The EB-1C Green Card is a Green Card category for multinational executives and managers seeking permanent residency in the United States. This category is part of the EB-1 employment-based immigration process, which is generally favorable because it does not require a labor certification and often has faster processing times compared to other Green Card categories.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the EB-1C Green Card, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria:
1. Employment Offer:
- The applicant must have a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer that is a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the foreign company that employed them abroad.
2. Qualifying Experience:
- The applicant must have worked outside the U.S. for at least one year within the last three years in a managerial or executive capacity. The applicant must have held a position that involved:
- Managerial Capacity: Managing a department, subdivision, or other function of the organization, including supervising and controlling the work of other supervisory, professional, or managerial employees.
- Executive Capacity: Directing the management of the organization or a major component or function, establishing goals and policies, and exercising wide latitude in discretionary decision-making.
3. Qualifying Relationship:
- There must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign employer and the U.S. employer. Common relationships include:
- Parent company
- Subsidiary
- Affiliate (companies with at least 50% common ownership)
Documentation Requirements
When filing for an EB-1C Green Card, specific documentation must be included to establish eligibility:
1. Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker):
- The U.S. employer must complete and submit Form I-140 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Supporting Evidence:
- Company Documents: Evidence of the relationship between the U.S. and foreign employers, such as corporate structure charts, financial statements, and tax returns.
- Employment Letters:
Letters from both the foreign and U.S. employers detailing the job titles, responsibilities, and terms of employment.
- Job Descriptions: Detailed descriptions of the managerial or executive roles held abroad and the position being offered in the U.S.
- Proof of Employment:
Pay stubs, tax returns, and employment contracts that verify the applicant's employment history and responsibilities.
- Organizational Chart:
An organizational chart that illustrates the applicant's position within the company structure.
- Evidence of Employment Duration:
Documentation showing the applicant's continuous employment in a managerial or executive role for at least one year within the last three years.
Potential Challenges
- Documentation Completeness: Inadequate or incomplete documentation can lead to delays or denials. It's essential to provide thorough and clear evidence.
- Employer Relationship Verification: USCIS may scrutinize the qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign employers, so it's crucial to present clear evidence.
- Proof of Managerial/Executive Capacity:
Applicants must clearly demonstrate that their role in the foreign company meets the managerial or executive criteria.
- Changes in Employment:
Any changes in employment status, role, or employer during the process can complicate the application and may require filing amendments.
The EB-1C Green Card process is a valuable pathway for multinational executives and managers seeking permanent residency in the U.S.