The United States is a place of opportunity for foreign company founders with creative ideas. The International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), which was announced by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), provides foreign business owners with a straightforward way to launch and grow their companies in the US while following certain regulations.
The International Entrepreneur Rule: What is it?
The U.S. The Department of Homeland Security developed the International Entrepreneur Rule as a discretionary program. According to the international entrepreneur rule news, if a non-US citizen small startup proves to have a potential to grow rapidly and offer public benefits, then they are allowed to stay and run their business in the US for a specific time period.
Who Is Eligible?
According to the international entrepreneur rule news foreign business owners with high-potential companies currently operating in the US are the focus of the IER. To be taken into account:
- Your startup must be based in the United States and established within the last five years, regardless of whether you are in the US or not.
- To apply for startup immigration USA, at least 10% of the startup must be owned by you, and you must be actively involved in its operations, applying your expertise to propel it forward.
- Each startup may have up to three entrepreneurs apply.
New International Entrepreneur Rule 2025 For Your Startup
Your startup must demonstrate that it can provide employment and has significant growth potential. You can demonstrate this by:
Qualified investments: A qualifying investor must contribute a minimum of $264,147.
Government grants: A minimum of $105,659 in eligible grants or awards from the government.
Alternative evidence: You can still demonstrate your startup’s potential to grow and provide employment even if it doesn’t entirely match the funding standards.
Important Points of the Revised Guidelines
As per the international entrepreneur rule news, new entrepreneur visa applications that are pending or submitted on or after December 12 are immediately subject to the amended instructions. Three primary areas are the focus of the updates:
Initial parole period: For qualified business owners, up to 2.5 years.
Possible re-parole: Depending on funding, job development, or revenue, an extra two and a half years could be given.
Maximum duration in the United States: 5 years.
1. Proof of the Entrepreneur’s Function
The revised guidance offers particular instances of proof that might show the applicant’s active and pivotal involvement in the startup organisation, as well as their capacity to make a substantial contribution to the expansion and prosperity of the organisation.
an active and pivotal part in the startup organisation.
They possess the knowledge and expertise necessary to propel the startup’s expansion and prosperity.
2. Proof of Awards and Investments
The international entrepreneur rule news provides more details about the kinds of proof that can prove eligible grants, awards, or investments from the government. Additionally, it describes appropriate substitute evidence that candidates may use to strengthen their case.
- U.S. investors’ qualified investments.
- The startup got funds or awards from the government.
- additional proof to back up their claims, including revenue proof or letters of intent.
3. Strong Public Advantage
A finding of considerable public benefit is a key component in evaluating parole eligibility, and the amended advice makes clear the kinds of evidence that can support this judgement.
The Procedure for Applications
Candidates must provide proof of their startup’s capacity for quick expansion and employment generation. The entrepreneur visa USA requirements for startup comprises:
- An elaborate company plan that outlines expansion tactics.
- Proof of eligible grants or investments.
- Alternative proof, such as collaboration agreements or market traction, in the event that grant or investment thresholds are not entirely reached.
- The entrepreneur must also be heavily involved in the startup’s operations and own at least 10% of the company.
Processing Time of the International Entrepreneur Rule
A number of variables, including the volume of applications that USCIS is processing and the thoroughness of your submission, can affect how long it takes to process IER applications.
From the time you submit your application until you receive a final decision, the overall procedure might vary greatly, although it usually takes several months.
Depending on how many applications come in before yours, the initial processing and approval of IER applications might take anything from a few weeks to several months.
USCIS may grant a conditional approval if your application satisfies the preliminary eligibility conditions. This isn’t the last stage, though. Applying from outside the United States will require you to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate for additional processing, which may take longer than expected based on appointment availability and security check time.
USCIS will make a final determination about your application following conditional approval and completion of any necessary procedures. Depending on the details of your case and any more paperwork that may be needed, this could take a few more weeks as per the international entrepreneur rule news.
What to Do If Your H-1B Visa Rejected?
For innovators who wish to implement their ideas in the United States but are not eligible for conventional visas such as the H-1B. Involving startup immigration USA, the International Entrepreneur Rule offers an excellent alternative. The business owner may then try to obtain permanent residency under an immigration category once the five-year clock has run out. Individuals who meet the requirements for employment-based first preference (exceptional ability) or second preference may be able to self-petition with a “national interest” waiver if their business is successful. These employment-based visa categories let the immigrant live in the United States permanently, in contrast to temporary worker visas.
Conclusion
Foreign entrepreneurs now have an easier route to launch their businesses in the US thanks to the new International Entrepreneur Rule news. USCIS hopes to draw in talent from around the world and support the American economy by enhancing evidence alternatives and streamlining documentation requirements.
FAQs
1. What is the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER)?
The IER allows foreign startup founders to live and build their business in the U.S. for up to 5 years. According to international entrepreneur rule news, it helps boost the economy by supporting high-growth, job-creating startups through a special entrepreneur visa USA pathway.
2. Who qualifies for startup immigration to the USA under IER?
To qualify, your U.S.-based startup must be under 5 years old, you must own at least 10%, and be actively involved. The startup must show growth potential, making the International Entrepreneur Rule ideal for foreign business owners with innovative ideas.
3. What are the funding requirements for the entrepreneur visa USA?
To meet IER criteria, your startup must secure at least $264,147 from U.S. investors or $105,659 in government grants. These investments prove the business has the potential to create jobs and grow, making you eligible for startup immigration USA.
4. How long can I stay in the U.S. under the IER?
Under the revised International Entrepreneur Rule 2025, qualified entrepreneurs can stay up to 2.5 years initially, with a possible 2.5-year extension. That’s a total of 5 years to grow your startup in the U.S. and potentially transition to permanent residency.
5. Can more than one founder apply for IER?
Yes, up to three co-founders per startup may apply for the entrepreneur visa USA. Each applicant must meet eligibility criteria, including significant ownership, active involvement, and helping drive business success, according to international entrepreneur rule news.
6. What counts as “alternative evidence” for eligibility?
If you don’t meet full funding requirements, you can show proof of traction, such as letters of intent, product revenue, media coverage, or strategic partnerships. This flexible option allows promising startups to still qualify under startup immigration USA.
7. How long does it take to process an IER application?
Processing times vary but usually take several months. Factors include USCIS workload, your documentation, and embassy appointments. Startup immigration USA timelines differ, but the better your application, the quicker the review process tends to be.
8. What happens after my IER is conditionally approved?
If conditionally approved, you may need to complete consulate processing outside the U.S. This includes interviews and security checks. Once cleared, you can enter the U.S. and start growing your startup under the entrepreneur visa USA program.
9. What if my H-1B visa is denied—can I still apply under IER?
Yes! If you don’t qualify for an H-1B, the International Entrepreneur Rule is a strong alternative. It supports startup immigration USA by giving founders a chance to prove their business value and possibly transition to permanent residency later on.
10. Can I apply for a green card after using IER?
Yes, after your 5-year IER period, if your startup shows success, you may qualify for a green card through EB-1 or EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver. The IER helps you build a strong case for permanent residency through your entrepreneurial impact.
