Key Takeaways
- Bankable does NOT require a green card, permanent residency, or US citizenship — ever
- H-4 EAD holders qualify based on EIN, business bank account, and 6+ months of revenue
- No immigration documents, visa stamps, or green card applications are reviewed
- Bankable evaluates business revenue alone — your immigration timeline is irrelevant to us
- H-4 EAD holders in the green card backlog (10+ years) qualify the same as new EAD holders
The most common question H-4 EAD entrepreneurs ask is whether Bankable requires a green card, permanent residency, or US citizenship to access business funding. The answer is no — unequivocally, categorically, and permanently no.
Bankable was built specifically to serve business owners who are underserved by traditional lenders. H-4 EAD holders are among the most systematically underserved business owners in America: highly educated, often running profitable businesses, but locked out of SBA loans and conventional bank lending due to work authorization restrictions. Bankable's underwriting is entirely revenue-based, which means the only question we answer is: does this business generate enough revenue to repay the capital it is requesting?
What Bankable Does Not Look At
- Your visa category (H-4 EAD, H-1B, F-1 OPT, L-1 — irrelevant)
- Your green card application status
- Your priority date in the employment-based preference system
- Your H-1B spouse's employer or job security
- How long you have been in the US
- Whether you intend to remain in the US permanently
What Bankable Does Look At
- Business bank statements (3-6 months)
- Monthly revenue — minimum $10,000-$20,000 depending on product
- Operating history — minimum 6 months preferred
- EIN (not a Social Security Number, not a green card)
- Business legal structure (LLC or corporation)
Verify your eligibility at Bankability Score.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bankable does not review your visa category, green card application status, I-140 approval, or any immigration documentation. We evaluate business revenue and cash flow.
Yes. An H-4 EAD card as government-issued ID plus an EIN for your business is sufficient. We do not require a green card, permanent resident card, or naturalization certificate.
H-4 EAD holders who have received their EAD typically have an SSN. An SSN or ITIN may be needed for certain identity verification steps, but neither represents a citizenship requirement.
This is an immigration matter that affects your ability to personally operate the business. Existing loan agreements remain in force regardless of immigration status changes. We strongly recommend maintaining active EAD status and building a management team that can operate the business independently.
No. Bankable is a private funding company. We do not report to USCIS, ICE, or any immigration authority. Our relationship with you is entirely commercial.
We evaluate business revenue, not immigration status. However, if business operations are directly at risk due to immigration proceedings, this could affect future funding decisions.
No. Your H-1B spouse's immigration status is irrelevant to Bankable's underwriting of your H-4 EAD business.
Yes. Establishing a funding relationship with Bankable now builds your business's credit profile. When you obtain permanent residency, your business will have documented funding history that opens additional financing options.