EB-1C for a franchise owner of a global brand?

The EB-1 visa is a category aimed at professionals with extraordinary abilities (EB-1A), outstanding professors/researchers (EB-1B), and, in particular, multinational executives or managers (EB-1C). Each subcategory has specific criteria, and EB-1C requires that the applicant have served in a managerial or executive role for at least one year in the three years preceding the application, in addition to demonstrating that the foreign company and the U.S. company are related (for example, parent company, branch, or affiliate).

In the case of a franchise owner of a global brand, it is important to understand that eligibility for EB-1C does not depend solely on owning a franchise or operating a local unit. The key is to prove that the foreign business of which you are part maintains a qualified corporate relationship with the entity you intend to establish or that is already operating in the United States.

Usually, franchises are independent operations that use a brand and an established business model, but do not necessarily have the integrated corporate structure (such as a parent and branch relationship) required by EB-1C. Thus, for a franchise owner to be considered eligible for EB-1C, it would be necessary to demonstrate that the franchise operates as part of a multinational business conglomerate or network in which you exercised effective managerial functions in the global operation and now wish to transfer that role to the United States within a corporate structure duly related to the foreign company.

Otherwise, if the franchise operates more independently and without this structured organizational connection, the EB-1C subcategory may not be the appropriate path. It is crucial to pay close attention to the specific requirements and complexities of U.S. immigration processes. It is always recommended to strictly follow immigration laws, seek updated information through reliable sources, and consult qualified specialists, avoiding falling for miraculous promises of easy solutions or marketing campaigns that guarantee results without proper case analysis. Each situation is unique, and a detailed evaluation is indispensable to determine the best strategy according to the legislation and specific circumstances.

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.