United StatesActiveStartup Visas

International Entrepreneur Rule (IER)

A discretionary parole status (not a visa) for startup founders — at least $311,071 in qualified investment. Politically vulnerable and low-volume.

Official program name

International Entrepreneur Rule (IER)

Program category

Starting an innovative company

Current status

Active and accepting applications, but discretionary and low-volume

Best suited for

Startup founders with qualified institutional investment, as a temporary bridge rather than a long-term status

Overview

The IER is not a visa — it's a discretionary grant of parole (temporary permission to be present in the US) for founders with at least $311,071 in qualified investment from qualified investors (raised from $264,147, effective October 1, 2024), or evidence of $622,142 in revenue for a re-parole application. The founder must hold a central, active role with at least 10% ownership. Parole is granted for up to 5 years total (an initial period plus one renewal of up to 30 months each). Because this is parole rather than a status or visa, it carries more legal fragility and has historically been small in volume and politically vulnerable to policy reversal.

Minimum investment

At least $311,071 in qualified investment from qualified investors; or $622,142 in revenue for re-parole

Active involvement required

Yes — central, active role with at least 10% ownership

Residence status granted

Parole (not a visa or formal immigration status), up to 5 years total (2×30 months)

Family inclusion

Yes — spouse and unmarried children under 21

Spouse work rights

Yes

Permanent residence pathway

No — parole does not itself lead to permanent residence

Official source

uscis.gov

Directional guidance only, not immigration advice. Parole is discretionary and can be denied, revoked, or subject to policy changes with limited notice. Confirm current thresholds and program status with USCIS before relying on this route. Last verified September 15, 2026.