Managers or executives of multinational companies are eligible for permanent residence. The E13 Multinational Manager category applies to intracompany transferees who, within the three years preceding initial entry into the United States, were employed outside of the U.S. continuously for at least one year in a managerial or executive capacity, and who will be employed by a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of that same employer in the U.S. in a managerial or executive capacity. The multinational manager petition requires clear documentation of the qualifying relationship of ownership and control between the U.S. and foreign office. Managerial and executive candidates typically enter the U.S. in L-1A or E-2 status, then apply for their green cards in the E13 Multinational Manager category.

Two types of managers are recognized by the USCIS: those who directly manage people and those who manage an essential function. Managers who manage people have direct reports who are professional grade employees - their direct reports are either degreed professionals or are managers themselves. Managers of an essential function must be at a senior level with respect to the function managed, must have substantial discretionary, day-to-day authority over the function managed, and must be primarily engaged in fulfilling management duties. Managers must demonstrate their management level qualifications for their positions in the United States and with the qualifying organization abroad. Project Managers may qualify in this category by meeting the criteria for managing an essential function.