I held managerial roles abroad in separate periods. Does that count for the EB-1C?

Having held managerial roles abroad in separate periods can count toward the EB-1C, the EB-1 category for multinational executives and managers, but the answer is not simply about adding up months. U.S. immigration looks at the nature and consistency of that experience, not just the total time recorded on paper.

There is a minimum qualifying period of managerial service abroad, with the same company or a related entity, required before the transfer. What often creates confusion is how that period is counted when the experience was fragmented or interrupted. Factors such as continuity, employment relationship, and the role actually performed all factor into the evaluation.

For that reason, avoid treating your situation as a straightforward calculation. What matters is being able to demonstrate, with solid documentation, that your managerial history meets the category’s requirements. Consider gathering:

• Letters and company records describing your title and responsibilities.
• Documents showing your employment relationship and the duration of each period.
• Evidence of the relationship between the overseas company and the one in the United States.

Because the qualifying period count depends on the specifics of your history, verify the current requirements with USCIS or an immigration specialist before filing.

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.