IEP
International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) offers eligible entrepreneurs the opportunity to stay temporarily in the United States to develop a startup. The program recognizes the contribution of immigrant entrepreneurship to the economy and considers the business’s potential for growth and job creation. Authorization is assessed individually, based on significant public benefit to the United States.
Key features of the IEP program
The program has three key features: the entrepreneur’s central and active role in the startup, a limit of up to three entrepreneurs per company and the possibility of parole for eligible family members. A passive investment is not enough: the application must show how the entrepreneur’s presence and work contribute to the business’s development.
Entrepreneur-focused parole
An entrepreneur granted parole under IEP may work for the startup associated with the application, subject to the authorization’s conditions. This is not general permission to accept employment with other companies. Although sometimes called an “IEP visa,” the program grants temporary parole, not a visa or an immigrant classification.
Options for your family
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for parole as dependents, subject to assessment of their applications. After being paroled into the United States, the spouse may apply for employment authorization and must wait for it to be granted before working. Children do not receive employment authorization through this relationship.
Eligibility requirements for the IEP program
The initial application considers the entrepreneur’s ownership interest, the startup’s age and evidence of growth and public benefit. The six points below outline this assessment.
Ownership and role. The entrepreneur must own at least 10% of the startup when the initial application is adjudicated and have a central and active role in its operations. During the initial parole period, at least a 5% ownership interest must be maintained.
Company formation. The startup must be a U.S. business formed within the five years immediately before the initial application, operating lawfully since its formation and showing substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.
Public benefit and investment. The startup must demonstrate at least US$311,071 in qualified investment or at least US$124,429 in qualified government grants or awards received within the 18 months before filing. These amounts have applied since October 1, 2024 and are subject to adjustment. Investment must come from investors meeting the program’s definitions; the entrepreneur’s own funds or family funds do not count as qualified investment for this requirement.
Grants and awards. Funding from U.S. federal, state or local government entities supporting economic development, research, job creation or similar activities may qualify. Foreign government awards and contracts to purchase goods or services do not fall within this definition.
Business role. The entrepreneur must show how their knowledge, skills or experience position them to contribute substantially to the startup’s growth and success. Ownership alone does not establish this role.
Growth and job creation. If the startup only partially meets one or both financial criteria, other reliable and compelling evidence of its substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation may support the application. This alternative does not remove the entrepreneur and startup requirements or allow all financial evidence to be waived.
Limitations of the IEP program
IEP offers a temporary opportunity tied to the business. Understanding its limits is part of planning.
Entrepreneur limit. No more than three entrepreneurs may receive parole based on the same startup. Each person must submit an application and demonstrate eligibility; one partner’s authorization does not automatically extend to the others.
Nature of the authorization. IEP does not grant immigrant or nonimmigrant status or a Green Card. Parole is discretionary and may be terminated if its conditions are no longer met. The initial period may last up to 30 months, with one additional period of up to 30 months possible, subject to further requirements and assessment.
How we can help
01 · Understand
Your history and goals guide the initial assessment and identification of relevant issues.
02 · Organize
The team identifies the information and evidence needed and explains the scope of the proposed work.
03 · Follow through
You receive guidance on the stages of our services and next steps, according to the agreed scope.
Frequently asked questions
Can Brazilian nationals apply for IEP?
Yes. IEP does not require nationality of an investment treaty country. Brazilian nationals may apply if they meet the entrepreneur, startup and public benefit requirements, along with the other applicable conditions.
How do I apply for International Entrepreneur Parole?
The entrepreneur files Form I-941 with USCIS, with the applicable fee and documents covering ownership, role, startup and qualified funding or alternative evidence. Biometrics are required. For an initial application, approval must precede presentation at a port of entry to request parole; it does not automatically grant status to someone already in the United States.
What is the minimum investment for the initial application?
The current thresholds are US$311,071 in qualified investment or US$124,429 in qualified government grants or awards received by the startup within the 18 months before filing. This is not a government fee or a requirement for the entrepreneur to contribute personal funds. An alternative based on partial fulfillment with additional evidence exists, as explained in the requirements.
Can any investor provide the qualified investment?
No. The program requires qualified investors with the U.S. connections and investment and performance track record specified in the rules. Having funds available or living in the United States alone is not enough. The source of funds, investor and transaction must be documented.
How long can I stay in the United States under IEP?
The initial period may be up to 30 months. One additional period of up to 30 months may be requested, for a maximum of five years based on the same startup. Continuation is not automatic: it requires a timely application and evidence meeting the re-parole requirements.
Can my spouse and children accompany me?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may submit individual applications using Form I-131. Their granted period cannot exceed the entrepreneur’s. After being paroled into the United States, the spouse may apply for employment authorization using I-765; children cannot work on the basis of this parole.
Can I work for another company while on IEP?
The entrepreneur’s authorization is limited to work for the startup on which the parole was based. It does not permit employment with another company. Material changes to the role, ownership or operations must be assessed and reported to USCIS under the applicable rules.
Does IEP automatically lead to a Green Card?
No. The program grants temporary parole. A permanent residence strategy requires its own immigration basis and fulfillment of its requirements; startup success or a grant of IEP does not guarantee a Green Card.
What obligations continue after parole is granted?
You must maintain the required role and ownership interest, comply with parole conditions and report material changes. Household income must also remain above 400% of the federal poverty line applicable to household size. Failure to comply may lead to termination of parole or denial of an additional period.
How should I prepare for the first conversation about my startup?
Prepare a summary of the business, formation date, ownership structure, your role, investments received and evidence of growth or jobs. Schedule a free interview to understand which aspects of your project need assessment and documentation. Share private documents through the channel designated by the team.
Do I need to send documents when I first get in touch?
The team will explain which information is needed and the appropriate channel for sending private documents.
Can approval or a timeline be guaranteed?
No. Government decisions and processing times depend on the authorities and the circumstances of each case.
Information in context
Informational content. Eligibility, documentation and strategy depend on individual assessment and the rules applicable to the case.
Official reference ↗IEP regulations — 8 CFR 212.19 ↗