A Guide to the International Entrepreneur Rule in 2026

If you’re an entrepreneur with a vision for a successful startup and looking to expand your business in the U.S., the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) could be for you. The International Entrepreneur Rule allows foreign entrepreneurs with promising startups to stay and work in the U.S. for up to five years, offering a flexible path to build your company and contribute to the U.S. economy. It may especially be an option for founders who don’t qualify for traditional visas. However, it doesn’t offer all the same benefits or protections as a visa, meaning it doesn’t provide a direct path to living or working long-term in the U.S.

What is the International Entrepreneur Rule?

The International Entrepreneur Rule is a special program in the U.S., created by a federal regulation, designed to attract talented entrepreneurs from around the world. If you’re a foreign entrepreneur who started a business within the last five years, and your company has received significant investment from U.S. investors or government grants, you could be eligible to stay in the U.S. for up to five years—2.5 years initially with a potential 2.5-year re-parole (extension). During this time, you can focus on building your business and creating jobs for Americans.

💡 Parole vs. visas: The IER isn’t a visa, but rather a special permission known as parole. Parole is granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on a case-by-case basis to entrepreneurs who can show their stay in the U.S. would provide a significant public benefit. It lets you and your family stay in the country temporarily, but it’s discretionary and can be revoked at any time. A work visa allows you to live and work in the U.S. for a set amount of time and with certain protections under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

International Entrepreneur Rule eligibility requirements

To qualify for the International Entrepreneur Rule, you’ll need to meet several key requirements:

• Ownership stake: You must own at least 10% of your startup when you apply and maintain at least a 5% ownership stake throughout your stay.
• Recent startup: Your business must have been founded within the last five years before you submit your application. The status must be a legal, U.S.-formed business entity, such as an LLC or corporation.
• Significant U.S. investment or funding: Your startup must secure a certain amount of funding to qualify. One option is at least $311,071 from qualified U.S. investors, like venture capital firms or angel investors. Another option is at least $124,429 in grants or awards from federal, state, or local government entities in the U.S., you could also qualify. These thresholds are automatically adjusted every three years, and the next adjustment is expected around Oct. 1, 2027.
• Growth potential: You’ll need to demonstrate that your business has significant potential for rapid growth, job creation, and a positive impact on the U.S. economy. This might include having a strong business plan, evidence of scaling quickly, or other signs of success.
• Active role: You must play a central and active role in your startup, meaning you should be deeply involved in the day-to-day operations and overall direction of the company. That typically requires a full-time commitment (35+ hours per week). You cannot take outside employment, and you are only authorized to work for your specific startup entity.

Up to three entrepreneurs per startup can qualify for parole, but each has to meet the individual eligibility requirements.

🔍 What if you don’t meet the IER funding requirements? You can still qualify by providing “alternative reliable and compelling evidence” of your startup’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) evaluates the totality of the evidence, which may include strong revenue growth, customer traction, industry awards, accelerator participation, strategic partnerships, or media coverage.

What counts as a qualified investor?

For an investor to count toward the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) threshold, they must meet specific criteria:

• They have made at least $746,571 in total investments in startup entities over the preceding five years.
• At least two of those startups must have created five or more qualified jobs or generated at least $622,142 in revenue with an annualized growth rate of at least 20%.
• They must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a U.S. organization that’s majority-owned and controlled by U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, with a verified track record of substantial startup investment.

Evidence required for the International Entrepreneur Rule

When you apply for the IER, USCIS will look at the credibility, relevance, and overall value of your documents to determine if you meet the necessary criteria. You’re allowed to submit any evidence that you believe supports your case.

Below is a list of the key documents to prepare when applying under the International Entrepreneur Rule, based on the IER requirements. USCIS may also use open-source information to verify the evidence you provide.

