USCIS Reports on Success of Entrepreneurs in Residence Initiative and Plans to Expand the Program

Newsletter Vol. XXIII, no. 9, June 5, 2013, Issue No. 1

In December 2012, we published an article outlining different types of visa options for foreign-born entrepreneurs. Recently, USCIS announced the accomplishments of the innovative Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) initiative and the agency plans to expand the EIR model to a broader range of industries it serves. At the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, USCIS Director discussed recent enhancements to Entrepreneur Pathways, USCIS’s online resource center for entrepreneurs, as well as the EIR team’s work over the past year to strengthen agency policies and practices relating to job-creating immigrant entrepreneurs.

Launched at a February 2012 summit in Silicon Valley, the EIR initiative brought together startup experts and USCIS immigration experts to work collaboratively to streamline pathways for a range of existing visa categories often used by entrepreneurs. Three aims of the program were: producing clear public materials to help entrepreneurs understand relevant visa categories; equipping USCIS staff with the right tools to adjudicate cases in today’s complex business environment; and streamlining USCIS policies to better reflect the realities faced by foreign entrepreneurs and startup businesses. To expand the EIR model, USCIS is now seeking new private sector experts, using the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) Loaned Executive Program, in the areas of performing arts, health care and information technology.

Give us a call if you or your business partners are seeking to establish a company and would like to know possible visa options for you, your business partners and or employees.