Investor & founder routes
Can a startup founder get a U.S. visa without an employer sponsor?
Yes. The International Entrepreneur Rule lets up to three founders of a U.S. startup stay for up to five years without an employer sponsor, if the startup was formed in the last five years, the founder owns at least 10%, and the company has raised at least $311,071 from qualified U.S. investors or $124,429 in government grants. It is parole, not a visa, and it does not lead to a green card by itself — most founders use it as a bridge to O-1A, EB-1A or EB-2 NIW.
Primary legal authority
- 8 CFR §212.19 — The International Entrepreneur Rule: eligibility, investment thresholds, ownership and parole periods.
- INA §212(d)(5)(A) — The parole authority the rule is built on — case-by-case, for significant public benefit.
Who qualifies
A founder who owns at least 10% of a U.S. startup formed within the past five years, plays a central and active role in it, and can show the company has substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation. Up to three founders per startup can apply.
The usual proof is money already raised: at least $311,071 from one or more qualified U.S. investors, or at least $124,429 in qualified federal, state or local government awards or grants. If you only partly meet those, you can offer other compelling evidence.
The numbers
A qualified investor is a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or U.S.-controlled organization that has invested at least $746,571 in startups over the previous five years, after which at least two of those startups each created at least five jobs or reached at least $622,142 in annual revenue.
The amounts apply to applications filed on or after October 1, 2024 and are adjusted every three years for inflation. Check uscis.gov for the current figures before you rely on them.
How long you can stay
Initial parole is up to 2.5 years. You can apply once to extend it for up to another 2.5 years — five years in total — by showing continued growth: new funding, jobs created, or revenue of at least $622,142. At re-parole you must still own at least 5% of the company.
Your spouse can apply for work authorization after arriving. Children cannot work.
What it is not
It is parole, not a visa or a status, and it ends when the five years do. It does not lead to a green card. Founders with strong records typically move to an O-1A (extraordinary ability), or self-petition for an EB-1A or EB-2 National Interest Waiver green card while on parole.
The program is active: DHS withdrew its 2018 proposal to end it, and as of September 2026 it has not been rescinded.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does a founder need for the International Entrepreneur Rule?
At least $311,071 from qualified U.S. investors, or at least $124,429 in qualified government awards or grants (amounts for applications filed on or after October 1, 2024). Partial funding can be supplemented with other compelling evidence.
Is the International Entrepreneur Rule a visa?
No. It is parole granted case by case under INA §212(d)(5). It authorizes you to stay and work at your startup for up to five years but is not an immigration status and does not lead to a green card.
How much of the company must I own?
At least 10% when you apply. At re-parole, you must still hold at least 5%.
Can seed investors sponsor a founder's visa?
Not directly, but their investment is the qualifying evidence. A qualified investor must have invested at least $746,571 in U.S. startups over five years with at least two of those companies each creating five jobs or reaching $622,142 in revenue.
What comes after entrepreneur parole?
Most founders move to an O-1A visa or self-petition for an EB-1A or EB-2 NIW green card, using the traction built during parole as evidence.
JustiGuide provides legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. This page is a general overview and is not a substitute for advice about your specific situation from a licensed immigration attorney. Last reviewed 2026-09-01.