My employer abroad has 10 employees and the U.S. branch has 5. Can I apply for the EB-1C?

The EB-1C transfers executives and managers from multinational companies to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the United States. It does not set a minimum headcount as a requirement, so lean teams — such as a workforce abroad and a smaller one in the U.S. — do not automatically disqualify the category.

What truly matters is the strength of the corporate arrangement and your role:

• A qualifying corporate relationship between the foreign and U.S. entities (parent and branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
• Both entities genuinely active in business on a consistent basis.
• Your executive or managerial capacity for the required period prior to the transfer.

Even with small teams, the focus is on the structure and the tie between the companies. It is worth confirming updated requirements at the official source (USCIS) and evaluating your case with a 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.