Want to immigrate to America without investing any money? The International Entrepreneur Rule does not mandate that entrepreneurs invest on their own; instead, it requires proof that other qualifying US investors have already invested in their startup business. Once you have this mandate from investors, it paves the way for you to come to America.

The United States has always been a hotspot for elite talent from throughout the globe. America’s capacity to bring in global entrepreneurs has sparked groundbreaking innovation, resulting in the creation of new jobs, industries, and opportunities for all Americans.

There are several pathways to immigrate to the US, such as E-2 Treaty Investor or EB-5 Immigrant Investor but they require you to invest.

International Entrepreneur Rule, a pathway to US residentship, requires you to just have a certain amount of ownership in the start-up entity, the primary funding routed through a US investor. Foreign entrepreneurs who want to float a business in the USA can make use of America’s International Entrepreneur Rule.

Start-up entities must demonstrate substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation by showing at least $264,147 in qualified investments from qualifying investors, at least $105,659 in qualified government awards or grants, or alternative evidence.

Effective October 1, 2024, the investment and revenue thresholds under the International Entrepreneur Rule is being increased. However, the application fee will not change.

Alternatively, if the start-up entity partially meets one or both above funding levels, you may submit additional reliable and compelling evidence of the start-up entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

Under the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER), noncitizen entrepreneurs who demonstrate that their stay in the United States would significantly benefit the public through their business venture and that they merit a favorable exercise of discretion may, on a case-by-case basis, be granted a period of authorized stay by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This period of authorized stay is technically called ‘parole’. The entrepreneur may be granted an initial parole period of up to 2½ years. If approved for re-parole, based on additional benchmarks in funding, job creation, or revenue described below, the entrepreneur may receive up to another 2½ years, for a maximum of 5 years.

Under this rule, entrepreneurs granted parole will be eligible to work only for their start-up business. The spouse and children of the noncitizen entrepreneur may also be eligible for parole.

Entrepreneurs may be either living abroad or already in the United States and up to 3 entrepreneurs per start-up can be eligible for parole under the International Entrepreneur Rule. Essentially, the Start-up entities must have been formed in the United States within the past five years.

While nothing stops entrepreneurs from personally investing in the start-up entity or otherwise securing additional funding, only qualified investments from a qualifying investor count towards the minimum investment amount. Find a suitable investor who is a US citizen and have him fund your start-up to gain access to America.