EB-1C Visa Costs: Your Complete Guide

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a manager or executive employed by a foreign company for at least 1 year within the past 3 years.
• Work in a managerial or executive capacity, as defined by USCIS.
• Be transferred to a U.S. company that is a subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of the foreign employer.
• Demonstrate a qualifying relationship between the foreign and U.S. companies through ownership or control.

• Manager: Supervises staff, controls salaries, hires and fires employees, and manages day-to-day activities.
• Executive: Oversees company operations, makes strategic business decisions, and works with minimal supervision.

1. I-140 Filing Fee:

$700, typically paid by the sponsoring employer.

2. Consular Processing Fees:

• DS-260 Application: $230
• Biometrics Fee: $85
• Affidavit of Support Fee: $88

3. Adjustment of Status Fees (If applicable):

I-485 Application Fee: $1,225 (may be paid by the employer or the applicant)

4. Dependent Visa Fees:

• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): $750 to $1,140, depending on age
• Form DS-260 (Consular Processing): $230

• Payments must be made by cashier’s check or money order to USCIS.
• Separate checks for each fee are recommended to avoid processing delays.
• Alternatively, fees can be paid through an attorney’s office.

The EB-1C visa does not offer premium processing, which means applicants may experience longer wait times compared to other visa categories. Additionally, EB-1C applicants can file for dependent visas for their spouse and unmarried children under 21 using Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) or DS-260 (Consular Processing). Unlike the L-1 visa, the EB-1C does not allow for “new office” exceptions, requiring the U.S. company to be operational for at least one year before filing the petition.

Attorney fees for an EB-1C visa application vary depending on the complexity of the case, the amount of required documentation, and the processing timeline. These legal fees typically cover a range of services, including application preparation, document collection, translation, petition drafting, and support during the interview process.

Besides USCIS filing and legal fees, companies should also think about secondary EB-1C visa costs that could affect their timeline or budget. These can include translation and document certification fees, corporate restructuring costs (if needed to meet eligibility), and travel or relocation support for the executive and their family. Delays caused by not having enough documentation or issues within the organization can lead to re-filing costs or lost business opportunities. Investing in a good EB-1C visa strategy and compliance planning early can help multinational employers avoid extra costs and improve their chances of a successful petition.

Applying for the EB-1C visa is a detailed process — and working with the right attorney can make all the difference. But before committing to legal services, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re paying for. Since EB-1C visa costs include both government fees and legal fees, make sure you ask these 5 key questions to avoid surprises and get the most value from your investment.

1. What Services Are Included in Your Fee?

Not all attorneys offer the same level of support. Ask if the fee includes unlimited consultations, form preparation, document collection and translation, petition drafting, and representation during interviews. Understanding the full scope helps you assess the total EB-1C visa costs.

2. Is RFE (Request for Evidence) Handling Included?

RFE responses are common in EB-1C cases. Clarify whether the cost of preparing and submitting an RFE response is included or charged separately. Since each case is unique, these additional fees can significantly impact your overall EB-1C visa costs.

3. What Are Your Success Rates with EB-1C Cases?

Don’t be afraid to ask about their track record. Choose an attorney who specializes in employment-based immigration and has experience winning complex multinational executive or manager cases.

4. How Quickly Can You File My Petition?

Time matters. Ask how quickly the attorney can prepare and file your I-140 petition. Efficient filing helps reduce overall wait time, especially since USCIS doesn’t offer premium processing for EB-1C.

5. Will My Priority Date Be Retained?

If you’ve already filed under EB-2, you may be able to port your priority date to EB-1C. However, this step is delicate and requires legal precision — ask if your attorney has handled EB-2 to EB-1C porting before.

To achieve the best outcome for your EB-1C visa application, it is essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney. A skilled attorney will evaluate your eligibility, develop a strategic approach for your application, and efficiently collect and organize the necessary evidence to support your qualifications. They will also ensure full compliance with all USCIS requirements and respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to avoid delays in processing. Understanding how legal representation fits into your overall EB-1C Visa Costs is crucial, as investing in expert guidance can significantly increase your chances of approval while minimizing costly setbacks.

Navigating the EB-1C visa process can be complex, but the benefits of securing a green card through this category are significant. Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through every step, from preparing your petition to managing communications with USCIS. Contact us today to start your journey toward permanent residency in the United States.

Ready to Secure Your EB-1C Visa?
Partner with our experienced immigration attorneys to streamline your application process, minimize delays, and maximize your chances of success. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and take the first step toward your U.S. green card!

This article is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. The information presented in this article should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.The information presented in this article does not create an attorney-client relationship nor is it a solicitation to offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, you may contact me personally or contact another attorney.

When should you seek the advice of an attorney?

You should seek the advice of an attorney in your jurisdiction before taking any legal action. As such, I disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. The information presented in this article is subject to change.The information presented in the article may have changed since the publication of this article, and may therefore no longer be valid. Nothing herein is intended to nor constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Every case is different and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case. Thank you.