Key Takeaways
- K-1 holders can legally purchase commercial property in the US with an EAD
- Commercial real estate mortgages have different requirements than Bankable products
- Bankable funds business working capital while you pursue commercial property separately
- SBA 504 loans for property purchase are unavailable to K-1 AOS holders
- Revenue-based funding can demonstrate financial capacity during property financing process
Commercial property ownership is a wealth-building milestone for many K-1 entrepreneurs. K-1 holders can legally purchase commercial property in the US -- there is no citizenship requirement for property ownership. The challenge is financing. SBA 504 loans (the primary small business commercial real estate product) are unavailable to K-1 AOS holders. Conventional commercial mortgages typically require 2+ years in business and strong US credit history. Bankable funds your business operations with working capital, which can help you demonstrate financial strength to commercial real estate lenders. Meanwhile, Bankable is not a commercial real estate lender -- we fund your business, not the building.
The K-1 Funding Challenge
- SBA 504 commercial real estate loans are categorically unavailable to K-1 AOS holders
- Conventional commercial mortgages require 2+ years of US business history and strong credit
- Down payment (25-35%) on commercial property requires significant accumulated capital
- K-1 holders often lack the 2-year US business tax return track record lenders want
- Title insurance and closing costs add 2-5% to commercial property purchase price
- Commercial appraisals and environmental assessments add $5K-$20K to the purchase process
Bankable Solutions for K-1 Business Owners
- Business Working Capital While Pursuing Property ($50K-$2M): Keep your business fully capitalized while navigating the commercial real estate process.
- Financial Capacity Documentation: Bankable credit facilities can support your financial picture for commercial real estate lenders.
- Bridge Financing: Short-term capital during the commercial real estate transaction closing process.
- Post-Purchase Business Capital: Working capital for business operations after property purchase closes.
- Equipment Financing for Property Improvements: Finance business equipment installed in your newly owned property.
Why Banks Fail K-1 Entrepreneurs
Traditional banks evaluate business loan applications through a lens built for citizens and permanent residents. They demand two or more years of US tax returns, a Social Security number with a long credit history, and often require a green card or citizenship as an unstated condition. K-1 holders in the adjustment of status period rarely meet all these criteria simultaneously.
Bankable funds revenue, not immigration documents. Check your Bankability Score in 5 minutes with no hard credit pull. Explore SBA alternatives and revenue-based products.
Revenue-Based Funding
Up to $5M tied to your monthly business revenue. No green card required. 48-hour decision.
Apply Now →Equipment Financing
Asset-backed funding for K-1 business owners. Fast approval, EAD-eligible.
Learn More →Working Capital Bridge
Bridge cash flow gaps during AOS. Flexible repayment tied to your revenue.
Check Score →Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bankable does not require a green card or US citizenship for any of its funding products. A valid EAD and a registered US business entity are the primary requirements.
Bankable makes decisions within 48 hours of receiving complete documentation. Funding typically arrives within 3-5 business days of approval.
SBA rules require all 20%+ business owners to be US citizens or lawful permanent residents. K-1 holders in AOS are excluded regardless of revenue or business quality. Bankable fills this gap.
Typically 3-6 months of business bank statements, your EIN, proof of business ownership, and your EAD. The Bankability Score tool provides a personalized document list in 5 minutes.
Yes. There is no citizenship requirement for property ownership in the US. K-1 holders with EADs can purchase commercial real estate. The challenge is financing, not legal eligibility.
SBA 504 requires the business owner to be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. K-1 AOS holders are excluded. This forces K-1 entrepreneurs to seek conventional commercial mortgages or private lenders for property purchases.
Bankable funds your business operations, working capital, and equipment -- keeping your business strong financially while you pursue commercial real estate separately. A Bankable facility demonstrates financial capacity to other lenders.
Build strong business revenue, use Bankable working capital to demonstrate cash flow, accumulate down payment capital, and work with a commercial real estate lender experienced in immigrant entrepreneur lending. Timing the property purchase for after green card approval (when SBA 504 becomes available) is often optimal.