CEO and CFO simultaneously in the foreign company. For EB-1C, which position should be the focus?

When we talk about immigrant visas for the United States, such as the EB-1C, it is essential to understand the requirements and how to demonstrate the candidate’s experience. The EB-1C is intended for executives or managers who have worked in foreign branches of a multinational company and who will be transferred to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the U.S. This visa requires proof of experience in executive and managerial roles, demonstrating authority and decision-making within the organization.

In scenarios where a person has held both CEO and CFO roles in the foreign company, the analysis should be based on which position best meets the EB-1C criteria. Generally, the focus tends to fall on the position that most clearly shows the executive leadership role, that is, the one that encompasses ultimate decision-making authority and strategic management.

If the CEO’s responsibilities include overseeing global operations, setting strategies, and leading the organization as a whole, this role is the one most aligned with the EB-1C visa requirements. However, it is important to highlight that each case must be considered individually, taking into account the company’s organizational structure and the detailed description of the activities performed in each role.

For example, if the CFO duties also involve a strong executive component, they may partially complement the profile. Still, the recommendation is to concentrate the narrative and documentation on the role that best demonstrates managerial capacity and leadership experience at the corporate level, usually the CEO position.

I always emphasize the importance of strictly following United States immigration laws and seeking support from reliable sources and experts in the field. Double caution must be taken to avoid falling for scams or marketing campaigns that promise results without foundation. Every detail of the professional history must be correctly documented to meet the criteria set by the Immigration Department.

In summary, although there may be an overlap of functions, for the EB-1C the focus should be on the position that most robustly demonstrates global executive experience, which in most cases is the CEO position. This approach helps to evidence that the candidate truly played a crucial role in the management and strategic decisions of the company, fundamental for the approval of this type of visa.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.