Dear Sophie: Does International Entrepreneur Parole have any advantages over an O-1 visa?

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Thank you, dear Sophie.

There are advantages to International Entrepreneur Parole over an O-1 visa.

It seems like getting an O-1A doesn't seem like a huge reach from there.

I think the O-1A has more advantages. I would love to hear your thoughts on this.

Eagerentrepreneur

Dear Eager.

What a great question!

I helped draft a startup visa for Rep. Zoe Lofgren and the International Entrepreneur Parole is the next best thing. The startup visa is being considered for inclusion in congressional legislation to increase U.S. global competitiveness.

Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of IEP and how it stacks up against the O-1A visa for extraordinary ability.

Qualifying for IEP and O-1A

You mentioned that one of the criteria to get into the program is to get at least $250,000 from investors. The new federal fiscal year began on October 1, 2021, and the figure is expected to increase again in 2024. Every three years, the minimum investment and revenue amounts are adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers. You need to meet the criteria to be eligible for the program.

• Your startup is less than five years old.
• You own at least 10%.