Does a ‘C-Level’ title always qualify for EB-1C?

No. Holding a ‘C-Level’ title (CEO, CFO, COO, and similar) does not, on its own, qualify someone for EB-1C. The category does not focus on the job title itself, but on the substance of the role performed: the authority evaluates whether there was genuine executive or managerial activity of real weight.

EB-1C was designed for the transfer of executives and managers from a company abroad to a subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in the United States. Therefore, what supports the case is demonstrating real organizational leadership: directing operations, making strategic decisions, managing teams, and bearing responsibility for results, exercised abroad during a qualifying period before the transfer.

• The job title alone is not enough; what matters is the nature of the function.
• Effective executive or managerial leadership is expected, not merely a nominal one.
• The qualifying experience is the one performed at the company abroad.

Since the criteria are analyzed on a case-by-case basis and may vary, it is worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS or with a specialist before preparing the petition.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.