EB-1C: I managed 2 overseas branches for 2 years. Do I already meet the 1-year requirement?

Under the EB-1C category, beyond the executive or managerial nature of the role, there is a requirement for a minimum period of qualifying experience in a leadership position abroad, within a recent window prior to the transfer to the United States.

Having managed overseas branches for a consistent period is generally sufficient to satisfy that time requirement. Even so, the required duration and the window within which it must fall are criteria that can vary, so avoid relying on numbers from memory and confirm the current rule at the official source.

Time, however, is only one part of the picture. Your experience must also demonstrate:

• Genuine supervisory functions and decision-making authority.
• Authority to direct a team or operational unit.
• A qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. entity.

Based on your description, your experience appears to cover the expected minimum, but the final determination considers the full documentation. It is worth verifying the current requirements with USCIS and reviewing your case with a specialist before filing.

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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.