A parole-based pathway for startup founders with significant U.S. investment or government funding.
The International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program allows foreign entrepreneurs to temporarily enter or remain in the United States to grow their startups. Created under the Obama administration, suspended under Trump, and reinstated under Biden, the IEP has had a turbulent history but remains a viable option for qualifying founders.
The IEP is a parole program — not a visa — that grants temporary authorization for foreign entrepreneurs to remain in the U.S. to develop and grow their startups. It was finalized as a rule by DHS in January 2017, suspended in 2018, and reinstated following litigation and policy changes. The program uses the government's parole authority under INA § 212(d)(5) to admit entrepreneurs on a case-by-case basis when it serves a significant public benefit.
To qualify for the IEP, an entrepreneur must demonstrate all of the following:
Initial parole is granted for up to 30 months. Entrepreneurs can apply for a re-parole period of up to an additional 30 months if the startup continues to show growth — measured by revenue increases, job creation, additional investment, or other indicators of success. The total maximum stay is 5 years. Up to three entrepreneurs per startup may receive parole.
The IEP is not a visa and does not provide a direct path to a green card or permanent residency. Parolees cannot adjust status based solely on IEP parole. Spouses receive work authorization, but the program's future depends heavily on the political administration in power. Founders relying on the IEP should have a contingency plan and explore concurrent green card pathways such as EB-1A or EB-2 NIW.
Unlike the E-2 visa, the IEP is not limited to treaty country nationals. Unlike the O-1A, it does not require evidence of extraordinary ability — just significant investment and growth potential. However, the IEP's dependence on parole authority makes it less stable than visa-based options. Founders with strong personal achievements may find the O-1A more reliable, while those from treaty countries with capital may prefer the E-2.
Applicants file Form I-941 (Application for Entrepreneur Parole) with USCIS, along with supporting evidence of investment, ownership, and the startup's potential. There is no lottery or cap. Processing times vary but typically range from 3 to 6 months.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →The IEP rule remains on the books, but its availability depends on the current administration's enforcement priorities. Check USCIS for the latest guidance, as the program has been suspended and reinstated multiple times since its creation in 2017.
No. The IEP is parole, not a visa, and does not provide a direct path to permanent residency. Entrepreneurs on IEP should explore concurrent green card options like EB-1A extraordinary ability or EB-2 NIW self-petition.
The startup must have received at least $264,147 from qualified U.S. investors or $105,659 in government grants. These thresholds are adjusted periodically for inflation.
Yes. Spouses of entrepreneurs granted IEP parole are eligible for employment authorization and can apply for a work permit (EAD) to work for any U.S. employer.