Quick answer: EB-1C is a US green card for multinational managers and executives. You qualify if you’ve worked for at least one year in the past three years as a manager or executive for a company abroad, and you’re coming to work as a manager or executive for a related US company (parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate) that has been doing business for at least one year. There’s no labor certification (PERM). The US employer files Form I-140, which can be premium processed. In the October 2026 Visa Bulletin, EB-1 is current for most countries, but backlogged for India (final action date February 1, 2023) and China (July 1, 2023).
This guide covers the requirements, evidence, costs and timeline. Last reviewed October 2026 against USCIS and State Department sources.
EB-1C requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Foreign employment | At least 1 year (in the 3 years before filing, or before entering the US for that employer) as a manager or executive |
| Qualifying relationship | The foreign and US companies are parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate |
| US employer | Doing business in the US for at least 1 year |
| US job | A managerial or executive role |
| Labor certification | Not required |
| Petition | Form I-140, filed by the US employer |
What counts as “manager” or “executive”
- Manager: manages the organization, a department or an essential function. Supervises professional staff or manages a function at a senior level. Has authority over hiring and firing, or recommends it.
- Executive: directs the management of the organization or a major part of it, sets goals and policies, and has wide discretion with little oversight.
- What doesn’t count: first-line supervisors of non-professional staff, or people who mostly do the hands-on work themselves.
USCIS looks closely at organizational charts and at how much of the person’s time goes to managerial versus operational duties.
Evidence to include
- Organizational charts for both companies, showing your position and your reports
- Detailed job descriptions with time percentages, for the foreign and US roles
- Proof of the corporate relationship: ownership documents, share certificates and annual reports
- Proof the US company has been doing business for a year: tax returns, contracts and invoices
- Payroll records for your foreign employment
- Evidence the US company can pay your salary
Costs and timeline
- Form I-140 fee: $715, plus the Asylum Program Fee ($600 for most employers, $300 for small employers, $0 for nonprofits).
- Premium processing is available for EB-1C I-140s, for a faster decision.
- Then you apply for the green card itself with Form I-485 in the US, or through consular processing, once your priority date is current.
October 2026 Visa Bulletin: EB-1
| Country | Final action date | Date for filing |
|---|---|---|
| All other countries | Current | Current |
| China | July 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
| India | February 1, 2023 | July 1, 2024 |
Check the latest dates in our Visa Bulletin explainer.
EB-1C vs L-1A
Many EB-1C applicants first come to the US on an L-1A visa, which uses almost the same manager and executive definitions. The L-1A lasts up to seven years. EB-1C turns that role into permanent residence. If you’re on L-1A, the year abroad can be counted before you entered the US.
FAQ
Can a small company file EB-1C?
Yes, but USCIS looks closely at whether a small US office really needs a full-time manager or executive, and whether there’s staff to do the operational work.
Can I file EB-1C for my own company?
Yes, if the qualifying relationship exists and the US company has been doing business for a year. Expect closer scrutiny.
How long does EB-1C take?
For most countries, often about a year or less with premium processing. Applicants born in India or China face Visa Bulletin backlogs.
Is EB-1C better than EB-2?
For eligible managers, usually yes: no PERM and shorter waits. Compare options in how to get a green card.
Official sources to check before you apply or travel
Visa rules, fees, processing times and entry requirements change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website, or with the embassy or consulate, before you apply, pay or travel. One Visa Center is an independent information site, not a law firm or government agency, and this article is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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