Do functional managers need direct reports?

Not necessarily. In the context of the L-1, what characterizes a functional manager is not the number of direct reports, but the effective exercise of managerial authority over a function, a project, or a relevant area of the company.

Traditionally, the managerial role was associated with direct supervision of a team. The reality of organizations, however, does not always follow that model. A professional may make strategic decisions, set goals, and direct significant operations without formally leading a group of employees.

Immigration authorities assess the nature of the position. Among the points commonly examined are:

• Authority to allocate resources and set priorities.
• Decision-making power over significant goals, operations, or projects.
• Coordination of cross-functional teams or indirect supervision, when applicable.

The decisive factor is demonstrating, through clear documentation of the organizational structure and chain of command, that the role is genuinely managerial or executive. Since every company is organized differently, it is worth gathering solid evidence and reviewing the updated L-1 requirements with USCIS or a qualified 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.