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How many years of work abroad does the EB-1C require?

The EB-1C requires a minimum period of managerial or executive experience abroad, within a recent window before the petition. Confirm the current period directly with USCIS.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 11, 2026
1 min read
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The EB-1C requires that you have a minimum period of experience in a managerial or executive role outside the United States, at the company that holds a qualifying relationship with the U.S. entity (parent, subsidiary, or affiliate). The focus is on demonstrating a consistent record of international leadership prior to the transfer.

This qualifying time must have been completed within a recent window preceding the petition, and experience accumulated inside the United States typically does not count toward this overseas time requirement. Because the exact amount of time required and how it is calculated are defined by the relevant authority and are subject to revision, we avoid stating a fixed figure here.

  • The experience must be genuinely managerial or executive, not merely technical.
  • The relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. company must be clearly established.
  • Title, duration, and responsibilities must be thoroughly documented.

To learn the current minimum period and how it applies to your situation, verify the requirements at the official source (USCIS) or consult a specialist before filing.

Learn more about EB-1

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1

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.

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How many years of work abroad does the EB-1C require?

The EB-1C requires a minimum period of managerial or executive experience abroad, within a recent window before the petition. Confirm the current period directly with USCIS.

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