International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) is a program that allows foreign entrepreneurs to temporarily enter and work in the United States to develop and grow their startup companies. It provides an avenue for eligible entrepreneurs to leverage their innovative ideas and business expertise in the U.S. market.
Entrepreneurs seeking parole under this regulation should demonstrate the following criteria:
Substantial Ownership and Startup Viability: Possess a significant ownership stake in a startup established within the last five years in the United States, showcasing substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.
Active Role in the Startup: Actively engage in a pivotal role within the startup entity, positioning themselves to significantly contribute to its growth and overall success.
Public Benefit Contribution:
For spouses or children of entrepreneurs applying for parole under this rule, they must:
Active Role in the Startup: Actively engage in a pivotal role within the startup entity, positioning themselves to significantly contribute to its growth and overall success.
Public Benefit Contribution:
- Demonstrate a significant public benefit to the United States through their entrepreneurial role, proven by:
- Receiving substantial capital investment from qualified U.S. investors with a track record of successful ventures.
- Securing noteworthy awards or grants for economic development, research and development, or job creation from federal, state, or local government entities.
- Alternatively, meet partial criteria from the above options while providing additional compelling evidence of the startup's potential for rapid growth and job creation.
For spouses or children of entrepreneurs applying for parole under this rule, they must:
- Independent Eligibility for Parole: Independently qualify for parole based on either significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.
- Discretionary Merit: Merit a favorable exercise of discretion based on their individual circumstances.
Key Features of International Entrepreneur Parole
- Temporary Stay: International Entrepreneur Parole provides a temporary stay in the United States for up to five years. It allows eligible entrepreneurs to live and work in the country while actively developing and growing their startup.
- Work Authorization: Once granted parole, entrepreneurs receive work authorization, allowing them to be employed by their startup company in the United States.
- Spouse and Dependents: The spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of the parolee can accompany them to the United States under dependent status. Spouses may also apply for work authorization to be employed in the U.S.
- No Limit on Number of Entrepreneurs: Unlike some visa categories, the International Entrepreneur Parole program does not have a numerical limit on the number of entrepreneurs who can be granted parole, providing more opportunities for eligible individuals to participate.
- Extensions and Reentry: Entrepreneurs granted parole under the program may be eligible for extensions beyond the initial five-year period. They can also travel outside the United States and reenter using valid parole documents.
- No Prior Business Experience or Education Requirement: The International Entrepreneur Parole program does not impose specific requirements for prior business experience or education. Eligibility is primarily based on the potential for significant public benefit through the startup company's growth and job creation.
Our immigration attorneys are here to guide you through each step, ensuring a seamless and successful filing.
1.Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole
Initiate the process by submitting Form I-941 along with the necessary fees, including biometric services fees.
2.Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
Entrepreneurs' spouses and unmarried, minor children (under 21 years) can file Form I-131 to request parole. This document should be accompanied by the application fee and biometrics services fee.
It can be filed either concurrently with Form I-941 or separately.
3.Submission of Supporting Documents
Include the following documents:
Conclude the process by filing Form I-765 to obtain employment authorization.
1.Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole
Initiate the process by submitting Form I-941 along with the necessary fees, including biometric services fees.
2.Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
Entrepreneurs' spouses and unmarried, minor children (under 21 years) can file Form I-131 to request parole. This document should be accompanied by the application fee and biometrics services fee.
It can be filed either concurrently with Form I-941 or separately.
3.Submission of Supporting Documents
Include the following documents:
- Copy of the marriage certificate or birth certificate establishing the relationship to an entrepreneur parolee or an applicant for entrepreneur parole.
- Documentation indicating the entrepreneur's parole status, such as a pending Form I-941, granted parole request, or evidence of entrepreneur's parolee status. This may include:
- Form I-797, Notice of Action, confirming receipt of the entrepreneur’s Form I-941.
- The entrepreneur’s Form I-512L, Authorization for Parole of an Alien into the United States.
- Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, indicating the entrepreneur's parole into the United States.
Conclude the process by filing Form I-765 to obtain employment authorization.
Our immigration attorneys specialize in navigating the complexities of parole applications for entrepreneurs and their families. Contact us for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.