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In the EB-1C, do I need to stay 1 year at the American branch before applying?

For the EB-1C, 1 year in an executive position outside the U.S. is required; prior work at the American branch before application is not necessary.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on April 8, 2025
2 min read
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The EB-1C visa is intended for executives and managers who are transferred to a branch or subsidiary in the United States, allowing the multinational company to bring highly qualified professionals to contribute to its American operations. One of the main requirements is that the candidate has worked in a managerial or executive position outside the United States for at least one year during the last three years (or two years, depending on the company structure).

Thus, the necessary experience is acquired abroad, not in the United States. Therefore, there is no requirement that the candidate must have worked for one year at the American branch before applying for the EB-1C. The central rule is that the professional proves significant managerial or executive experience in the company outside the U.S., demonstrating that the transfer to the country will occur for a similar role.

It is important to remember that each case can have particularities, and the interpretation of the rules may vary according to the specific situation of the company and the candidate. If you are considering applying for the EB-1C, it is essential to strictly follow United States immigration laws. It is recommended to seek information from official sources and be cautious with companies or marketing campaigns that promise results without a solid legal basis, as scams and inaccurate information can jeopardize the whole process.

Staying well-informed and consulting specialists can help in preparing an appropriate application in compliance with the guidelines established by the U.S. government.

Learn more about EB-1 Visa

Category
EB-1 Green Card (1st priority)
Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Self-petition
Allowed (no sponsor needed)
Processing
6-18 months
All about EB-1 Visa
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.

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In the EB-1C, do I need to stay 1 year at the American branch before applying?

For the EB-1C, 1 year in an executive position outside the U.S. is required; prior work at the American branch before application is not necessary.

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