Key Takeaways:
- Guide to Form I-941: Application for Entrepreneur Parole, including fees, documentation, and travel requirements for international entrepreneurs in the US.
Applying for travel documents: Dependents of entrepreneurs must file Form I-131 concurrently or separately to join the entrepreneur in the US.
Secure your future: Spouses of entrepreneur parolees can apply for employment by filing Form I-765, but children are not eligible.
Navigating Entrepreneur Parole: Understanding Form I-941
Embarking on a business venture in the United States is an exciting opportunity for international entrepreneurs. Understanding the immigration process is crucial, and that’s where Form I-941, Application for Entrepreneur Parole, comes into play. Here’s a guide to help you through this process and ensure that you’ve got all your bases covered.
Applying for Entrepreneur Parole with Form I-941
When aspiring to develop your enterprise stateside, the Form I-941 is your ticket. It requires a filing fee of $1,200, along with a biometric services fee of $85. This fee is an essential part of your application process as per 8 C.F.R. § 212.19 and the associated instructions.
To file, gather the necessary documentary evidence and ensure payment of these fees. However, remember that approval of your Form I-941 application alone does not instantly grant you parole. Successful applicants need to visit a U.S. consulate to receive travel documentation before arriving at a U.S. port of entry where a final determination will be made. Canadian entrepreneurs benefit from a streamlined process, by presenting an approved Form I-941 directly at a U.S. port of entry, bypassing the travel documentation step.
How to Apply for Travel Documents for Dependents
A dependent spouse or child Form I-131 application must be filed to request parole to join the entrepreneur in the U.S. For those accompanying an entrepreneur, this is a crucial step that doesn’t have to wait. You can file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, concurrently with the Form I-941 or separately, ensuring your family stays together.
The fee for dependents is $575, with a biometric services fee of $85 for applicants under the ages of 14 through 79. When filling out Form I-131, inscribe “IER” in the margin for Part 2 Application Type, and submit evidence of your relationship to the entrepreneur, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
Secure Your Future: Applying for Employment Authorization
Once in the U.S., spouses of entrepreneur parolees can apply for employment by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with a fee. Unfortunately, this benefit does not extend to the children of the entrepreneur under this rule. Include evidence like Form I-94 and your marriage certificate when submitting Form I-765. However, an early submission before the spouse’s parole can lead to denial, and the return of fees is not guaranteed. It’s essential to time this right.
Filing Your Documentation Correctly
All forms must be sent to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility. Use the correct address for the chosen mail carrier to avoid any delays in processing your application.
Understanding Form I-9 for Employment Eligibility
Entrepreneurs granted parole have the flexibility to be employers or employees within the United States. To comply with employment regulations, completing a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, is mandatory. This document ensures that you are authorized to work in the U.S. It requires presentation of your foreign passport and a Form I-94 with an entrepreneur parole (PE-1) class of admission. Both should match the name on passport and contain proof of endorsement by the parole with the period of endorsement still valid.
Fulfilling these criteria enables you to take on entrepreneurial endeavors legally within the United States. For more in-depth I-9 information, visiting the I-9 Central webpage is highly advised.
Embarking on a journey as an international entrepreneur in the United States requires meticulous planning and strict adherence to immigration laws and procedures. By following these outlined steps deploying the necessary forms, and submitting the right fees, your dreams of sparking business ventures in the U.S. can become a reality.
For USPS service
USCIS
Attn: IER
PO Box 650890
Dallas, TX 75265
For FedEX, UPS and DHL delivery services
USCIS
Attn: IER (Box 650890)
2501 S. State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
For authoritative and up-to-date information on the I-941 Application for Entrepreneur Parole and other immigration-related queries, consult the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or get in touch with an immigration attorney.
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
- Immigrant entrepreneurs have a significant impact on the U.S. economy. According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants have started more than half (55%) of America’s billion-dollar startups, including companies like SpaceX, Intel, and eBay.
The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants. In fact, between 1820 and 2013, over 79 million people immigrated to the U.S., making it the top destination for immigrants worldwide.
The U.S. immigration system is diverse, with various visa categories catering to different purposes. For entrepreneurs, the E-2 visa category is an option. This visa allows individuals from certain treaty countries to invest in and develop businesses within the United States.
Immigrants contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. The Partnership for a New American Economy found that immigrants are more likely to start their own businesses compared to native-born citizens. Immigrant-owned businesses generate billions of dollars in revenue and provide countless job opportunities.
Immigrant entrepreneurs have played a significant role in shaping Silicon Valley. According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants have founded more than half (50%) of Silicon Valley’s startups, including tech giants like Google, Apple, and Oracle.
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a unique immigration program that aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States. Each year, the lottery randomly selects 55,000 individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S., granting them permanent residency.
