How long does the EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive take?

End to end, the EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive typically takes 6 to 18 months. Preparing a complete application (4 stages) usually takes around 14 months; the rest is government processing, which varies with caseload and country of application.

What slows down EB-1C applications?

The most common delays are incomplete evidence triggering requests for more information, missing or expired documents (police certificates and medicals have validity windows), and backlogs at specific processing offices. Filing a decision-ready application is the single biggest controllable factor.

Can I speed up the EB-1C?

You cannot skip the queue in most cases, but you can avoid adding to it: submit complete evidence the first time, respond to requests immediately, and keep documents valid. Some categories offer premium or priority processing — check the official government page for current options.

🇺🇸 United States · EB-1C

EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive: Processing time

Typical end-to-end timeline: 6–18 months. Here is where that time actually goes, stage by stage.

Typical processing time

6–18 months

from first preparation to final decision

Government processing times move with caseload. Check the official processing-time page for the current published estimate — our platform tracks these automatically.

The 4 stages of a EB-1C application

1
Establish Qualifying Corporate Relationship
≈ 14 days
Document the corporate relationship between the US and foreign entities (parent, subsidiary, affiliate). Gather organizational charts, ownership records, and corporate documents.
2
Document Employment History Abroad
≈ 21 days
Prepare documentation showing 1+ year of managerial/executive employment abroad in the past 3 years. Include employment contracts, HR letters, org charts, and job descriptions.
3
Employer Prepares and Files I-140
≈ 30 days
The US employer files the I-140 petition with evidence of the qualifying relationship, your employment history, and the proposed managerial/executive US position. No PERM is required.
Form: I-140
4
Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
≈ 365 days
Once the I-140 is approved and priority date is current, file I-485 for Adjustment of Status in the US or pursue consular processing at a US embassy.
Form: I-485

See also: full requirements and what the EB-1C costs.

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The 4 stages of a EB-1C application

Establish Qualifying Corporate Relationship

≈ 14 days

Document the corporate relationship between the US and foreign entities (parent, subsidiary, affiliate). Gather organizational charts, ownership records, and corporate documents.

Document Employment History Abroad

≈ 21 days

Prepare documentation showing 1+ year of managerial/executive employment abroad in the past 3 years. Include employment contracts, HR letters, org charts, and job descriptions.

Employer Prepares and Files I-140

≈ 30 days

The US employer files the I-140 petition with evidence of the qualifying relationship, your employment history, and the proposed managerial/executive US position. No PERM is required.

Form: I-140

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

≈ 365 days

Once the I-140 is approved and priority date is current, file I-485 for Adjustment of Status in the US or pursue consular processing at a US embassy.

Form: I-485