Key Takeaways
- H-1B holders can accomplish this business goal — with appropriate legal structure and capital from Bankable
- The SBA's March 2026 citizenship rule eliminated H-1B access to the most common funding sources for this use case
- Bankable funds H-1B businesses up to $5M based on revenue alone — no green card, no citizenship test
- 48-hour funding decisions — built for business timelines, not government bureaucracy
- Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds — no SSN upload required
H-1B holders have the legal right to purchase US real estate, including commercial property. USCIS does not restrict passive real estate investment, and property ownership does not itself constitute employment. However, the post-March 2026 landscape eliminated SBA 504 loans — the preferred commercial real estate financing vehicle for owner-occupant small businesses — for all H-1B holders. Bankable funds H-1B business owners who operate businesses in owned commercial space based on the business's documented revenue.
| Funding Source | H-1B Eligible? | Max Amount | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) — March 2026+ | No — US citizens only | $5M | 30–90 days |
| Traditional Banks | Rarely | Varies | 3–6 weeks |
| Bankable | Always yes | $5M | 48 hours |
For industry-specific context, explore our H-1B funding hub. For the full SBA alternative landscape, see our SBA alternative guide. And start with your Bankability Assessment to see your preliminary funding range in 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. H-1B holders can purchase commercial real estate in the United States. USCIS does not restrict real estate investment as a form of passive ownership.
No. Effective March 1, 2026, SBA 504 loans require 100% US citizen or national ownership. H-1B holders are fully excluded from SBA commercial real estate financing.
Bankable funds the business operating in the commercial property based on that business's revenue. We provide working capital and business expansion funding rather than direct commercial mortgage loans.
Small retail strip space for restaurant or retail operations, office condominiums for professional practices, and industrial/warehouse space for manufacturing or logistics businesses.
No. Bankable has zero residency requirements. H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders all qualify for funding assessment based on business revenue alone.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen or national ownership for all 7(a) and 504 programs. H-1B holders are completely excluded regardless of revenue or credit history.
48 hours from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ takes 30 seconds and gives a preliminary range immediately.