I don’t speak English, but the company wants me as a manager. EB-1C?

The EB-1C is the green card category for multinational executives and managers transferred to a U.S. company that is connected (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate) to the one where they worked abroad. The focus is on your leadership track record, not the language you speak.

Not speaking English alone does not disqualify you: language fluency is not a legal requirement of this category. If the company can demonstrate that you have the managerial experience and capability for the role, language is not a direct barrier to the process.

In practice, however, English tends to make day-to-day life easier. It is worth keeping in mind that:

• Official documents and procedures in the U.S. are in English and may require translation.
• Workplace communication generally calls for some command of the language.
• Social and professional adjustment is smoother with English skills.

In short, leadership experience is the central criterion; language helps with integration, but does not determine eligibility. Because the requirements are rigorous, verify the current criteria at the official source (USCIS) or with a qualified specialist.

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.