No Visa, No Green Card: How Entrepreneurs Can Still Live in the US
The United States offers a legal route for foreign entrepreneurs to build start-ups in America through a mechanism known as the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), which grants temporary residency status in exchange for meeting strict investment and growth criteria.
The rule allows noncitizen founders to enter or remain in the US under a form of discretionary status called “parole”, rather than through a conventional visa. Up to three founders per start-up are eligible, and successful applicants are authorised to work solely for their own venture.
An initial stay of up to two and a half years may be extended for a further period, allowing a maximum of five years. Spouses and children may also qualify for parole.
To be eligible, a start-up must have been established in the United States within the past five years and must demonstrate sufficient financial backing. This requires either at least $311,071 from qualified private investors or $124,429 in government grants or awards. Alternative evidence of viability may also be considered.
Extending the initial period requires further proof of progress. Entrepreneurs must show they have raised $622,142 in new investment or grants, created at least five jobs, or generated annual revenue of $622,142 with sustained growth of 20 per cent or more.
The definition of a “qualified investor” is tightly drawn. Eligible investors must be US citizens or permanent residents and must have a track record of investing at least $746,571 in successful start-ups. This is intended to ensure that only experienced backers with demonstrated judgement can support ventures under the scheme.
Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Homeland Security. The central question is whether the entrepreneur’s presence would provide a “significant public benefit” through innovation, job creation, and economic growth.
The rule does not provide a path to permanent residency. The IER requires no personal capital outlay from the entrepreneur, making it distinct from investor visa programmes. However, access depends heavily on connections to established investors who meet the qualifying criteria.
