Introduced in 2012, the International Invitational originally allowed two international schools to bypass the Preliminary Round and gain direct entry into I.C.B.C. Final Weekend’s Business Policy stream. To promote fairness, equity, and merit-based competition, this direct entry option has now been removed. Now, all schools must participate in the Preliminary Round. However, to maintain space for global representation, two of the eight Final Weekend Business Policy spots will continue to be reserved for the top two international schools based on Preliminary Round results. All remaining spots will be judged fairly based on overall ranking.