I was a co-founder and CTO but did not manage people. Does EB-1C still apply?

U.S. visa categories can seem complicated, but it’s important to analyze the specific characteristics of each to find the one that best fits your profile. The EB-1 visa, for example, covers different subcategories, each with specific criteria and detailed requirements.

In the case of EB-1C, the focus is on executives or managers who have performed leadership roles in running a company outside the United States and are seeking to assume a similar role in a branch or subsidiary in the U.S. If you acted as co-founder and CTO but did not have people management responsibilities, it is likely that this experience does not meet the criteria required by EB-1C.

This category requires that the applicant held an executive or managerial position, proving they made strategic decisions and led teams or departments, which can be an important differentiator for the approval of this type of visa. However, even if the CTO experience did not involve direct supervision of teams, in some cases, other evidence of leadership and extraordinary performance can be considered in other visa categories, such as EB-1A.

It is worth noting that complying with U.S. immigration laws is fundamental. Therefore, it is essential that you seek guidance from experienced and specialized professionals in the immigration field so that your situation is analyzed in detail and the most appropriate strategy is defined. This way, you avoid falling for miracle promises, scams, or marketing campaigns that offer easy solutions without guaranteeing results.

Remember that each case is unique, and a complete analysis of your professional history and the functions performed is crucial to identify the best visa option. Prioritize strict compliance with immigration regulations and the search for accurate information from reliable sources to conduct your immigration journey safely and informed.

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.