International Entrepreneur Rule

At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we recognize that the International Entrepreneur Rule may be complex and hard to understand. Our Connecticut immigration law firm is committed to helping turn your innovative ideas into a successful U.S. business. The International Entrepreneur Rule allows international entrepreneurs the opportunity to temporarily live and grow their startups in the United States without the fear of breaking U.S. immigration law.

Whether you’re starting a new venture or looking to grow your existing business, our team is here to support you. We provide personalized legal strategies to help you meet the requirements and guide you through the application process, ensuring your business has the legal support it needs. You can reach us anytime by calling (203) 753-7300 or start a 24/7 chat with us by clicking the icon in the bottom right of your screen.

Learn more about International Entrepreneur Rule on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. 

How We Support Entrepreneurs Under the International Entrepreneur Rule

At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we provide extensive support to entrepreneurs dealing with the International Entrepreneur Rule. Here’s how we assist:

  • Clarifying the Rule: We simplify the eligibility criteria and application process, making it easier for you to understand what’s required.
  • Strategic Planning: We craft tailored strategies to bolster your application, improving your chances of a favorable outcome.
  • Legal and Regulatory Advice: We provide current insights and guidance on U.S. immigration laws to ensure you’re well-prepared and informed.
  • Handling Documentation: Our team takes charge of all necessary paperwork, ensuring every submission is complete and timely.
  • Ongoing Support: As your business evolves, we’re here to assist with any necessary visa extensions or transitions, supporting your growth every step of the way.

For international entrepreneurs, establishing a startup in the U.S. is a significant step that comes with many regulatory challenges. Our services are designed to minimize these hurdles during your entrepreneurial journey. Attorney James A. Welcome is ready to guide you through every step, ensuring your business has a strong legal foundation.

Application Guide for the International Entrepreneur Rule

  1. Assess Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for the International Entrepreneur Rule by confirming your ownership and active involvement in a U.S. startup. It’s important that your involvement reflects at least a 10% ownership and a central role in operations.
  2. Document Preparation: Assemble key documents that showcase your startup’s potential and your qualifications. This should include detailed business plans, proof of funding received, and personal identification. 
  3. Application Submission: File the Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole, complete with all necessary supporting documents and the accompanying fee. 
  4. Application Review: The USCIS will review your submission and may request further evidence. 
  5. Interview Preparation: Prepare for a potential interview with USCIS, where your business vision and plan will be discussed in depth.
  6. Maintain Your Status: Once approved, it’s important to adhere to the conditions of your parole. Our firm will guide you through the compliance process, helping you maintain good standing and apply for re-parole if eligible.

Visit the USCIS’s Comprehensive guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule 

Updated Eligibility Requirements for the International Entrepreneur Rule

Below is a summary of the key eligibility criteria effective October 1, 2024:

  • Investment from a Qualifying Investor: Entrepreneurs must secure at least $311,071 from qualifying investors. A qualifying investor is typically an individual or entity with a history of successful investments in startup companies. It’s important for applicants to demonstrate that their firm is majority-owned and controlled, directly and indirectly, by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents to meet the rule’s requirements.
  • Government Award or Grant: Entrepreneurs can also qualify by obtaining government awards or grants totaling at least $124,429.
  • Revenue for Re-parole Consideration: For consideration of re-parole, the start-up must demonstrate it has reached at least $622,142 in revenue.
  • Qualified Investors: To be considered a qualified investor, an individual or entity must have made investments totaling at least $746,571 in various start-ups over a specified 5-year period, with at least two of these enterprises subsequently creating a minimum of five jobs each or achieving at least $622,142 in revenue with an annual growth rate of at least 20%.

Eligibility to Work:

  • Entrepreneurs granted parole can work solely for their start-up business.
  • Spouses and children of the entrepreneur may be eligible for parole.
  • Only spouses are eligible to apply for employment authorization.

Entity Requirements:

  • Start-up entities must be formed in the United States within the last five years.
  • Must show substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.
    • This can be demonstrated by:
      • Meeting investment thresholds.
      • Securing qualified government funding.
      • Providing alternative substantial evidence.

Parole Period:

  • Entrepreneurs may receive an initial parole period of up to 2½ years.
  • They may be eligible for an additional 2½ years based on:
    • Achievements in funding.
    • Job creation.
    • Revenue growth.
  • The total maximum parole period is 5 years, after which other options may be explored for continuing work in the U.S.

Number of Entrepreneurs:

  • Up to three entrepreneurs per start-up are eligible for parole.
  • Allows multiple founders from the same company to concurrently benefit from the rule.

For a clear understanding of the eligibility criteria of the International Entrepreneur Rule, the Law Offices of James A. Welcome is here to help. 

Common Questions About the International Entrepreneur Rule

  • How can this rule help me establish my business in the U.S.? This rule grants you a temporary period to oversee and expand your startup in the U.S., providing a foundation to transition into more permanent business visas.
  • What is the application process like? The application process involves demonstrating your startup’s potential by showing evidence of substantial investment, securing government grants, or presenting significant client contracts.
  • How can an attorney assist me with this process? An attorney can guide you through the eligibility requirements, help compile and effectively present necessary documentation, and advise on legal strategies to strengthen your application for parole.

Supporting International Entrepreneurs with Two-Decades of Legal Knowledge

At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we understand that the journey of each entrepreneur is unique, filled with its own challenges and opportunities. With over two decades of experience in immigration law and a team fluent in Spanish, we are equipped to provide personalized legal strategies that align with your business goals and immigration requirements. Our firm has a proven track record of successfully representing immigrant business owners who contribute to the U.S. economy.

Our dedicated legal team, led by Attorney James A. Welcome, is committed to offering knowledgeable support to international entrepreneurs. Take the first step towards securing your business’s future in the United States by contacting the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. Call us today at (203) 753-7300 to learn how we can assist you. Let us help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.