International Entrepreneur Parole Program Explained

Have you dreamed of managing your own startup company in the US? If so, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss the International Entrepreneur Parole Program, a unique immigration option for entrepreneurs involved with startup businesses. We'll review the program requirements and benefits and explain how someone can extend their stay in the US under the International Entrepreneur Parole Program. 

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What is the International Entrepreneur Parole Program? 

Let's start by talking about what the International Entrepreneur Parole Program is and how it operates. This program is a special rule that allows the Department of Homeland Security to use its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay to foreign entrepreneurs. These stays are determined on a case-by-case basis, and the entrepreneur must demonstrate that their continued presence in the US would provide a significant public benefit. 

It's essential to keep in mind that the International Entrepreneur Parole Program is not a visa. It's the Department of Homeland Security's special parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay. 

Who is Eligible for the Parole?

Through the International Entrepreneur Parole Program, an entrepreneur who satisfies the requirements can come to the US and work for their startup business. Additionally, the entrepreneur's spouse and children may also obtain parole to go to the US. Once in the US, the spouse can apply for work authorization and the children can attend school. 

What Benefits Does the International Entrepreneur Parole Program Offer?

There are various benefits associated with this program. First, it enables foreign entrepreneurs to come to the US and work for their own businesses. While some options already exist, such as the E2 Visa and the L1 visa, this is yet another way for entrepreneurs to gain authorization to stay in the US and grow their companies. 

An additional benefit is that the International Entrepreneur Parole Program does not require an entrepreneur to invest money in their business, like the E-2 visa requires.  The entrepreneur's children can also benefit from this program by gaining authorization to attend school in the US. 

Another program advantage is the ability to obtain an initial parole period for two-and-a-half years with the option to request a renewal for another two-and-a-half years. This potentially gives the entrepreneur up to five years of authorized stay in the US.

Additionally, under this program, the authorized stay is not limited to one entrepreneur. Up to three entrepreneurs can come to the US and work for the same startup company. 

How to Qualify for the International Entrepreneur Parole Program

To be eligible for the program, the entrepreneur must own at least 10% of the business they are working in. Also, they must be actively involved in the business; they cannot simply be a passive investor.  

The startup company must have been formed within the last five years to be eligible for the program. The business must also have a substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth and job creation. This is a key program requirement, and there are several ways to demonstrate this potential.  

1. If you can show there has been at least a $250,000 investment in your startup by qualified US investors, you can satisfy the requirement.
   

 

2. In the alternative, if your startup has received at least $100,000 in federal, state, or local government awards or grants, you can satisfy the requirement.

 

3. Finally, demonstrating that you have partially met either or both of these first two requirements and have other reliable and compelling evidence, you may qualify. Further compelling evidence could include being admitted to a competitive startup accelerator.