I am a vice president abroad, but the company in the USA is smaller. Am I still considered a manager?

When it comes to the EB-1 visa, especially in the EB-1C category aimed at executives and managers, it is essential to clearly demonstrate that you play a leadership role in the company, regardless of the size disparity between the foreign operation and the U.S. unit.

In your case, even though you are a vice president abroad and working in a company in the U.S. considered smaller, what matters for the evaluation is the nature and responsibilities of the position you hold. If you have managerial duties, such as making strategic decisions, overseeing teams or departments, and influencing the company’s direction, these elements can characterize you as a manager.

Immigration authorities assess several factors, such as autonomy, decision-making power, and the scope of influence your role entails, not just the title or size of the operation in the country. Support your position with robust evidence, such as organizational charts showing your relationship within the hierarchical structure, detailed job descriptions, performance reports, and documents evidencing ongoing interaction between the foreign headquarters and the U.S. subsidiary.

These materials can help demonstrate that even with a smaller company in the U.S., you perform essential administrative and managerial functions crucial to the group’s operation and growth.

Remember that strict compliance with U.S. immigration laws is fundamental. It is recommended to consult reliable sources and professionals specialized in the field to ensure every detail is properly considered, avoiding the risks of inaccurate information or proposals that seem too good to be true. Ensuring proper understanding and compliance with the requirements can make all the difference in the success of the immigration process.

I hope this information helps clarify your doubt and guides the next steps in analyzing your situation.

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.