My foreign company was sold, but I still manage the operation as a subcontractor. EB-1C?

The EB-1C visa is intended for executives and managers who have been transferred from a foreign company to a branch or subsidiary in the United States. Generally, eligibility requires that the applicant has held executive or managerial roles for at least one year within the three years prior to the petition, as well as maintaining a clear corporate relationship between the foreign company and the one established in the U.S.

In your case, the fact that your foreign company was sold may imply a change in the corporate structure, which is fundamental for the EB-1C. Even if you still manage the operations as a subcontractor, it is necessary to demonstrate that you held (or hold) a high-level management or executive position involving decisive responsibilities and control over the operation.

The role as a subcontractor, in some contexts, may not reflect the autonomy and managerial power normally required for this visa category, especially if the relationship between the companies does not meet the criteria of ‘branch or subsidiary’ required by U.S. immigration rules.

Each case has its particularities, and factors such as the continuity of the relationship between the companies, the level of authority exercised, and the ownership or control link are analyzed in detail by immigration authorities. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the supporting documentation clearly shows the structure of the corporate relationship before and after the sale, as well as that you hold a consistent leadership role with autonomy and decisive responsibility.

We remind you that strictly following U.S. immigration laws is essential, in addition to seeking guidance from specialized and reliable sources. Avoid offers that guarantee quick results or that are not backed by detailed legal analysis, as these can often be traps that do not comply with the legal requirements.

If there are doubts about eligibility or the best strategy for your case, the ideal is to seek a detailed evaluation with a qualified specialist in this area.

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.