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I am a CEO, but the company is inactive abroad. Does EB-1C apply?

The EB-1C visa requires continuous managerial involvement in an active company; an inactive company abroad makes approval difficult. Specialized analysis and avoiding unfounded promises are recommended.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on December 6, 2025
2 min read
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The EB-1C visa is intended for executives and managers of multinational companies who wish to transfer to a branch, subsidiary, or headquarters in the United States. Essentially, this immigration benefit requires the applicant to prove effective and continuous involvement in a company conducting real and sustainable business activities both abroad and in the United States.

In your case, as a CEO of a company that is inactive abroad, it is likely that you will face difficulties meeting the requirements of the EB-1C. This is because, to demonstrate eligibility for this visa, it is essential to present evidence that the company is actively operating, with a proven history of business operations, managerial structure, and a continuous flow of activities.

The absence of effective operations can make it difficult to prove that you perform a continuous managerial or executive role that translates into a demand for services in the American market. Furthermore, it is important to remember that U.S. immigration laws are quite strict and the criteria are applied in detail.

Therefore, seeking a thorough analysis of your case with specialists in the field is a recommended practice. Qualified professionals can guide you on alternatives and the necessary documentation so you can realistically assess your situation regarding the EB-1C visa. Also avoid falling for promises of quick solutions or marketing campaigns that guarantee results; the immigration process requires transparency, security, and compliance with all laws and regulations.

In short, if the company is inactive, it may not meet the necessary criteria for EB-1C, since this visa presupposes the existence of a functioning business structure and the demonstration of a continuous executive or managerial role. Thus, the best approach is to seek specialized consulting that can review your situation in detail and advise on possibilities within the context of immigration to the United States.

Learn more about EB-1 Visa

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

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I am a CEO, but the company is inactive abroad. Does EB-1C apply?

The EB-1C visa requires continuous managerial involvement in an active company; an inactive company abroad makes approval difficult. Specialized analysis and avoiding unfounded promises are recommended.

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