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I am a CEO and have not yet completed the required overseas work period for the EB-1. What should I do?

If the required overseas work period for the EB-1 executive and manager category is not yet complete, the requirement typically must be fulfilled in full; confirm the details with USCIS.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 20, 2026
1 min read
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In the EB-1 category for executives and managers of multinational companies, one of the evaluated points is the overseas work period in a managerial position within a recent window. When that time has not been fully fulfilled, the general rule is that the requirement must be met in full, with no gaps in the dates.

There is no guaranteed shortcut to make up for the missing time: officers review the continuity and consistency of your history with rigor. For that reason, documentation must demonstrate the experience precisely and transparently.

  • Verify exactly what period the category requires, from the official source.
  • Consider completing the required time before filing a petition.
  • Assess whether other elements of your profile can strengthen the case.

Since every situation has its own particularities, the safest approach is to confirm the updated requirements with USCIS and review your case with 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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I am a CEO and have not yet completed the required overseas work period for the EB-1. What should I do?

If the required overseas work period for the EB-1 executive and manager category is not yet complete, the requirement typically must be fulfilled in full; confirm the details with USCIS.

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