How multinational managers and executives qualify for the EB-1C green card through intracompany transfer with employer sponsorship in 2026.
How multinational managers and executives qualify for the EB-1C green card through intracompany transfer with employer sponsorship in 2026.
The EB-1C green card is for multinational managers and executives transferring to a U.S. office of the same employer. Applicants must have worked for the foreign company in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 of the past 3 years. The U.S. employer files Form I-140 with a $715 filing fee plus $600 Asylum Program Fee. Premium processing costs $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) for a 15 business day decision. The U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year.
The EB-1C requires employer sponsorship - the U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
The applicant must have worked for the foreign entity in a managerial or executive role for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
The U.S. position must be in a managerial or executive capacity.
The I-140 filing fee is $715 plus $600 Asylum Program Fee; premium processing adds $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026).
The U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year at the time of I-140 filing.
Many L-1A visa holders transition to EB-1C green cards as a natural progression.
EB-1C is part of the EB-1 preference category with generally current priority dates for most countries.
The EB-1C requires employer sponsorship - the U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
The applicant must have worked for the foreign entity in a managerial or executive role for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
The U.S. position must be in a managerial or executive capacity.
The I-140 filing fee is $715 plus $600 Asylum Program Fee; premium processing adds $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026).
The U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year at the time of I-140 filing.
Many L-1A visa holders transition to EB-1C green cards as a natural progression.
EB-1C is part of the EB-1 preference category with generally current priority dates for most countries.
The EB-1C is a first-preference employment-based green card for multinational managers and executives. It is authorized under Section 203(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and governed by 8 CFR 204.5(j).
The EB-1C is the immigrant (permanent) counterpart to the L-1A nonimmigrant visa. Both require an intracompany transfer in a managerial or executive capacity, but the EB-1C leads to permanent residency while the L-1A is temporary (maximum 7 years).
Unlike the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW, the EB-1C does not allow self-petition. The U.S. employer must file Form I-140 on the manager's behalf.
Learn more about the EB-1C visa
The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship: parent-subsidiary, branch office, affiliate, or joint venture partner. Both entities must be doing business (active trade or services, not merely maintaining an office).
The applicant must have been employed by the foreign entity in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 continuous year within the 3 years immediately preceding the filing of Form I-140 or the applicant's admission to the U.S. to work for the same employer.
The U.S. position must be in a managerial or executive capacity as defined by the INA:
Manager: Manages an organization, department, subdivision, or function; supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees (or manages an essential function); has authority to hire and fire (or recommend personnel actions); and exercises discretion over day-to-day operations.
Executive: Directs the management of the organization or a major component; establishes goals and policies; exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making; and receives only general supervision from higher-level executives, board of directors, or stockholders.
Must have been doing business for at least 1 year
Must demonstrate ability to pay the offered wage
Must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity
Evidence of qualifying relationship (corporate structure documents, stock certificates, articles of incorporation)
Evidence both entities are actively doing business
U.S. entity financial documents (tax returns, annual reports, audited statements)
Organizational charts for both entities showing managerial hierarchy
Job descriptions for both foreign and U.S. positions demonstrating managerial/executive duties
Evidence U.S. entity has been doing business for 1+ year
Evidence of 1 year of qualifying employment abroad
Employment verification letters detailing managerial/executive duties
Pay stubs, tax records, or employment contracts from foreign entity
Passport stamps or travel records
Step 1: Verify the qualifying corporate relationship and U.S. entity's 1-year business history.
Step 2: Document the applicant's managerial/executive role abroad (1 year within past 3 years).
Step 3: Prepare detailed job descriptions for both foreign and U.S. positions.
Step 4: U.S. employer files Form I-140 ($715 + $600). Add premium processing if desired ($2,805).
Step 5: USCIS adjudication (6-19 months standard, 15 business days premium).
Step 6: File I-485 or consular processing when priority date is current.
Not sure if you qualify? Take the free visa evaluation
Item | Cost / Timeline |
|---|---|
Form I-140 filing fee | $715 |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 |
Premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) |
Standard processing | 6-19 months |
Premium processing | 15 business days |
I-485 filing fee | $1,440 |
Attorney fees | $7,000-$20,000 |
EB-1 priority date | Generally current |
Feature | EB-1C (Green Card) | L-1A (Temporary Visa) |
|---|---|---|
Visa Type | Immigrant (permanent) | Nonimmigrant (temporary) |
Duration | Permanent | 1 year (new office) or 3 years, max 7 years |
Filing Form | I-140 | I-129 |
Filing Fee | $715 + $600 | $1,055 + $600 + $500 fraud fee |
Premium Processing | 15 business days | 15 business days |
Employment Abroad | 1 year within past 3 years | 1 year within past 3 years |
U.S. Entity Age | Must be doing business 1+ year | Can be new office |
Self-Petition | No | No |
Best For | Managers ready for permanent residency | Managers needing temporary U.S. work authorization |
Learn more about the L-1A visa
USCIS strictly defines "managerial" and "executive." Simply having a manager title is insufficient. The petition must show the applicant manages other managers or professionals (not just first-line workers) or manages an essential function.
Vague claims about parent-subsidiary relationships without stock certificates, corporate registration documents, or organizational charts lead to RFEs.
A company that merely has an office or bank account without active trade or services does not qualify. USCIS requires evidence of real business activity.
The employer must demonstrate ability to pay the offered wage. Small or new U.S. offices with limited revenue face extra scrutiny.
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
The EB-1C is a first-preference employment-based green card for multinational managers and executives. It is authorized under Section 203(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and governed by 8 CFR 204.5(j).
