Non-consecutive time as a manager abroad. Does it count?

Yes, it can count. Periods spent as a manager outside the country do not need to form a single, uninterrupted block to factor into the EB-1 analysis: what is evaluated is the substance of the leadership experience, not just the calendar. That said, each period must be clearly characterized and well documented.

When building this part of the case, the goal is to show that you genuinely performed relevant managerial functions. It helps to gather:

• A description of your responsibilities and decision-making authority in each role.
• The size and nature of the teams or departments under your supervision.
• Letters, organizational charts, and records confirming the period and your duties.

Periods interspersed with other roles are not automatically disqualified, but the way you document continuity and relevance makes a difference in how the overall picture is read. Because the qualifying period and exact criteria are defined by the authority and assessed on a case-by-case basis, avoid locking yourself into fixed formulas: confirm current requirements with USCIS and, if possible, review how your background fits 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.