For the EB-1C, do I need to hire a lawyer? Who covers the cost?

Hiring a lawyer for the EB-1C is not a legal requirement, but it is usually a prudent choice. The EB-1C is the green card pathway for executives and managers transferred within the same company or an affiliated entity, and the process involves complex rules and documentation that demand careful attention.

As for who pays, there is no single answer, but there is a common market pattern. Since the petition is part of an internal transfer conducted by the company, in practice the employer typically covers the attorney fees. That said, arrangements vary depending on each company’s policy.

The most useful step is to align this directly with whoever manages the process on your side:

• Confirm with HR or leadership who retains and pays the attorney.
• Check whether the company already works with a trusted immigration law firm.
• Clarify what falls under your responsibility and what falls under the company’s.

Since every case has its particularities, it is worth verifying the process requirements at the official source (USCIS) and working with specialized support to navigate everything with confidence.

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.