The United States is not the only country attracting immigrant entrepreneurs. Canada, for example, has a startup visa program that offers a pathway to permanent residency for innovative entrepreneurs looking to establish their businesses in the country.
Immigrants bring cultural diversity and enrich local communities. They introduce new cuisines, art forms, traditions, and contribute to the vibrancy of cities and towns across the United States.
The U.S. immigration process can be lengthy and complex. On average, it takes about 8-16 months for an entrepreneur to obtain an E-2 visa, while the process for other visa categories can take even longer. It requires detailed documentation, interviews, and adherence to strict legal requirements.
Immigration policies in the United States have evolved over time. In 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act abolished the national origins quota system, prioritizing family reunification and skills-based immigration. This change led to a more diverse immigrant population and contributed to the multicultural fabric of the country.
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GLOSSARY
- Entrepreneur Parole: A program that allows international entrepreneurs to temporarily enter and stay in the United States to establish and grow their startups.
Form I-941: Also known as the Application for Entrepreneur Parole, it is the official form that international entrepreneurs must file to apply for Entrepreneur Parole. It requires the payment of a filing fee and includes necessary documentary evidence.
Filing Fee: The monetary amount required to be paid when submitting a form or application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In the case of Form I-941, the filing fee is $1,200.
Biometric Services Fee: A fee that covers the cost of collecting biometric information such as fingerprints and photographs from individuals applying for immigration benefits. In the case of Form I-941, the biometric services fee is $85.
Parole: Temporary permission to enter and stay in the United States, usually granted for humanitarian, public interest, or significant economic benefit reasons. In the context of Entrepreneur Parole, it allows international entrepreneurs to establish and grow their startups.
U.S. Consulate: A diplomatic mission of the United States located in foreign countries. International entrepreneurs who are approved for Entrepreneur Parole must visit a U.S. consulate to receive travel documentation before entering the United States.
U.S. Port of Entry: An official entry point into the United States, such as an airport, seaport, or land border crossing, where individuals must present themselves to be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
Travel Documentation: The documents, such as visas or parole documents, required for entry into a foreign country. International entrepreneurs approved for Entrepreneur Parole must obtain travel documentation from a U.S. consulate before arriving at a U.S. port of entry.
Dependents: In the context of immigration, dependents are family members (spouses and children) of the main applicant who are eligible to accompany them to the United States.
Form I-131: Also known as the Application for Travel Document, it is the official form used to request parole or other travel documents for dependents of international entrepreneurs approved for Entrepreneur Parole. The fee for dependents is $575.
Concurrently: Simultaneously or at the same time. In the context of filing immigration forms, submitting multiple forms together is referred to as filing concurrently.
Employment Authorization: A document that allows individuals to legally work in the United States. Spouses of entrepreneur parolees can apply for employment authorization by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
USCIS Dallas Lockbox: A facility designated by the USCIS to receive and process immigration forms and fees. Forms, such as Form I-941 and Form I-765, must be sent to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.
Form I-9: Also known as the Employment Eligibility Verification form, it is a mandatory form that employers in the United States must complete for each newly hired employee to verify their identity and employment authorization. Entrepreneurs granted parole must complete Form I-9 when they become employers or employees in the United States.
I-94: An Arrival/Departure Record issued by CBP to document the arrival of non-U.S. citizens into the United States. It contains information about the individual’s immigration status, authorized period of stay, and class of admission.
I-9 Central: A webpage provided by the USCIS that offers detailed information and guidance regarding the completion of Form I-9 and compliance with employment eligibility verification requirements.
Immigration Attorney: A legal professional specializing in immigration law who provides advice and assistance to individuals navigating the immigration process. Consulting an immigration attorney can help ensure accurate and up-to-date information and guidance on immigration matters.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): The government agency responsible for administering and enforcing immigration laws and regulations in the United States. The USCIS oversees the processing of immigration forms and applications. It is advisable to consult the official USCIS website for authoritative and up-to-date information on immigration-related queries.
This Article in a Nutshell:
Form I-941 is crucial for international entrepreneurs looking to start a business in the US. Filing requires a $1,200 fee and biometric services fee of $85. Approval alone does not grant parole, as a US consulate visit and final determination at a port of entry are required. Dependents must file Form I-131. Spouses can apply for employment authorization with Form I-765. All forms should be sent to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Entrepreneurs are also required to complete Form I-9 for employment eligibility. For more information, consult the USCIS website or an immigration attorney.
There you have it, folks! The ins and outs of navigating Entrepreneur Parole with Form I-941. Remember, it’s all about the fees, the evidence, and the correct mailing address. And don’t forget about those travel documents for dependents! If you want to dig deeper into immigration topics, like a true tech enthusiast, check out visaverge.com. Happy exploring!
