In EB-1C, if I am a minority shareholder but serve as CEO, is that enough?

In the EB-1C category, being a minority shareholder is not, in itself, an obstacle. This category was designed for high-level executives and managers of multinational companies who move to lead a parent, branch, or subsidiary in the United States, and the focus of the analysis is the function actually performed, not the ownership percentage.

Holding the title of CEO helps, but the title alone does not decide the case. You must demonstrate that you genuinely drive strategy, oversee operations, and make meaningful decisions, meaning your executive role is substantive and not merely nominal.

• Organizational charts that position your role at the top of the structure.
• Job descriptions, reports, and decisions that establish real leadership.
• Evidence of the connection between the foreign company and the U.S. entity.

The minimum qualifying managerial experience abroad and the exact format required are criteria that vary, so avoid relying on figures from memory. Confirm the current requirements with USCIS and evaluate your ownership structure with a specialist before filing.

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Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

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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.