The EB-1C is the immigrant (permanent) counterpart to the L-1A nonimmigrant visa. Both require an intracompany transfer in a managerial or executive capacity, but the EB-1C leads to permanent residency while the L-1A is temporary (maximum 7 years).
Unlike the EB-1A and EB-2 NIW, the EB-1C does not allow self-petition. The U.S. employer must file Form I-140 on the manager's behalf.
Learn more about the EB-1C visa
The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying relationship: parent-subsidiary, branch office, affiliate, or joint venture partner. Both entities must be doing business (active trade or services, not merely maintaining an office).
The applicant must have been employed by the foreign entity in a managerial or executive capacity for at least 1 continuous year within the 3 years immediately preceding the filing of Form I-140 or the applicant's admission to the U.S. to work for the same employer.
The U.S. position must be in a managerial or executive capacity as defined by the INA:
Manager: Manages an organization, department, subdivision, or function; supervises and controls the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees (or manages an essential function); has authority to hire and fire (or recommend personnel actions); and exercises discretion over day-to-day operations.
Executive: Directs the management of the organization or a major component; establishes goals and policies; exercises wide latitude in discretionary decision-making; and receives only general supervision from higher-level executives, board of directors, or stockholders.
Must have been doing business for at least 1 year
Must demonstrate ability to pay the offered wage
Must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity
Evidence of qualifying relationship (corporate structure documents, stock certificates, articles of incorporation)
Evidence both entities are actively doing business
U.S. entity financial documents (tax returns, annual reports, audited statements)
Organizational charts for both entities showing managerial hierarchy
Job descriptions for both foreign and U.S. positions demonstrating managerial/executive duties
Evidence U.S. entity has been doing business for 1+ year
Evidence of 1 year of qualifying employment abroad
Employment verification letters detailing managerial/executive duties
Pay stubs, tax records, or employment contracts from foreign entity
Passport stamps or travel records
Step 1: Verify the qualifying corporate relationship and U.S. entity's 1-year business history.
Step 2: Document the applicant's managerial/executive role abroad (1 year within past 3 years).
Step 3: Prepare detailed job descriptions for both foreign and U.S. positions.
Step 4: U.S. employer files Form I-140 ($715 + $600). Add premium processing if desired ($2,805).
Step 5: USCIS adjudication (6-19 months standard, 15 business days premium).
Step 6: File I-485 or consular processing when priority date is current.
Not sure if you qualify? Take the free visa evaluation
Item | Cost / Timeline |
|---|---|
Form I-140 filing fee | $715 |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 |
Premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) |
Standard processing | 6-19 months |
Premium processing | 15 business days |
I-485 filing fee | $1,440 |
Attorney fees | $7,000-$20,000 |
EB-1 priority date | Generally current |
Feature | EB-1C (Green Card) | L-1A (Temporary Visa) |
|---|---|---|
Visa Type | Immigrant (permanent) | Nonimmigrant (temporary) |
Duration | Permanent | 1 year (new office) or 3 years, max 7 years |
Filing Form | I-140 | I-129 |
Filing Fee | $715 + $600 | $1,055 + $600 + $500 fraud fee |
Premium Processing | 15 business days | 15 business days |
Employment Abroad | 1 year within past 3 years | 1 year within past 3 years |
U.S. Entity Age | Must be doing business 1+ year | Can be new office |
Self-Petition | No | No |
Best For | Managers ready for permanent residency | Managers needing temporary U.S. work authorization |
Learn more about the L-1A visa
USCIS strictly defines "managerial" and "executive." Simply having a manager title is insufficient. The petition must show the applicant manages other managers or professionals (not just first-line workers) or manages an essential function.
Vague claims about parent-subsidiary relationships without stock certificates, corporate registration documents, or organizational charts lead to RFEs.
A company that merely has an office or bank account without active trade or services does not qualify. USCIS requires evidence of real business activity.
The employer must demonstrate ability to pay the offered wage. Small or new U.S. offices with limited revenue face extra scrutiny.
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can L-1A visa holders transition to an EB-1C green card?
Yes. The L-1A to EB-1C transition is one of the most common green card pathways for multinational managers. Both require similar qualifying criteria (managerial/executive capacity, qualifying corporate relationship, 1 year of employment abroad). L-1A holders often file the EB-1C I-140 while on L-1A status, and many of the same supporting documents can be used.
Can L-1A visa holders transition to an EB-1C green card?
Does a startup qualify as the U.S. entity for EB-1C?
Yes, but the U.S. entity must have been doing business for at least 1 year at the time of I-140 filing. A brand-new office cannot immediately file an EB-1C. Many companies use the L-1A "new office" petition first (valid for 1 year), build the U.S. operation, then file the EB-1C after the 1-year requirement is met.
Does a startup qualify as the U.S. entity for EB-1C?
What is the difference between EB-1C and EB-1A?
The EB-1C requires employer sponsorship and a qualifying multinational corporate relationship. The EB-1A allows self-petition based on extraordinary ability with no employer needed. The EB-1C focuses on managerial/executive capacity, while the EB-1A focuses on individual extraordinary achievements. Both are first-preference categories with generally current priority dates.
What is the difference between EB-1C and EB-1A?
How long does the EB-1C green card process take?
The I-140 takes 6-19 months with standard processing or 15 business days with premium processing ($2,805, increasing to $2,965 after March 1, 2026). Since EB-1C is part of the EB-1 category, priority dates are generally current. Total timeline can be 6-18 months depending on processing speed and whether I-485 is filed concurrently.
How long does the EB-1C green card process take?
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