Under the International Entrepreneur Rule in 2026, foreign founders need at least $311,071 in qualified U.S. investor funding (or $124,429 in government grants) and a 10% ownership stake for an initial 30-month parole, extendable to five years. Since October 16, 2025, each applicant and dependent also pays a new $1,000 parole fee on top of standard USCIS filing fees.
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International Entrepreneur Rule now needs $311,071 investment plus a $1,000 fee
Why this matters for founders
IER remains a cap-free way for immigrant founders to build in the US without an H-1B; line up qualifying investment and budget the added parole fees before filing Form I-941.
Source: Alma (Immigration)
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