My company abroad was unimember (I am the sole owner). Does EB-1C work?

The EB-1C visa was created to allow the transfer of executives and managers from multinational companies to the United States. In general terms, it requires that the applicant perform executive or managerial functions in a company outside the U.S. and that, for at least one year in the three years prior to the petition, have acted in this capacity for an organization that has a qualified relationship with the U.S. entity – whether through a subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.

This type of visa is especially aimed at candidates who work within organizational structures with significant and hierarchical operations where the leadership role is defined by a clear division of responsibilities and authority.

In the specific case where your company abroad is a unimember entity – meaning a single-owner company – some aspects need to be carefully analyzed. The EB-1C requires that the corporate structure demonstrate that the candidate held executive or managerial roles within a multinational company that maintains consistent and substantial operations in other countries, establishing the necessary link to a company in the United States.

A unimember company may face challenges in evidencing this robust multinational structure, since the concentration of ownership and the lack of a division of functions may, in many cases, make it difficult to characterize the position as genuinely executive or managerial according to U.S. immigration criteria.

In any case, each situation has particularities. Elements such as the organizational structure, details of the international operation, and the manner in which functions are performed directly impact the case evaluation. Therefore, it is very important to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws and consult reliable sources before making any decisions.

Additionally, seek guidance from specialized professionals – guarding against risks of misleading information or campaigns with miraculous promises – so your analysis is conducted safely and within legal parameters. Whenever facing questions related to visas and immigration strategies, rely on thorough research and qualified specialists in the field. This approach helps avoid unpleasant surprises and ensures all information is aligned with current rules and regulations.

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.