USCIS has released updated guidance on the International Entrepreneur Rule, introducing significant changes to investment and revenue thresholds. Effective October 1, 2024, these adjustments aim to attract talented foreign entrepreneurs to the U.S. and enhance their contributions to the economy.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced significant updates to its International Entrepreneur Rule (IER) guidelines, bringing new investment and revenue thresholds for foreign entrepreneurs aiming to build their startups in the U.S.
These changes, effective from October 1, 2024, are designed to reflect inflation adjustments and ensure the program remains in line with evolving economic conditions.
Key Updates to the International Entrepreneur Rule
The updated guidance for the International Entrepreneur Rule clarifies adjustments to investment, revenue, and other thresholds for entrepreneurs applying under the International Entrepreneur Rule.
The adjustments stem from the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) final rule published in July 2024, which introduced automatic inflation-based increases every three years. These changes will affect all new IER applications submitted from October 1, 2024, onwards.
Notable Changes Include:
1. Investment Threshold Increase: Entrepreneurs relying on investment from a qualified investor will now need a minimum of $311,071, up from the previous $264,147.
2. Government Grant or Award Threshold: The amount required for government awards or grants increases from $105,659 to $124,429.
3. Revenue for Re-Parole Consideration: To qualify for re-parole, a startup must now generate $622,142 in revenue, an increase from $528,293.
4. Qualified Investor Criteria: For an investor to qualify, they must have invested at least $746,571 (previously $633,952) in startups over a five-year period. Additionally, at least two of those companies must have either created five jobs or generated at least $622,142 in revenue with a 20% annualized growth rate.
Streamlined Biometrics for International Applicants
The new guidance also highlights how biometrics appointments for conditionally approved applicants will be coordinated with the U.S. Department of State.
This process is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs outside the U.S. or those opting to receive parole documentation at U.S. embassies or consulates. The USCIS will streamline this process to ensure smooth and efficient biometric data collection for international applicants.
Automatic Adjustments and Future Updates
The updated investment and revenue amounts are part of a broader regulatory framework that mandates automatic adjustments every three years, based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
These adjustments help ensure that the International Entrepreneur Rule remains aligned with economic conditions and inflation. USCIS will regularly publish updated figures on its website, with the next adjustment scheduled for 2027.
Changes to Application Forms
In line with the new guidance, USCIS will also update Form I-941, which is used for applying for Entrepreneur Parole. This form, along with its instructions, will reflect the revised investment and revenue amounts in the near future, ensuring applicants have the latest information when applying for the program.
Effective Date and Policy Manual Update
The new thresholds take effect on October 1, 2024, and will apply to any IER applications filed on or after this date. Additionally, these changes have been incorporated into Volume 3 of the USCIS Policy Manual, which is now effective immediately.
What is the International Entrepreneur Rule?
The U.S. introduced the International Entrepreneur Rule to attract talented foreign entrepreneurs, enabling them to establish and grow their startups while contributing to the U.S. economy.
Under this rule, entrepreneurs can request parole, a temporary permission to enter or remain in the U.S., based on their potential to create jobs, drive innovation, and benefit the public.
Conclusion
With these updated investment and revenue requirements, the International Entrepreneur Rule continues to evolve, offering new opportunities for international entrepreneurs looking to build their businesses in the U.S. Entrepreneurs should familiarize themselves with the updated thresholds and ensure their applications meet the revised criteria starting October 2024.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/uscis-updates-international-entrepreneur-rule-key-changes-for-2025/
