📌 EB-1C Green Card Guide for Executives

The EB-1C green card is a powerful immigration pathway designed for multinational executives and managers seeking permanent residence in the United States. It allows U.S.-based companies to sponsor key personnel from affiliated foreign offices, facilitating seamless global mobility for senior leadership.

In this article, we provide an EB-1C step-by-step breakdown tailored for companies navigating U.S. immigration for their executives. You’ll learn who qualifies, how the application process works, and why this visa is an essential part of international expansion strategies.

Green card for executives: eligibility requirements

To qualify for a green card for executives under the EB-1C category, both the employee and the employer must meet specific conditions:

• Foreign employment requirement: the beneficiary must have been employed outside the United States for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the petition (or their most recent lawful entry if already in the U.S.).
• Qualifying relationship: the U.S. employer must have a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) with the foreign company where the executive or manager was employed.
• Position requirements: the beneficiary must have served, and will continue to serve, in an executive or managerial capacity. This means overseeing major components of the business, managing teams, or directing critical functions.

These requirements are detailed in the USCIS official guidelines.

EB-1C step by step: application process

Navigating the EB-1C step by step process involves several legal and procedural phases:

1. Employer petition (Form I-140)

The U.S. company must file Form I-140 with USCIS on behalf of the beneficiary. Unlike many other green card categories, no Labor Certification (PERM) is required, which can significantly reduce processing time.

2. Adjustment of status or consular processing

If the executive is already in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status (e.g., L-1 visa, which is commonly used as a temporary precursor), they may apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). Otherwise, the applicant will go through consular processing at a U.S. embassy abroad.

For companies exploring visas for the United States, the L-1 visa is often the first step before transitioning to permanent residency.

Many executives begin with a temporary assignment in the U.S. before applying for permanent residence, often under programs like the L-1 visa.

3. Work authorization & travel

Once Form I-485 is filed, the beneficiary may apply for work and travel permits while awaiting the green card decision. This interim period allows for continued business activity in the U.S.

Processing times for the EB-1C

The processing timeline for an EB-1C green card can vary based on factors such as USCIS workload, the specific service center, and whether premium processing becomes available (which currently does not apply to EB-1C). Generally, the I-140 petition may take between 8 to 12 months for standard processing.

Following approval, Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) or consular processing can take an additional 6 to 12 months, depending on visa bulletin availability and local interview backlogs.
Overall, companies should anticipate an average timeframe of 12 to 24 months from initial petition to final green card issuance, though cases can be faster or slower.

Key advantages for employers and executives

Choosing the EB-1C route offers major benefits:

• No PERM required: saves time and cost.
• Dual intent accepted: beneficiaries can hold a nonimmigrant visa (like L-1) and still apply for permanent residence.
• Pathway to citizenship: EB-1C green card holders may apply for U.S. citizenship after five years of residency.

This route is particularly advantageous for multinational companies with global operations, offering a strategic advantage for long-term planning and workforce deployment.

If your company is already considering long-term U.S. immigration options, it’s important to understand the different available pathways, including employment-based green cards.

Is the EB-1C right for your organization?

Companies in sectors such as engineering, energy, manufacturing, and tech often use the EB-1C to relocate top-tier leadership. However, the application must be backed by robust documentation demonstrating the executive nature of the role, corporate relationships, and the U.S. entity’s operational capacity.

For businesses evaluating visas for the United States as part of their international mobility strategy, understanding the EB-1C can streamline the path to permanent talent placement.

Learn more about the types of U.S. immigration programs for companies that align with strategic international assignments.

Final thoughts

The EB-1C green card is more than just an immigration solution—it’s a growth enabler for companies looking to strengthen their presence in the U.S. market. By understanding the eligibility, documentation, and legal nuances of this route, HR and mobility teams can confidently lead executive transitions with long-term impact.

For expert support in building your U.S. immigration strategy, partner with a legal team that understands the demands of cross-border business.