For ambitious founders in the United Kingdom, the allure of the American market with its vast capital, deep talent pools, and culture of innovation is undeniable. Making the leap across the Atlantic is a major decision, and for many, the key question is: how do I get there? While traditional visas exist, the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) News offers a unique pathway. This guide breaks down what the IER is and how it can be the right move uk entrepreneurs need to scale their U.S. venture.
What is the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER)?
The IER is not a visa; it is a parole program administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
. Parole is a discretionary authority that allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant a period of authorized stay to noncitizen entrepreneurs who demonstrate that their stay would provide a significant public benefit to the United States
.In practical terms, the IER allows a qualified entrepreneur to be paroled into the U.S. for an initial period of up to 30 months, with the possibility of a single re-parole for an additional 30 months, totaling up to five years .
Key Eligibility Criteria for UK Founders
To qualify for the IER, a UK entrepreneur must meet several strict criteria, primarily centered on the U.S. startup they are leading:
1.Ownership: The entrepreneur must possess at least a 10% ownership interest in the startup .
2.Central Role: The entrepreneur must play a central and active role in the operations and future growth of the startup .
3.Recent Founding: The startup must have been formed in the United States within the last five years .
4.Significant Investment or Grant: The startup must demonstrate a significant potential for rapid growth and job creation, evidenced by one of the following:
•Receiving at least $264,741 in qualified investment from established U.S. investors (venture capital firms, angel investors) .
•Receiving at least $105,897 in grants or awards from federal, state, or local U.S. government entities .
International Entrepreneur Rule News: Staying Current
It is crucial for applicants to stay informed, as the financial thresholds for the IER are not static. In recent international entrepreneur rule news, USCIS announced that it will update the investment and revenue thresholds every three years to account for inflation and maintain the program’s integrity . The latest increase, effective October 1, 2024, set the minimum investment and grant amounts to the figures listed above . This triennial review ensures that the IER continues to target only those startups with the highest potential for economic impact.
How to Apply
The application process involves filing Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole, with USCIS . This form requires extensive documentation to prove the startup’s legitimacy, the source of the qualifying investment or grant, and the entrepreneur’s central role. A filing fee and a biometric services fee are also required .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.What is the difference between IER and a visa?
The IER grants parole, which is a temporary, discretionary permission to be physically present in the U.S. It is not a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, and it does not automatically lead to permanent residency.
2.How long can I stay in the U.S. under the IER?
An initial period of up to 30 months, with a single re-parole possible for another 30 months, for a maximum total stay of five years.
3.Can my family join me under the IER?
Yes, the spouse and minor children of the entrepreneur may be eligible for parole. Spouses may also apply for employment authorization once paroled into the U.S
While USCIS does not typically host public webinars on the IER, you can find educational workshops and informational sessions hosted by U.S. economic development agencies, university-affiliated startup accelerators, and specialized immigration law firms. Searching for “IER startup visa workshop” or “US immigration for founders webinar” often yields relevant results.
