Getting a green card through employment can feel complicated. Two popular options stand out for high achievers. The EB-1A extraordinary ability visa and the EB-1C multinational manager visa both lead to permanent residency. But they work very differently.The EB-1A vs EB-1C decision matters because choosing wrong wastes time and money. Some people qualify for both.
The EB-1A visa targets individuals with extraordinary abilities across diverse fields including arts, sciences, business, athletics, and education. You don't need a job offer. You can apply yourself.The EB-1C visa specifically serves multinational managers and executives transferring to US operations. Your company must sponsor you. You need work history with that company abroad.
Most people prefer self petitioning. But not everyone qualifies. The EB-1A allows for self petition without requiring employer sponsorship or a job offer. That's huge for entrepreneurs and independent professionals.The EB-1C demands a job offer from a US branch of the multinational company where you worked. Your employer controls the process.
To demonstrate extraordinary ability, you must provide evidence meeting at least three of ten specified criteria. These include major awards, published articles about your work, judging others' work, original contributions, high salary, and membership in elite organizations.Think Nobel Prize level? Not necessarily. The EB-1A typically requires meeting at least three of USCIS's listed criteria, which could include articles written about your work, groundbreaking contributions, or peer evaluation invitations.
The evidence matters more than titles. A tech founder with venture funding and press coverage could qualify. A researcher with published papers and citations works too.Recent data shows the EB-1A denial rate increased to roughly 23.3 percent, with USCIS applying tougher standards and demanding stronger evidence. Applications need careful preparation.
The EB-1C requires at least one year of managerial or executive experience with the foreign company within the three years preceding the application. Not just any employee qualifies. You must manage people or essential company functions.The related US company must have been actively doing business for at least one year before filing the EB-1C petition. Startups need patience. New branches can't file immediately.
Your role abroad and in the US must both be managerial or executive. USCIS evaluates EB-1C applications more strictly than L-1A visas, though both require managerial or executive capacity.Small companies can sponsor EB-1C petitions. Size doesn't matter if you truly manage operations or people.
Premium processing guarantees action within 15 days for EB-1A applications and 45 days for EB-1C, with a fee of $2,805. Regular processing takes longer.Interest in EB-1A applications exploded with a 56 percent increase in just the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2025. More competition means stronger applications needed.
EB-1C applications generally end up faster compared to other employment based green card categories because applicants are exempt from PERM labor certification. No testing the labor market saves months.Both categories skip PERM. That's a massive advantage over EB-2 and EB-3 visas.
Filing fees and premium processing for EB-1 categories typically range from $2,330 per person for adjustment of status, with work permits costing about $260.Legal fees for hiring an immigration attorney range from $9,000 to $19,500 depending on case complexity, with employers sometimes covering costs for EB-1C.EB-1A costs fall entirely on you. EB-1C costs usually get paid by your employer. Factor that into your decision.
Beyond Border specializes in EB-1A and EB-1C applications with a focus on business immigration. The firm guarantees one month processing times for many cases and maintains a 98 percent approval rate. Their pricing remains transparent and competitive. What sets Beyond Border apart is personalized attention and strategic case development. They work with entrepreneurs, executives, and extraordinary ability candidates globally.
Ready to start your EB-1A or EB-1C application? Beyond Border offers free consultations to assess your eligibility and develop a winning strategy.
Fragomen provides comprehensive immigration solutions for individuals and families globally, recognized as a top immigration services provider in many major markets. The firm operates 60 plus offices worldwide. They serve Fortune 500 companies and high net worth individuals. Pricing tends toward the premium end. Their strength lies in complex corporate immigration programs and compliance.
Established in 1980, BAL powers human achievement through immigration expertise with 12 offices across the United States and global coverage in more than 185 countries. The firm uses innovative technology platforms. They specialize in corporate clients needing workforce mobility strategies. BAL operates as a single entity through its oneBAL culture with one team, one brand, one standard of excellence. Fees reflect their premium positioning.
Boundless simplifies immigration through innovative software and expert legal guidance, maintaining extremely high success rates through rigorous quality assurance. The platform works best for family based immigration. Boundless charges $750 for online green card application support services including attorney review. They focus on making immigration affordable through technology. Less suitable for complex EB-1A or EB-1C cases requiring extensive documentation strategy.
WR Immigration has been ranked in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms in Immigration Law representing the top 4 percent of the industry. Established in 1986 by AILA past president Bernie Wolfsdorf, WR Immigration provides strategic client centered services with ISO 27001 2022 Certification. They handle business immigration for companies with diverse workforces. Six offices are regionally ranked including Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland, San Diego and San Francisco.
Pick EB-1A if you want independence. No employer control. No job offer needed. Perfect for entrepreneurs, artists, scientists, and business leaders with strong achievements.Choose EB-1C if you work for a multinational company that will sponsor you. You need that foreign work experience. The company must have operations in both countries.Some people qualify for both. Then costs and timing drive the decision. EB-1A gives you freedom to change jobs immediately. EB-1C ties you to the sponsoring employer at least initially.
1.What is the main difference between EB-1A and EB-1C visas?
The EB-1A allows self petitioning based on extraordinary ability without requiring employer sponsorship, while the EB-1C requires company sponsorship for multinational managers and executives with prior foreign work experience.
2.Can I apply for both EB-1A and EB-1C simultaneously?
Yes, you can file both applications if you qualify for each category, though this requires meeting distinct requirements and typically involves separate legal fees and filing costs for each petition.
3.Which visa has better approval rates EB-1A or EB-1C?
The EB-1A currently shows a denial rate around 23.3 percent with stricter scrutiny, while EB-1C typically maintains more stable approval rates though exact 2024 data remains limited.
4.How long does EB-1A processing take compared to EB-1C?
Both visa categories offer premium processing with 15 day decisions for EB-1A and 45 day decisions for EB-1C when paying the $2,805 premium processing fee.
5.Do I need a lawyer for EB-1A or EB-1C applications?
While not legally required, immigration attorneys significantly improve approval chances by strategically presenting evidence and meeting USCIS criteria, with legal fees typically ranging from $9,000 to $19,500 depending on complexity.
