For executives and managers
L-1A, EB-1C, EB-1A and O-1A for executives and managers
Most executives either move within a global company or qualify on their own record. Here is which route fits, the main hurdle for each, and the evidence leaders usually have.
Last checked October 2026 · Sources
- EB-1C time abroad
- 1 year in the last 3
- EB-1C labor certification
- Not needed
- L-1A longest stay
- 7 years
- EB-1C or EB-1A legal fee from
- $8,995
Quick answer
Which visa or green card fits an executive or manager?
Executives usually compare four routes. L-1A (a work visa) and EB-1C (a green card) are for managers and executives moving within a company that has a related office abroad. EB-1A (a green card) and O-1A (a work visa) are based on your own record, such as a leading role and high pay. None is automatic.
- EB-1C needs 1 year as a manager or executive with a related company abroad. It must fall in the 3 years before filing, or before you entered the US.
- L-1A needs 1 continuous year with a related company abroad, in the 3 years before admission. The US job must be managerial or executive.
- EB-1C needs no labor certification (8 CFR 204.5(j)(5)).
- EB-1A lets you file for yourself, with no employer.
- Your title alone does not decide anything. Your actual duties and results do.
Compare routes
L-1A vs EB-1C vs EB-1A vs O-1A for executives
The fit column is practical guidance. A partner-firm attorney confirms what fits your case.
| Route | What you get | Fit for executives | Key hurdle | Our legal fee from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L-1A | Work visa. Up to 3 years at first, 7 years in total. 1 year at first for a new US office. | Your company is moving you to a US parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate | 1 continuous year abroad with the related company in the 3 years before admission. That year can be managerial, executive or specialized knowledge. The US role must be managerial or executive. | Quoted on request |
| EB-1C | Green card, no labor certification | You manage or direct at a multinational, and the US company has done business for at least 1 year | Duties must be primarily managerial or executive. A US branch that is not a separate legal entity cannot file. Someone coming to open a new office does not qualify. | $8,995 |
| EB-1A | Green card, you can file for yourself | Documented acclaim in business, not tied to one employer | A major award or 3 of 10 criteria, then a review of your whole record | $8,995 |
| O-1A | Work visa, up to 3 years at first | Strong record, need to work soon, no related company abroad | A US employer or agent must file. A major award or 3 of 8 criteria, plus an advisory opinion. | $6,999 flat |
Sources: USCIS L-1A page (updated 08/31/2026), 8 CFR 204.5(j) and the USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 6, Part F, Ch. 4. As of October 2026, premium processing (Form I-907) is 45 business days for EB-1C and 15 business days for EB-1A, L-1 and O-1 (USCIS). Legal fees are the partner firm’s fees. Government fees are separate. See pricing.
Your evidence
Typical executive evidence, and what it can support
Practical guidance on where leadership work usually fits. What counts in your case is decided on your documents.
| What executives often have | What it can support | What it must show |
|---|---|---|
| Org charts and job descriptions showing who reports to you | L-1A and EB-1C managerial or executive capacity | You primarily manage or direct. A first-line supervisor is not a manager unless the people supervised are professionals (8 CFR 204.5(j)(4)(i)). |
| Running a key function with staff who do the hands-on work | L-1A and EB-1C as a function manager | You manage the function rather than perform it. Staff size is judged by the business’s reasonable needs, not a head count. |
| Leading a company, division or turnaround | EB-1A leading or critical role; O-1A critical or essential capacity | Your performance in the role, not the title, and an organization with a distinguished reputation |
| Salary, bonus and equity | EB-1A and O-1A high salary | Pay that is high compared with others in your field and location |
| A strategy, product or business model others adopted | EB-1A and O-1A original business-related contributions | Major significance to the field, shown by outside proof of impact |
| Press profiles about you, judging business awards | EB-1A and O-1A published material and judging | Articles about you and your work, and proof you actually judged others |
Sources: 8 CFR 204.5(h)(3), 8 CFR 214.2(o)(3)(iii), and the Policy Manual, Vol. 6, Part F, Ch. 2 (title vs performance) and Ch. 4 (function managers, staffing).
Get started
Where executives usually start
-
Check the company link
Is the US company the parent, a subsidiary or an affiliate of your employer abroad? For EB-1C, a US branch that is not a separate legal entity cannot offer the job.
-
Count your time abroad
Find one full year abroad with the related company in the 3 years before your transfer or filing. For EB-1C, it must be as a manager or executive.
-
Describe your real duties
Write what you do each week and who does the hands-on work. This matters more than your title.
-
Audit your personal record
List press, awards, judging, pay and results. This shows whether EB-1A or O-1A is also open to you.
-
Choose the route with an attorney
Practical guidance: L-1A now and EB-1C later is a common plan. See EB-1C for multinational managers. A partner-firm attorney decides what fits your case.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Yes, an L-1 holder may seek permanent residence while in L-1 status (8 CFR 214.2(l)(16)). EB-1C is the usual route for managers and executives who meet its rules. EB-1A is another if your record qualifies.
L-1A is a temporary work visa, up to 7 years in total. EB-1C is a green card. Both need a year abroad with a related company, and the employer files both. For EB-1C, that year must be as a manager or executive. For L-1A, it can also be in a specialized knowledge role (8 CFR 214.2(l)(3)(iv)).
Not right away. The Policy Manual says people coming to open a new office are not eligible for EB-1C. The US employer must have done business for at least 1 year before filing. A partner-firm attorney can check when you may qualify.
No. 8 CFR 204.5(j)(5) says no labor certification is required. Your US employer must give a job offer statement that describes your managerial or executive duties.
There is no set number. USCIS looks at the reasonable needs of the organization in light of its purpose and stage. A function manager can qualify without supervising a large team.
Yes. EB-1A covers extraordinary ability in business, and you can file for yourself. You need a major award or 3 of 10 criteria. Then USCIS weighs your whole record.
See which executive route fits your record
Upload your resume and see your standing on each EB-1A and O-1A criterion. For L-1A and EB-1C, a partner-firm attorney reviews your company structure and duties.
Sources · checked October 2026
- 8 CFR 204.5(h), (j) (Cornell LII; checked against the eCFR API, current to 2026-09-21)
- 8 CFR 214.2(l)(16) and (o)(3)(iii) (Cornell LII)
- USCIS, L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager (updated 08/31/2026)
- USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 6, Part F, Ch. 4, Multinational Executive or Manager (current as of Oct. 2, 2026)
- USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 6, Part F, Ch. 2, Extraordinary Ability
- USCIS, How Do I Request Premium Processing? (updated 03/23/2026)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; a partner-firm attorney confirms what applies to you before anything is filed.
