The International Entrepreneur Authorization Program provides a legal pathway for eligible foreign entrepreneurs to move to the United States to start and grow their business ventures. Recognizing the immense value that immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to the U.S. economy, the program is designed to foster economic growth and stimulate job creation.
Key Features of the IEP Program:
Candidate entrepreneurs must own at least a 10% equity stake and actively participate in the operations of their startup.
The startup must have been launched within the five years prior to the applicant’s IEP application.
To establish eligibility, entrepreneurs must provide evidence of qualified investments in their startup. These investments can come from qualified U.S. investors (minimum investment of $250,000) or government entities (minimum investment of $100,000).
Grants and awards received by the startup, directed towards economic development, research, job creation or other entrepreneurial activities, can contribute to meeting the investment requirements.
Entrepreneurs must demonstrate a fundamental role in the success of their startup.
Entrepreneurs can still qualify for the IEP if their startup demonstrates substantial job creation and rapid growth, even if they only partially meet the investor’s financial criteria.
Each startup receives only three International Parole for Entrepreneurs ratings, emphasizing the selective nature of the program.
The IEP program is distinct from traditional entrepreneur visas and provides a specialized immigrant classification exclusively for establishing businesses on U.S. soil.
The E-2 visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa for nationals of countries that have a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States. It allows individuals to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business.
Applicants must be citizens of a treaty country, make a substantial investment in a legitimate U.S. enterprise, show that the investment is not marginal (it must generate more than just a living for the investor and their family), and the investor must be entering the U.S. to develop and direct the enterprise.
There is no fixed minimum dollar amount defined by law. Instead, the investment must be substantial relative to the cost of the business and sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise.
Yes. The principal E-2 visa holder may bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21. The spouse may apply for work authorization in the U.S., while children may study but generally may not work.
The E-2 visa is typically granted for an initial period of stay (varies by treaty country) and can be renewed indefinitely in increments as long as the business remains viable and operating and the holder maintains the same qualifying status.
A substantial investment means the amount is significant in relation to the cost of purchasing or creating the business, puts the investor’s capital at risk, and the business must be capable of producing more than just marginal income for the investor and family.