Proof of ownership and role

• Articles of incorporation or bylaws: Demonstrate your ownership stake in the startup.
• Equity ledger or certificates: Confirm your ownership percentage.
• Employment agreement or offer letter: Provide evidence of your central and active role in the company.
• Letters from founders or key personnel: Attest to your role, outlining your day-to-day responsibilities.
• Company organizational chart: Highlight your position and responsibilities within the startup.

Startup formation and activity

• Company registration documents: Show that your business was founded within the last five years.
• Articles of incorporation or formation: Demonstrate that your entity meets the startup definition under the IER.
• Business plan or pitch deck: Outline your company’s growth strategy, target market, and potential for rapid expansion.
• Operating agreements: Provide detailed information on the company’s structure.

Evidence of U.S. investment or funding

• Investment agreements: Give proof of at least $311,071 received from qualified U.S. investors (e.g., term sheets, signed agreements).
• Bank records or wire transfers: Show evidence of the funds you received.
• Equity purchase agreements or convertible debt agreements: Demonstrate the nature of the investment.
• Grant or award letters: Include applicable proof of at least $124,429 in grants or awards from U.S. government entities.

Proof of growth potential

• Financial statements: Include balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements to show financial health and growth.
• Customer contracts or purchase orders: Provide evidence of significant business activities or sales.
• Letters of support or endorsements: These should be from investors, business partners, or industry experts validating your company’s potential.
• Market research or industry reports: Provide data supporting your business’s potential for growth in the U.S. market.
• Participation in accelerators: Show evidence that your startup was invited to or participated in reputable startup accelerators.

Demonstrating your qualifications

• Resume or curriculum vitae (CV): Highlight your experience, skills, and achievements relevant to the startup.
• Letters of recommendation: They could be from government agencies, investors, or business associations familiar with your work and expertise.
• News articles or media coverage: Provide any recognition or significant attention your startup has received.
• Patents or intellectual property documentation: Showcase your contributions to the company’s innovation.
• Academic degrees or certifications: Include evidence of your knowledge and skills that would advance the startup’s business.

Personal identification and immigration history

• Passport: Provide a copy of the identification page.
• Visa and immigration documentation: Include copies of any previous visas, I-94 records, or other relevant documents.
• Biometrics: Submit fingerprints or other biometric information if requested.

Other supporting documents

• Tax returns: Include both personal and applicable business returns to show financial history.
• Press releases or media coverage: Include any public recognition of your startup’s achievements or potential.
• Documentation of significant government awards or grants: Have notices or articles proving your startup received substantial public funding.
• Evidence of jobs created: Provide payroll records or other documents showing your startup has created jobs in the U.S.

How to apply as an entrepreneur

If you’re an entrepreneur looking to apply under the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), here’s a breakdown of the application process:

Step 1: File Form I-941

To get started, you’ll need to complete and file Form I-941, which is the official application for entrepreneur parole.

Step 2: Gather and include your documents

Alongside Form I-941, include any supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility. Make sure your documents are well-organized, clearly labeled, and presented in a logical order. If any documents are in a language other than English, include certified translations.

Step 3: Pay the filing fee

Along with the form, you’ll need to pay the $1,200 USCIS filing fee. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also established a separate parole fee, which is $1,020 in 2026. The parole fee is assessed when parole is granted, and it cannot be waived.

Step 4: Submit your completed form

You’ll send your completed form and documents to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.

Form I-941 mailing address if using the U.S. Postal Service:

USCIS

Attn: IER

PO Box 650890

Dallas, TX 75265

Form I-941 mailing address if using FedEx, UPS, or DHL:

USCIS

Attn: IER (Box 650890)

2501 S. State Highway 121 Business, Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067

What happens after filing Form I-941?

Getting approved Form I-941 means you have met the preliminary requirements and can receive conditional approval. Your parole is only fully granted upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will make a final determination on your parole.

The exact next steps depend on whether or not you’re already in the U.S.

If you’re outside the U.S.

