A proposed rule change might let entrepreneurs from other countries stay in the United States longer so they can continue building companies here.

Under a proposal from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, international entrepreneurs would be allowed to stay in the United States for two years as they start a business. They could reapply for another three years. The Department of Homeland Security would have discretion to grant this permission on a case-by-case basis.

This would apply to entrepreneurs who formed a startup in the United States within the past three years. Not only does that person need to have an active, central role in the company, that person must have an ownership stake worth at least 15 percent.

And this won’t be open to every startup, only those with a “substantial and demonstrated potential for rapid business growth.” Evidence could include private investment of at least $345,000 from U.S. investors “with established records of successful investments” or $100,000 in awards or grants from a government agency.

“America’s economy has long benefited from the contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs, from Main Street to Silicon Valley,” said León Rodríguez, director of USCIS. “This proposed rule, when finalized, will help our economy grow by expanding immigration options for foreign entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria for creating jobs, attracting investment and generating revenue in the U.S.”

The rule is open to public comment right now. You can read it (and find instructions for submitting your own comments on the proposal) by visiting this link.