My position abroad was ‘Country Manager’ for 2 years; the American subsidiary recently opened. What are the chances for EB-1C?

Let’s start by saying that the EB-1C is a visa category aimed at executives and managers who work for multinational companies and intend to establish or transfer their positions to a subsidiary in the United States. This immigration path requires demonstrating that you held an executive or managerial position abroad and that the company has a qualified relationship with the new entity located in the U.S.

In your case, the position of Country Manager is generally considered a leadership role, which is favorable for this type of visa. However, some aspects tend to be decisive for success in the process, especially when the American subsidiary is in its early stages. U.S. immigration requires that the operation in the U.S. be substantially established and have the necessary structure to conduct business activities independently, including a well-defined growth and operations plan.

In cases of newly opened offices, these requirements may demand additional evidence – such as financial statements, business plans, commercial contracts, among others – to prove the viability and robustness of the operation. Another important point is that the relationship between the parent company abroad and the subsidiary in the United States must be clear and well documented to demonstrate that you will indeed carry out a managerial or executive function in the U.S. as well.

Even though your history as a Country Manager is relevant, it is essential that all corporate ties and the organizational hierarchy are consistently evidenced in the documents submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is worth noting that each case has particularities that can influence the process outcome. For this reason, it is vital to act in compliance with U.S. immigration laws, seek advice from professionals or specialized companies, and be very careful with offers that promise guaranteed results or miraculous solutions.

A detailed analysis of the business, organizational structure, and supporting documents is indispensable to increase the chances of success in the petition. Therefore, although the title of Country Manager may be compatible with the EB-1C requirements, the approval chance depends on several factors, mainly the company’s ability to demonstrate a stable and viable operation of the American subsidiary, even if it was recently opened.

Each case is unique, and a complete review of all documentation and corporate situation is essential to properly assess the possibilities within this visa category.

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.