backlog)
•Can file I-485 concurrently with I-140 when dates current
•No educational requirements - based on position and experience
•Employer must be multinational organization with qualifying relationship

Qualifying as a Multinational Manager

The managerial capacity requirement focuses on personnel management responsibilities. A qualifying manager must primarily manage the organization, a department, subdivision, function, or component and supervise and control the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees, or manage an essential function.

•Manages the organization or a department, subdivision, function, or component
•Supervises and controls work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees
•Has authority to hire and fire or recommend personnel actions
•Exercises discretion over day-to-day operations
•Function manager: manages essential function without direct reports (less common)
•First-line supervisors generally do not qualify unless subordinates are professionals
•Must show managerial duties are primary - not incidental to other work
•Job titles alone are not determinative - actual duties matter

Qualifying as a Multinational Executive

Executive capacity focuses on high-level decision-making authority within the organization. Executives direct the management of the organization or a major component and establish goals and policies. The executive role involves broad discretion in decision-making with limited supervision.

•Directs management of organization or major component/function
•Establishes goals and policies of organization, component, or function
•Exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making
•Receives only general supervision from higher level executives, board of directors, or stockholders
•C-suite executives (CEO, CFO, COO, etc.) typically qualify
•Regional directors and country managers often qualify
•Decision-making authority must be demonstrated, not just claimed
•Organizational charts should show position in hierarchy

Multinational Organization Requirements

Both the U.S. and foreign entities must be part of a qualifying multinational organization. The relationship between entities must be that of parent-subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. Proper documentation of corporate structure is essential.

Relationship Type	Definition	Documentation Required
Parent-Subsidiary	Parent owns majority (>50%) of subsidiary	Stock certificates, corporate resolutions, articles of incorporation
Branch	Operating division of same legal entity	Corporate documents showing unified ownership
Affiliate	Same parent owns both entities OR same group/person owns both	Ownership documentation for both entities
Joint Venture	Generally does not qualify unless specific ownership requirements met	N/A - consult attorney

One-Year Foreign Employment Requirement

The beneficiary must have been employed abroad in a managerial or executive capacity for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding the petition filing or the last lawful admission if already in the U.S. on L-1A status. This foreign employment must be with the same multinational organization.

•Minimum one year of continuous employment required
•Must be within three years before petition or last admission
•Employment must be with qualifying related entity abroad
•Position abroad must be in managerial or executive capacity
•Brief trips to U.S. during the year do not break continuity
•Can include time in L-1A status if returning abroad
•Must document duties and responsibilities of foreign position
•Organizational charts for foreign entity should be provided

L-1A to EB-1C Pathway

Many multinational managers and executives first enter the U.S. on L-1A intracompany transferee status before pursuing EB-1C green cards. The L-1A category has similar requirements to EB-1C, making it a natural stepping stone to permanent residency. However, direct consular processing is also possible.

•L-1A allows initial stay of up to 3 years (7 years maximum)
•L-1A holders can work while EB-1C petition is pending
•Dual intent allows L-1A holders to pursue green cards
•Can file EB-1C after working in L-1A capacity in U.S.
•Same managerial/executive capacity requirement for both
•Blanket L-1 available for qualifying multinational companies
•Direct EB-1C filing possible without L-1A if requirements met
•I-485 can be filed concurrently when priority dates current

Premium Processing for EB-1C

USCIS offers premium processing for EB-1C petitions, guaranteeing adjudication within 15 business days (or 45 calendar days for certain cases) for an additional fee. This significantly reduces the uncertainty and waiting time associated with standard processing.

Processing Type	Timeline	Fee (2026)	Benefits
Premium Processing	15 business days	$2,805	Guaranteed response, faster approval or RFE
Standard Processing	4-8 months typically	Base filing fee only	Lower cost, longer wait
Premium Upgrade	Can upgrade pending case	$2,805	Accelerate after initial filing

Documentation Requirements

Successful EB-1C petitions require comprehensive documentation proving the qualifying relationship between entities, the beneficiary's managerial or executive role, and the one-year foreign employment requirement. Insufficient documentation is a leading cause of RFEs and denials.

•Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
•Evidence of qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign entities
•Corporate documents: articles of incorporation, stock certificates, annual reports
•Organizational charts for both U.S. and foreign entities
•Detailed job description showing managerial/executive duties
•Evidence of foreign employment dates and capacity
•Pay records, tax returns, or employment verification letters
•Financial evidence showing U.S. entity can pay offered wage
•Business plans if U.S. entity is new or developing

Common Challenges and Denials

Understanding common reasons for EB-1C denials helps applicants prepare stronger petitions. USCIS closely scrutinizes whether the position is truly managerial or executive, whether the corporate relationship qualifies, and whether the U.S. entity can support the position.

