15 U.S.C. § 1141a: International applications based on United States applications or registrations

(a) In generalThe owner of a basic application pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or the owner of a basic registration granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office may file an international application by submitting to the United States Patent and Trademark Office a written application in such form, together with such fees, as may be prescribed by the Director. (b) Qualified ownersA qualified owner, under subsection (a), shall—(1) be a national of the United States; (2) be domiciled in the United States; or (3) have a real and effective industrial or commercial establishment in the United States.