What is the Entrepreneur Relocation Program?
STUP™ works in tandem with the multiple states, regions and, cities within the US to attract genuine entrepreneurs to their regions.
USCIS grants periods of authorized stay, on a case-by-case basis, to foreign entrepreneurs who demonstrate that their stay in the United States would provide a significant public benefit through their business venture, and its potential for rapid business growth and job creation, and that they merit a favorable exercise of discretion.
This program is consistent with the US government’s goal of promoting access to legal immigration, which includes qualified entrepreneurs who would benefit the United States by growing new businesses and creating jobs for U.S. workers.
What is the rationale of this Entrepreneur Program?
An applicant must demonstrate that their enterprise would provide a significant public benefit, because he or she as an entrepreneur of a qualifying startup entity in the United States has significant potential for rapid growth and job creation, thus benefiting the local economy.
The goal of the program is to encourage international entrepreneurs to create and develop startup entities with high-growth potential in the U.S. USCIS estimates that over 3,000 international entrepreneurs will qualify every year, leading to the creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. If expectations are met, this program will significantly increase patents, intellectual property, licensing, and other intangible assets that can be expected to contribute to innovation and technological advances in the US.
What qualifications should the entrepreneur possess?
The entrepreneur must be central and active role in the startup entity, with proven association with the idea/concept of the product or service that the start-up enterprise. Furthermore, the entrepreneur should be able to substantiate the credibility of the start-up, and be well-positioned, due to their knowledge, skills, or experience (or combination thereof), to substantially assist the start-up entity with its growth and success.
Additionally, the entrepreneur must have a minimum 10% ownership stake in the startup entity at time of adjudication of the initial application.
Additional reliable and compelling evidence of the start-up entity’s substantial potential for rapid growth and job creation, such as evidence of the employee development and retention programs, community involvement, social impact, national scope, export potential, etc.
Applicants Must Merit a Favorable Exercise of Discretion
Even though demonstrating the startup would result in a significant public benefit, the Department of Homeland Security may nevertheless deny the applicant as a matter of discretion based on other factors.
USCIS evaluates the totality of the evidence in each case to determine whether the applicant’s presence in the United States will provide a significant public benefit and that they otherwise merit a favorable exercise of discretion. A denial of application cannot be appealed.