•Position not sufficiently managerial or executive (too hands-on)
•Insufficient staffing to support claimed managerial role
•First-line supervisor of non-professional employees
•Failure to demonstrate qualifying corporate relationship
•U.S. entity too small or new to support executive position
•Inadequate documentation of foreign employment
•Foreign position not in managerial or executive capacity
•Gaps in employment history within three-year period

New Office EB-1C Petitions

When the U.S. entity has been operating for less than one year, special rules apply. New office petitions face heightened scrutiny and must demonstrate that the organization will grow to support the managerial or executive position within one year.

•U.S. entity must have been doing business for less than one year
•Must show sufficient physical premises secured
•Business plan required showing growth trajectory
•Must demonstrate position will be managerial/executive within one year
•Initial approval typically for one year only
•Extension required with evidence of growth and development
•Higher standard of proof than established office petitions
•Financial projections and market analysis helpful

Benefits of EB-1C for Business Owners

Business owners who establish or acquire U.S. companies may qualify for EB-1C if they meet the managerial or executive requirements and maintain a qualifying relationship with a foreign entity they also own or control. This pathway offers advantages over EB-5 investment visas for some entrepreneurs.

•No minimum investment amount required (unlike EB-5)
•No job creation requirements for U.S. workers
•Faster processing with premium processing option
•Control over own petition through owned company
•Can demonstrate executive role through business ownership
•Must still meet all EB-1C requirements - ownership alone not sufficient
•Must have qualifying foreign business operations
•Position must be supported by organization's size and complexity

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:What's the difference between EB-1C and L-1A?

A: L-1A is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa that allows multinational managers and executives to work in the U.S. for up to 7 years. EB-1C is an immigrant visa category that leads directly to a green card (permanent residency). Both have similar requirements regarding managerial/executive capacity and multinational employment. Many use L-1A as a stepping stone to EB-1C, but you can file EB-1C directly through consular processing without first obtaining L-1A status.

Q:How long does the EB-1C process take?

A: With premium processing, the I-140 petition is adjudicated within 15-45 days. Without premium processing, I-140 typically takes 4-8 months. If priority dates are current (as they usually are for EB-1C), you can file I-485 adjustment of status concurrently or immediately after I-140 approval. The I-485 stage typically adds 8-18 months. Overall, the entire process from filing to green card typically takes 12-24 months.

Q:Can a small company sponsor an EB-1C petition?

A: Yes, but with challenges. The company must demonstrate sufficient organizational complexity to support a managerial or executive position. USCIS looks at the number of employees, their roles, and the organizational structure. A very small company where the beneficiary would perform operational duties alongside managerial functions may not qualify. Generally, having professional or supervisory subordinates strengthens the case.

Q:What if my company abroad is small?

A: The foreign company size matters for establishing you worked in a managerial or executive capacity abroad. A small foreign operation where you performed primarily non-managerial duties may not satisfy the one-year requirement. However, function managers who manage essential functions without many subordinates can potentially qualify. Documentation of your actual duties abroad is crucial.

Q:Can my spouse and children get green cards through EB-1C?

A: Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be included as derivative beneficiaries on your EB-1C petition. They will receive green cards at the same time as you. Your spouse will also receive employment authorization upon filing the I-485 adjustment application or upon immigrant visa issuance. Children can maintain status until age 21 under the Child Status Protection Act.

Q:What is the minimum salary for EB-1C?

A: Unlike PERM-based categories, EB-1C has no prevailing wage requirement. However, the salary must be reasonable for the position and the company must demonstrate ability to pay. USCIS will question unusually low salaries for executive positions. The salary should be consistent with the claimed level of responsibility and industry standards.

Q:Can I start a new company in the U.S. and file EB-1C?

A: Yes, but new office petitions face higher scrutiny. You must demonstrate the U.S. entity has secured sufficient physical premises, has the financial ability to pay your salary, and will realistically support a managerial or executive position within one year. A detailed business plan showing growth projections is required. Initial approval is typically for only one year, requiring extension with evidence of development.

Q:What happens if my EB-1C petition is denied?

A: If denied, you can file a motion to reopen (if new evidence available) or motion to reconsider (if USCIS made an error). You can also appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). Alternatively, you may file a new petition addressing the deficiencies. If you're in L-1A status, denial of EB-1C doesn't affect your L-1A status, but you should consult an attorney about next steps.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Newport Coast and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 22, 2026Last Updated: January 22, 2026

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EB-1C Multinational Manager Green Card in Newport Coast: Executive Immigration Path