EB-1C: Direct Permanent Residence Through Purchase of US Company

The EB-1C category offers a path to permanent residence for qualified managers and executives. This guide outlines the key requirements, process, and benefits of the EB-1C visa.

EB-1C Requirements

To qualify for an EB-1C green card, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Employment as a manager or executive outside the US for at least one year in the last three years

2. Transfer to a US company that is a subsidiary, parent, or affiliate of the foreign company

3. The US company must have been doing business for at least one year

4. The US company must be substantial, with employees and sufficient profit to pay the transferee's salary

EB-1C Process and Timeline

The EB-1C process involves the following steps:

1. Establish or purchase a qualifying US company

2. File an I-140 petition with USCIS

3. Optionally use Premium Processing for faster adjudication

4. If approved, proceed with adjustment of status or consular processing

The EB-1C processing time can vary, but with Premium Processing, USCIS guarantees a 15-day turnaround for the I-140 petition.

Key EB-1C Criteria

• Managerial or executive capacity in both foreign and US positions

• Qualifying relationship between foreign and US companies

• US company's ability to support the transferee's position

• Intention to continue managerial or executive role in the US

Benefits of EB-1C Green Card

• Direct path to permanent residence without labor certification

• Ability to fast-track the process through Premium Processing

• Option to purchase an existing US company to meet requirements

• Flexibility for multinational companies to transfer key personnel

Important Considerations

• The connection between the foreign and US companies must exist at the time of filing

• The US company must be substantial and capable of supporting the transferee's position

• Careful documentation of the applicant's managerial or executive role is crucial

By leveraging the EB-1C category, multinational companies can efficiently transfer key personnel to their US operations while providing them with a direct path to permanent residence.