International Entrepreneur Rule News Update 2025: Policy Changes, Opportunities, and Startup Visa Guide for Global Founders
In 2025, the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) continues to change, providing foreign startup founders with a special way to live and grow businesses in the U.S. This option, based on a “parole,” is not a visa. Instead, it allows for a temporary stay that lets founders grow their businesses, as long as they meet strict investment and economic impact requirements. Recent policy updates and clearer guidance make this an important time for global founders to explore this opportunity.
What’s New: Policy Updates & What They Mean for You
1. Automatically Adjusted Investment & Revenue Thresholds
As of October 1, 2024, USCIS has set higher thresholds that adjust for inflation and will update every three years.
The key thresholds now include:
Initial Parole: A minimum of $311,071 in qualified investments or $124,429 in government grants (Jeelani Law Firm).
Re-Parole (extension): At least $622,142 in revenue or equivalent performance from investments or job creation (Jeelani Law Firm, PLC).
These updates reflect real economic conditions and give applicants clearer financial goals. However, they also set a higher standard for early-stage businesses.
2. Sharper Evidence Expectations
USCIS has provided new guidance to clarify application criteria, especially regarding:
Showing active and central roles in startups,
Acceptable types of investment and grant documents, and
Evidence of significant public benefit through growth, innovation, or job creation (Jeelani Law Firm, PLC, Manifest Law).
This clarity helps applicants by minimizing guesswork about the documents needed to support their applications.
3. Streamlined Processing for High-Impact Startups
A new option: eligible businesses that have a strong economic or innovation impact can now ask for faster processing. This speeds up their IER applications, which is helpful for founders who are pressed for time (Manifest Law).
The IER Pathway: Who Qualifies & How It Works
Eligibility Essentials
To apply for IER (using Form I-941), founders usually need to meet these requirements:
Substantial ownership of at least 10% equity at the start of the application (this can drop to 5% for re-parole).
The startup must be based in the U.S., be less than 5 years old, and show potential for rapid growth.
Show one of these:
Qualified investment ($311K or more),
Grant funding ($124K or more),
Or convincing alternative proof of economic potential (USCIS, Welcome Law Firm, Boundless).
Duration, Extensions & Family Access
Initial Parole: Up to 2.5 years, and can be renewed once, allowing for a total of up to 5 years (USCIS, Boundless, Welcome Law Firm).
Re-Parole Criteria: Must meet revenue goals, create jobs, or gain more investment (Boundless).
Family Access: Spouses and children can receive parole; spouses can apply for work permits, but children cannot (USCIS).
Up to 3 founders from each startup may be eligible for IER at the same time.
Parole vs. Visa: What Sets IER Apart
IER is a type of parole, not a formal visa. It gives temporary permission based on business performance, without a direct way to permanent status.
Unlike formal visa types (like O-1, L-1A, and EB-5), IER does not automatically lead to permanent residency; founders must later change to a different immigration status.
The goal of IER is to help founders of high-growth startups set up in the U.S. and then seek longer-term immigration options as their businesses grow.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Parole | 2.5 years (renewable once) |
| Re-Parole Conditions | Revenue/job targets or additional investment |
| Investment Threshold | $311,071 (or $124,429 grant) |
| Revenue Threshold | $622,142 or equivalent performance |
| Eligibility | ≥10% ownership, central role in U.S. startup |
| Parole for Co-founders | Up to 3 allowed per company |
| Family Work Authorization | Spouses can work; children cannot |
The International Entrepreneur Rule serves as an important choice for founders from around the world who want to start businesses in the U.S., particularly when regular visa types are insufficient. The updates for 2024-25 clarify the process and set new standards but require better planning and strong paperwork. Ultimately, achieving success under the IER requires hitting specific performance targets for startups and understanding detailed policy standards while also focusing on the broader aim of integrating into the U.S. business environment.
