International Entrepreneur Parole

The International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP), also known as the International Entrepreneur Rule, allows DHS to grant discretionary temporary authorized presence to foreign entrepreneurs whose U.S.-based startups provide a significant public benefit through job creation and economic growth. Established in 2017 under INA Section 212(d)(5)(A) and codified at 8 CFR 212.19, the program is administered by USCIS. It is open to entrepreneurs of any nationality — no employer sponsorship is required. Parole is not a visa classification; it is a discretionary grant of temporary presence and does not provide a direct path to permanent residency.

Entrepreneur eligibility:

• At least 10% ownership stake in the startup at time of initial application (at least 5% at re-parole)
• Central and active role in the startup's operations
• Positioned by knowledge, skills, or experience to substantially assist the entity's growth

Startup eligibility:

• Formed in the United States within the preceding 5 years
• Must demonstrate significant potential for rapid growth and job creation through at least one of:
  • $311,071 or more in investment from qualified U.S. investors
  • $124,429 or more in federal, state, or local government grants or awards
  • Partial satisfaction of either threshold combined with other compelling evidence of substantial growth potential

Qualified investor criteria: A qualifying investor must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or U.S.-based entity majority-owned by U.S. citizens or LPRs, and must have — over the preceding 5 years — invested at least $746,571 total in startup equity, with at least 2 of those investments resulting in each startup creating 5+ qualified jobs or generating $622,142+ in revenue with 20%+ annual growth.

• Form I-941 (Application for Entrepreneur Parole)
• Evidence of ownership stake (incorporation documents, stock certificates, operating agreements)
• Evidence of central and active role in the startup
• Evidence of qualified investment (term sheets, bank statements, wire transfers, investor qualification documentation) or government grant/award documentation
• Evidence that the startup was formed within the preceding 5 years
• Evidence of the startup's potential for rapid growth and job creation (business plans, revenue data, job creation records)
• Passport copy and two passport-style photographs
• Biometrics fee ($85)

Initial parole is granted for up to 30 months. One re-parole period of up to an additional 30 months is available (maximum 5 years total), provided the entrepreneur retains at least 5% ownership and the startup has — during the initial parole period — achieved at least one of:

• Received $622,142 or more in qualified investments, government grants, or a combination
• Created 5 or more qualified full-time jobs for U.S. workers
• Generated $622,142 or more in annual revenue with 20%+ average annual revenue growth

Up to three entrepreneurs may be paroled for the same startup entity.

Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for parole by filing Form I-131, either concurrently with or separately from the entrepreneur's Form I-941. The spouse may apply for work authorization (Form I-765, category (c)(34)) after entering the United States, permitting employment with any employer. Children may accompany the entrepreneur but are not eligible for employment authorization.

Parolees present in the United States are subject to U.S. federal and state income tax. Those meeting the IRS substantial presence test (generally 183 or more days in a calendar year using the IRS formula) are treated as U.S. tax residents and taxed on worldwide income.

The entrepreneur is authorized to work only for the startup entity specified in the parole application. Employment with any other employer is not permitted.

Applications must be filed by paper only — online filing is not available. File Form I-941 by mail to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox (USPS: P.O. Box 650890, Dallas, TX 75265-0890; courier: 2501 S. State Highway 121 Business Suite 400, Lewisville, TX 75067-8003).

Fees: $1,200 filing fee plus $85 biometrics fee at initial filing ($1,285 total). Upon conditional approval, an additional immigration parole fee of $1,200 (or $1,020 if paid online) is required. Additionally, a statutory parole fee of $1,020 (FY 2026, inflation-adjusted from $1,000) is assessed upon the actual grant of parole under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1), effective October 16, 2025. This fee also applies to each family member granted parole.

After filing, the applicant attends a biometrics appointment. USCIS reviews the application and may issue a Request for Evidence. If eligible criteria are met, USCIS issues a conditional approval. Applicants outside the United States must present at a U.S. port of entry where CBP makes the final parole determination. Applicants already in the United States may have parole finalized without departing. Premium processing is not available.

Note: Parole does not lead directly to permanent residency. Entrepreneurs seeking a green card must pursue a separate immigrant visa pathway (e.g., EB-1A Extraordinary Ability, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, or EB-5 Investor) independently.

• December 2024 evidence guidance: USCIS issued updated policy guidance expanding on acceptable evidence types for demonstrating a central and active role, qualified investments, government awards, alternative evidence, and significant public benefit.
• H-1B Modernization Rule (effective January 17, 2025): Founders with a controlling interest in a petitioning company may now petition for H-1B status, but validity is limited to 18-month periods (vs. the standard 3 years). The beneficiary-owner must perform specialty occupation duties a majority of the time. This makes IER parole (up to 30-month periods, no duty-type restrictions) a potentially more flexible option for many founders.
• New parole fee (effective October 16, 2025): The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1) imposed a $1,000 statutory parole fee on all grants of parole under INA Section 212(d)(5)(A), inflation-adjusted to $1,020 for FY 2026 (effective January 1, 2026). This fee is assessed upon the grant of parole (not at filing) and applies to the entrepreneur and each family member paroled in.
• Form I-941 update (March 2025): The 01/20/25 edition became mandatory as of March 24, 2025. Prior editions are rejected.
• Investment thresholds (effective October 1, 2024): Adjusted triennially by CPI — current thresholds remain $311,071 (investment), $124,429 (grants), $622,142 (revenue/re-parole). Next adjustment in 2027.