Does the EB-1C allow self-petition?

No. The EB-1C does not allow self-petition: the petition is filed by the employer, not by the candidate. The U.S. company petitions on behalf of the executive or manager, making the corporate relationship an essential part of the process.

This stems from the nature of the category. The EB-1C is designed for executives and managers of multinational companies who are transferred to operations in the United States, so the visa is built around the relationship between you and the company. It makes sense that the employer is the one demonstrating that you held an executive or managerial role abroad and that a qualifying corporate structure exists on both sides.

This sets the EB-1C apart from other pathways within the EB-1 group. The EB-1A, for example, does allow self-petition, since it is based on the individual’s extraordinary ability rather than an employment relationship.

Because requirements can change, it is worth checking the latest requirements at the official source (USCIS) and aligning your strategy with the company and a specialist before filing.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.