If my company won’t cooperate with the EB-1C, can I self-petition?

Unfortunately, no. The EB-1C is built around the relationship between you and the multinational company, which means the petition must be filed by the employer offering the position in the United States. There is no self-petition option in this category.

This is because the EB-1C itself relies on elements that only the company can document: the corporate ties between the overseas operation and the U.S. entity, the organizational structure, and the managerial or executive nature of the role. Without the company filing the petition, the foundation of the case is missing.

If your employer won’t cooperate, the typical path forward is to explore other options. Within the EB-1 category itself, for example:

• The EB-1A, for individuals with extraordinary ability, allows self-petition and does not depend on an employer, though it requires strong evidence of recognition in your field.

Since the best alternative depends on your specific profile, it is worth checking the most current requirements at the official source (USCIS) and reviewing your options 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.