In the EB-1C, how do a spouse and children join the process?

In the EB-1C, the green card pathway for multinational executives and managers, a spouse and minor children may accompany the principal applicant as derivative beneficiaries. That means they do not need a separate case based on their own abilities or position: they are tied to the principal petition.

Which official form each dependent completes depends on the route the case follows, and that distinction is what matters:

• Adjustment of status: when the dependents are already in the United States and it is possible to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.
• Consular processing: when they are abroad and the application goes through a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Each of these routes has its own official form and set of requirements. Because the names, versions, and requirements of those forms change frequently, the safest approach is to confirm which one applies to your case directly from the official source, rather than relying on lists that may be outdated.

We recommend checking the current forms and guidance from the official sources (USCIS and the Department of State) and, if possible, reviewing the assembly of the dependents’ case with an immigration 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.