USCIS Announces Increase in Investment and Income Amounts for Immigrants (+Date)

Immigrant entrepreneurs in the United States (US) who use the investment method to obtain temporary permission to stay in the country must prepare for the next three-year increase.

USCIS announced in a statement on its website that, beginning October 1, 2024, the investment and income thresholds under the International Entrepreneur Rule will be increased.

This increase is expected to take place every three years.

However, the application fee remains unchanged.

On the final rule for immigrant entrepreneurs

“The International Entrepreneur Rule, published in 2017, provides a framework for the Department of Homeland Security to use its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay, on a case-by-case basis, to noncitizen entrepreneurs who would provide a significant public benefit through their startup’s potential for rapid growth and job creation,” USCIS said.

Remember that if granted a temporary residence permit, the immigrant entrepreneur would be authorized to work for his or her startup under his or her temporary residence permit.

The International Entrepreneur Final Rule required USCIS to adjust the investment and income thresholds at 8 CFR 212.19 for inflation every three years.

According to the same, the next automatic adjustment will come into effect on October 1, 2024.

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What are the new amounts for entrepreneurs?

As required by regulation, USCIS makes the following dollar adjustments:

For an initial application, immigrant entrepreneurs must demonstrate the startup’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

So, as of October 1, they must show at least $311,071 in qualified investments from qualified investors, the current amount at this point is $264,147.

And at least $124,429 in government grants or subsidies, which currently stands at $105,659.

Now, if they only partially meet the investment or grant threshold criteria, reliable and compelling alternative evidence demonstrating the startup’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation.

For a second period of stay of immigrant entrepreneurs

The immigrant entrepreneur must generally demonstrate that the startup:

• Received, as of October 1, a qualified investment, grants or qualified government funds, or a combination of such funds, of at least $622.142.

Since the current amount is $528,293.

• Created at least five skilled jobs; or
• Achieved annual US revenues of at least $62.142 (currently $528,293) and averaged at least 20% in annual revenue growth.

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What defines a qualified investor according to USCIS?

In this regard, USCIS explains that:

“The definition of a “qualified investor” requires that the investor have a substantial track record of investing in successful startups. We generally consider such a person or organization to be a qualified investor if, during the preceding five years, the following apply:”

• The individual or organization has invested at least $746.71 in startups as of October 1, 2024.

Currently, the threshold for that amount is set at $633,952 in total.

This, in exchange for equity, convertible debt or other equity-convertible securities commonly used in financing transactions within the startups’ respective industries.

• And, after such investment by said person or organization, at least two of these startups each created at least five skilled jobs.

Or if they generated at least $622,142, again as of October 1, in revenue with an average annualized growth of at least 20%.

This figure currently stands at $528,293.

For more information, USCIS recommends visiting: International Entrepreneur Rule.

With information from USCIS

Visit our section: International