New Startup Visa to Attract Global Talent Announced

Government Unveils Points-Based Startup Visa Program

The United States government has announced a groundbreaking new startup visa program designed to attract international entrepreneurial talent and boost economic innovation. The 2025 Points-Based Startup Visa represents a significant shift in immigration policy, creating a dedicated pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who previously had to navigate complex workarounds through existing visa categories.

Eligibility Criteria and Scoring System

Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points across five key categories: Education (maximum 25 points), Business Experience (maximum 25 points), Funding and Capital (maximum 25 points), Innovation Potential (maximum 15 points), and Job Creation (maximum 10 points). To qualify, entrepreneurs must own at least 15% of a US-based startup formed within the past five years and demonstrate potential to create at least five full-time jobs for American workers.

'This program addresses a critical gap in our immigration system that has forced innovative entrepreneurs to use complicated alternatives,' said Mei Zhang, immigration policy expert. 'By creating a dedicated pathway, we're sending a clear message that America welcomes entrepreneurial talent.'

Funding Thresholds and Investment Requirements

The program requires substantial financial commitment from applicants, with funding thresholds designed to ensure serious business proposals. While specific investment amounts vary based on the scoring system, successful applicants typically demonstrate significant capital investment in their ventures. The program aims to attract approximately 3,000 entrepreneurs annually who are projected to create over 100,000 new American jobs over the next decade.

Regional Hubs Strategy

The startup visa program aligns with the broader Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) initiative, which received $220 million in funding for 2025. This strategic approach focuses on developing innovation ecosystems across specific regions, with 19 pre-designated Tech Hub consortia eligible for implementation grants ranging from $100 million to the full program funding.

'The regional hubs strategy ensures that innovation isn't concentrated in just a few coastal cities,' explained a Department of Commerce official. 'We're building innovation capacity across the entire country, from rural areas to mid-sized cities.'

Application Process and Timeline

Entrepreneurs must submit Form I-910 with comprehensive business documentation and pay a $1,200 application fee. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) aims for a 90-day processing timeline, significantly faster than many existing immigration pathways. The program represents a streamlined approach to attracting global talent while maintaining rigorous vetting standards.

The startup visa program comes as part of a broader economic competitiveness strategy that includes the FY 2025 Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program, which focuses on commercializing and scaling future-focused technologies across designated regions. This coordinated approach between immigration policy and regional economic development represents a comprehensive strategy to strengthen American innovation leadership.

Industry leaders have welcomed the announcement, noting that it addresses longstanding challenges in attracting and retaining international entrepreneurial talent. The program's points-based system provides transparency and predictability for applicants while ensuring that selected entrepreneurs bring substantial value to the American economy.