Key Takeaways
- J-1 holders can own construction companies and general contracting firms
- SBA construction loans require 100% citizenship as of 2026
- Fund equipment, bonding, payroll, and materials from contract revenue
- Revenue-based repayment tied to draw schedule deposits
- J-2 EAD spouses in construction qualify independently
Construction Funding for J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 specialists in civil engineering, architecture, and construction management frequently found construction companies after completing their exchange programs. The construction industry's milestone-based payment structure — draw schedules tied to project completion — creates persistent working capital needs that Bankable is specifically designed to bridge.
Construction Funding Uses
- Equipment purchases — excavators, forklifts, scaffolding, tools
- Performance bond premiums for public contracts
- Material purchases ahead of project draw payments
- Subcontractor payroll during payment delays
- Working capital between project milestones
- Licensing, insurance, and compliance costs
- Bid bonds and project pursuit costs
- Fleet vehicles and trucks for crews
SBA Alternative
No citizenship required. Bankable funds construction companies up to $5M.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. J-1 holders can legally own construction companies organized as LLCs or corporations. State contractor licensing requirements vary — most require passing a trade exam and meeting insurance/bonding requirements, none require citizenship.
Construction companies receive payment in project milestones (draws). Bankable evaluates your trailing 6-month bank deposit history, which captures these draw payments, and averages them to establish monthly revenue.
$25,000/month in average construction revenue deposits over 6 months.
Yes. Surety bonding for J-1-owned construction companies is available from commercial surety providers. Bond underwriting focuses on financial statements and contract history, not immigration status.
No. Section 212(e) has no effect on your right to own a construction company or obtain business funding.
Yes. J-2 EAD holders with work authorization can own construction companies and access Bankable funding independently.
Bankable funds J-1 construction companies from $50,000 to $5,000,000 based on monthly revenue.
4–6 months of business bank statements, contractor license copy, government-issued ID (passport accepted), and business registration documents.
Bankable issues decisions within 48 hours. Construction companies with clear bank statement revenue typically receive decisions within 24 hours.
Bankable requires no citizenship, no SBA eligibility, and no lengthy underwriting process. We fund based on construction revenue deposits with 48-hour decisions.