USCIS's new International Entrepreneur Rule – up to 5 years for startup founders

The International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) allows the Department of Homeland Security to grant parole to noncitizen entrepreneurs demonstrating significant public benefit through their business ventures. Entrepreneurs must show their start-up's potential for rapid growth and job creation with specific investment or award thresholds. Parole can be granted for up to 2½ years initially, extendable to a maximum of 5 years based on performance benchmarks. Spouses may apply for employment authorization, but children are not eligible. The start-up entity must be a U.S. business formed within the past five years, with the entrepreneur owning at least 10% and actively involved. Funding requirements include investments from qualifying investors or government awards. Spouses and children can accompany the entrepreneur to the U.S., with spouses eligible to work after being paroled. Entrepreneurs can apply for parole from outside the U.S. if all criteria are met and may not change status while in the U.S. under parole. Detailed information is available in USCIS resources like the Policy Manual and specific forms.