We’re excited to share that the Biden/Harris Administration has recently made significant updates to the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program.
History of International Entrepreneur Parole:
Due to the outdated immigration system lacking a “startup visa,” the Obama/Biden Administration introduced International Entrepreneur Parole. This program is designed for high-potential startups and founders. To apply, immigrant entrepreneurs must have received significant funding from seasoned investors ($265K) or through government grants ($105K), or a combination of both, or provide strong alternative evidence. They must also demonstrate their business has high potential for growth and job creation.
Despite its clear need and widespread bipartisan support, the Trump Administration attempted to rescind IEP. (Remember this when you hear the Trump campaign discussing things like graduate green cards.)
Thankfully, IEP was reinstated by the Biden/Harris Administration. However, due to implementation issues (namely long processing times), this option has not been widely used… until now!
Recent Changes to International Entrepreneur Parole:
USCIS has recently provided valuable information on IEP, and we believe these changes will lead to more applications being filed and approved!
Recent USCIS Highlights Include:
- Backlog Resolution: USCIS has worked through the previous backlog of IEP cases and is now processing new applications more quickly. Great news!
- New Evidence Checklist: This aims to help applicants be more confident and save time, especially those in AI and other critical and emerging technology fields.
- Updated FAQs: Extensive new details on how entrepreneurs, spouses, and children can all stay in the U.S. together, whether they’re currently abroad or already here.
We are beyond thrilled to see these updates. Our Managing Partner, Fiona, has worked tirelessly for the past 8+ years to ensure this option is available and accessible to immigrant startup founders. As recently as June 2024, Fiona, along with other key stakeholders, submitted a letter to USCIS urging them to make IEP more feasible. Thank you, USCIS, for listening to our pleas!
In June 2021, Fiona submitted a statement to Congress for a congressional hearing about the outdated immigration system. You can see Fiona’s full statement here. In her statement, Fiona urged Congress to make IEP more accessible. Thankfully, with these recent USCIS updates, this option can – and will – be used by more immigrant startup founders.
Who can apply for International Entrepreneur Parole?
Immigrant entrepreneurs may be eligible for the IEP if they:
- Have a major ownership (at least 10% initially) in a U.S. startup created within the last 5 years
- Play a central and active role in the startup
- Can show that the startup will have a positive public benefit on the U.S. by:
- Receiving a significant investment ($265K or more) from qualified U.S. investors (typically venture capitalists, angel investors, or startup accelerators)
- Receiving significant awards or grants ($105K or more) from federal, state, or local government entities
- Partially meeting one or both of the above with added evidence showing potential for rapid growth or job creation
Find out more about the requirements for IEP here.
Why International Entrepreneur Parole?
We need modern immigration options for startup founders! Entrepreneurship and innovation are the cornerstones of the American economy. Immigrant entrepreneurs play a critical role in this ecosystem and in producing jobs in the U.S.
There’s no denying the value immigrant entrepreneurs bring to the U.S. Unfortunately, Congress has yet to recognize this, and we still don’t have a specific “startup visa.” You can read about that in my Op-Ed in The Well News here.
International Entrepreneur Parole can fill a critical void in the immigration system, and we’ve seen firsthand how life-changing this program can be for immigrant founders and their startups.
Our Recent Approval of International Entrepreneur Parole:
We’re thrilled to share that – even before these USCIS updates – we recently had an International Entrepreneur Parole case approved for one of our amazing immigrant founder clients in record time! We did a lot of zealous advocacy to get this case expedited and approved much to the delight of our client.
Our client, the founder of an AI startup who has raised significant venture capital, exemplifies the kind of entrepreneur the U.S. wants and needs. He is the reason we need International Entrepreneur Parole!
Data on International Entrepreneur Parole Cases:
This recent Forbes article by Stuart Anderson highlights some key data on International Entrepreneur Parole cases filed to date.
In total, only 26 of these cases have been approved. Stuart correctly states that “International Entrepreneur Rule has suffered from its novelty, breeding uncertainty among potential applicants—and possibly adjudicators.”
He is correct in that statement, but I am confident that this is going to change very soon based on these updates from USCIS. And to immigrant founders (and fellow immigration attorneys) I say, don’t rule this option out – it could be your key to building your startup in the U.S.
What’s Next?
If you are an immigrant founder – or aspiring founder – looking to explore IEP or other options, book a consultation with us.
