Was the rumor that the U.S. branch is just an ’empty room’ a ground for denial?

A rumor that the U.S. branch is ‘just an empty room’ is not, by itself, grounds for denial. In EB-1, what matters is whether the operation in the United States is genuine, not whether a physical space looks impressive in isolation.

When reviewing cases involving a branch or office in the country, the immigration authority examines the soundness and authenticity of the operation: its structure, capacity to function, and above all, the reality of the activities carried out. An entity that exists only on paper, with no real economic activity, is what tends to create problems.

• Document the company’s formation and its organizational structure.
• Demonstrate real and ongoing economic activity.
• Keep records that prove actual operations, not just a formal presence.

In other words, the focus is not on the size of the room, but on the legitimacy of the business. To build a compliant structure and gather the right evidence, it is worth consulting a specialist and reviewing the latest guidance from USCIS.

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.