You’ll receive conditional approval and will need to visit a U.S. embassy or consulate to complete biometrics collection and identity verification. After that, you’ll receive travel documentation, such as a boarding foil, which you’ll use to request entry to the United States. After arriving at a U.S. port of entry, CBP will decide whether to approve your parole.

If you’re inside the U.S.

USCIS will send your travel documentation and a multi-use Form I-512L Advance Parole document by mail to the U.S. address listed on your application. You’ll need to leave the country and then return to a U.S. port of entry using this documentation for the final parole determination by CBP. An exception applies to Canadian nationals traveling directly from Canada, who can present their approved Form I-941 at the U.S. port of entry without needing additional travel documentation.

Extending your stay with re-parole as an international investor

If you’re approaching the end of your initial parole period, which lasts up to 2.5 years, you’ll need to apply for re-parole to extend your stay. To qualify for re-parole, you must maintain at least a 5% ownership stake in the startup and continue to play a central and active role.

The startup must also continue to show substantial potential for growth and job creation by meeting at least one of the following benchmarks:

• Additional funding: More than $622,142 in combined qualified investments, government grants, or awards received during the initial parole period
• Job creation: Created at least five qualified full-time jobs for U.S. workers during the initial parole period
• Revenue: At least $622,142 in annual U.S. revenue with at least 20% annualized revenue growth during the initial parole period
• Alternative evidence: Partial satisfaction of the above, plus additional compelling evidence of the startup’s growth potential

To apply for re-parole, submit your application before your current parole expires. Include evidence of your continued qualified investment, metrics on job creation (like payroll records or W-2 forms), revenue statements, and other documentation demonstrating the startup’s growth and public benefit during the initial parole period.

International Entrepreneur Rule processing time

USCIS doesn’t publish Form I-941 processing times, but applicants should expect the process to take several months from filing to final parole determination. Also factor in additional time for embassy appointments and biometrics if you’re applying from abroad.

There is no premium processing for Form I-941, but USCIS has stated that it currently has no backlog for IER applications.

International Entrepreneur Rule costs

Here’s a breakdown of IER costs as of Fiscal Year 2026:

Fee	Entrepreneur	Spouse	Child
Filing fee	$1,200 (Form I-941)	$630 (Form I-131)	$630 (Form I-131)
Parole fee	$1,020	$1,020	$1,020
Total per person	$2,220	$1,650	$1,650

While hiring an immigration attorney isn’t required, it is a smart move to ensure your application process goes smoothly. At Manifest Law, our experienced immigration lawyers specialize in helping entrepreneurs navigate the guidelines of the International Entrepreneur Rule.

👉 Request a free consultation to learn more.

FAQs about the International Entrepreneur Rule

Can I change from an International Entrepreneur Rule parolee to a visa?

You may apply for a visa while you’re in the U.S., but parole is not the same as admission to the country and you’re not eligible for an adjustment of status or a change of status. You would apply for a new visa or Green Card, and in most cases, you’d need to leave the country to complete consular processing abroad. Some potential visas for successful IER entrepreneurs include the O-1, EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW), and EB-1A.

Can I enter the U.S. multiple times under the International Entrepreneur Rule?

Yes, if you have parole under the International Entrepreneur Rule, you are generally permitted to travel in and out of the U.S. multiple times. However, each re-entry is subject to inspection by CBP, and you must continue to meet the conditions of your parole upon returning.

Can I apply for IER if I co-founded the startup?

Yes. Up to three co-founders from the same startup may each apply for IER parole, provided each independently meets all eligibility requirements, including the 10% ownership stake and a central or active role.

What happens if my startup fails or I leave the company?

If your startup ceases operations, fails to meet eligibility criteria, or you no longer play a central and active role, your parole may be terminated. You must notify USCIS of any material changes. If you wish to remain in the U.S., you would need to explore alternative immigration pathways. A pivot to a new qualifying venture may be acceptable on a case-by-case basis.