Discretionary parole (not a visa)
International Entrepreneur Rule (Parole)
Temporary permission to live in the US to build your own startup, based on outside investment or government grant funding rather than personal acclaim.
The International Entrepreneur Rule lets USCIS grant discretionary parole — not a visa — to entrepreneurs of a recently formed US startup that shows substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid growth and job creation, backed by qualifying investment or government funding.
Category
Discretionary parole (not a visa)
Best for
Founders who don't yet have a personal extraordinary-ability record but have raised meaningful institutional funding (or won qualifying government grants like SBIR) for a US-formed startup.
Eligibility
- Founded a US startup entity within the last 5 years with substantial ownership (at least 10%) and an active, central role in its operations.
- The startup has received at least $124,429 in qualifying US government grants/awards, OR at least $311,071 from qualified US investors with an established investment record (amounts indexed and adjusted periodically).
- Can show substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.
Benefits
- Doesn't require personal extraordinary-ability evidence — funding and business potential carry the case instead.
- Initial parole period up to 2.5 years, with one renewal of up to 2.5 more years (5 years total) if growth/funding/job-creation benchmarks are met.
- Spouse can apply for work authorization; up to 3 entrepreneurs per startup can qualify.
Tradeoffs to know
- Parole is not a visa or immigration status — it doesn't itself lead to a green card and can be terminated if conditions aren't maintained.
- The investment/grant thresholds are a real fundraising bar for a very early-stage company.
- Fully discretionary — meeting the criteria makes you eligible to be considered, not automatically approved.
How to apply
File Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole, with evidence of the qualifying investment or government funding and the company's growth potential.
Immigration law changes frequently and eligibility is highly fact-specific. This is a starting-point reference, not legal advice — talk to a qualified immigration attorney before choosing or relying on any pathway here.