My overseas role had no personnel supervision, but I set policies. Does that qualify as ‘function manager’ under EB-1?

It may. In the EB-1 category for executives and managers, managerial capacity is not limited to supervising staff. A function manager is someone who directs an essential function or component of the organization, not necessarily people, which leaves room for your situation.

If your duties included defining strategic policies and guidelines with broad impact on the company’s direction, there are arguments to classify the role as managerial even without direct personnel supervision. What matters most is the nature of the influence you exercised over processes, structure, and key decisions.

In practice, this classification depends heavily on how the role is described and documented. The analysis of job functions for immigration purposes involves a detailed interpretation of duties and responsibilities, supported by evidence that demonstrates this strategic role.

Since each case is evaluated individually, consult the official USCIS guidance and consider reviewing your job description with a specialist before filing.

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.