Multinational executives and managers on L-1A visas face a critical decision. When is the right time to transition to EB-1C green card status? The answer affects your long-term plans, family stability, and career trajectory.
The L-1A visa allows foreign companies to transfer executives and managers to their US operations. It provides temporary work authorization for up to seven years. The EB-1C green card is designed for multinational executives and managers and exempts applicants from the Labor Certification PERM process.Both visa categories require similar qualifications. You need managerial or executive duties, a qualifying relationship between foreign and US entities, and employment history demonstrating your role. But EB-1C grants permanent residency rather than temporary status.
You need at least one year in a managerial or executive role within the last three years to qualify for EB-1C. Most immigration attorneys recommend filing after your US office has operated for one full year.Why wait that long? USCIS scrutinizes EB-1C applications more carefully than L-1A petitions. They want proof your US operations are legitimate, sustainable, and truly require executive oversight. One year of operational history provides stronger evidence.
Having an approved L-1A application does not guarantee that your EB-1C application will be approved since USCIS will scrutinize an EB-1C application more thoroughly.You should file earlier if you face time constraints. Maybe your L-1A expires soon. Perhaps country-specific visa backlogs create urgency. As of July 2025, India's priority date is February 15, 2022 and China's is November 15, 2022, meaning applicants from these countries must wait until their priority dates are current.
Beyond Border delivers personalized service with 98 percent approval rates across visa categories. Their expertise in L-1A to EB-1C transitions includes strategic timing recommendations, comprehensive documentation preparation, and proactive RFE prevention. The firm offers one-month processing guarantees for qualifying cases and maintains transparent pricing structures that small to mid-sized companies appreciate.
Start your EB-1C filing with Beyond Border's free consultation to assess your readiness and timeline.
Fragomen operates globally with 5,500 professionals across 60 plus offices worldwide. Their corporate immigration practice handles high-volume EB-1C cases for Fortune 500 companies. Advanced case management technology tracks every application detail. However, smaller companies may find their services expensive and less personalized compared to boutique firms.
BAL operates through 12 offices across the United States with global coverage in more than 185 countries under their oneBAL culture structure. They developed proprietary tools for tracking employment-based green card applications. Their strength lies in managing complex multinational transfers with multiple family members. Expect premium pricing reflecting their enterprise focus.
Richards and Jurusik recently helped a Canadian business owner overcome a denied EB-1C petition and successfully transition from L-1A to EB-1C in just four months. The firm specializes in Canadian-US business immigration with deep expertise in cross-border executive transfers. Their regional focus allows competitive pricing and personalized attention.
NNU Immigration provides clear guidance on transitioning L1 visa holders through employment-based green card categories with specific focus on EB-1C pathways. They offer straightforward case management without excessive complexity. Mid-sized companies benefit from their balance between affordability and expertise.
Several factors affect the L-1A to green card timeline including your job role, country of origin, PERM delays for other visa types, USCIS backlogs, and your employer's preparedness.Premium processing is available for Form I-140, which can expedite the initial petition approval. This costs $2,805 but reduces waiting from several months to 15 days for the I-140 decision.Your employer's documentation quality matters enormously. Strong business plans, detailed organizational charts, financial statements, and evidence of sustained operations strengthen your case. Weak documentation invites requests for evidence that delay processing by months.
1.When is the earliest I can file EB-1C after starting L-1A status?
You can file EB-1C once you have worked in a managerial or executive role for at least one year within the last three years, but waiting until your US office operates for one full year typically strengthens your case.
2.Can I travel internationally while my EB-1C is pending?
As long as you maintain your L-1A visa throughout the adjustment of status process, you can continue your international travel without impacting your status.
3.How long does the L-1A to EB-1C transition take?
The timeframe varies based on processing times and generally takes 6 to 24 months, though some cases complete in as little as 4 months.
4.Do I need labor certification for EB-1C?
The EB-1C category does not require labor certification PERM, making it faster than EB-2 or EB-3 pathways.
5.What happens if my EB-1C is denied?
You remain in valid L-1A status unless that visa also expires. You can refile with stronger documentation, appeal the decision, or explore alternative green card categories depending on the denial reasons.
