Key Takeaways
- L-2 EAD holders can operate consulting businesses in any field they are qualified in
- Consulting is one of the most accessible and capital-efficient businesses for L-2 spouses
- Fund hiring, office space, certifications, and business development as an L-2 EAD consultant
- Bankable evaluates your contract revenue, not your immigration status
- SBA programs no longer available to non-citizens — Bankable is your primary alternative
Consulting is perhaps the most natural business for L-2 EAD spouses. They arrive with deep professional expertise — the spouse of the VP of Engineering transferred from Wipro's Bangalore office may be a seasoned project manager. The partner of a BMW design executive may have industrial design and process consulting credentials. L-2 EAD holders who build consulting businesses serve clients who specifically value their global perspective, multilingual skills, and understanding of international business practices.
Bankable funds L-2 EAD consulting businesses based on client contract revenue. We evaluate your invoicing history, retainer agreements, and project pipelines. A consulting firm generating $40,000-$500,000 per month in revenue can qualify for significant working capital to fund growth.
Consulting Funding Uses for L-2 EAD Holders
- Hiring subcontractors and employees: Scale your delivery capacity without depleting working capital during project gaps
- Office and co-working space: Professional presence for client meetings and team collaboration
- Professional certifications: PMP, CPA, SHRM, Six Sigma, AWS certifications that command higher rates
- Business development: Conference attendance, proposal development, and CRM tools
- Insurance and bonding: Professional liability, E&O insurance, and surety bonds for corporate clients
- Technology stack: Project management, invoicing, communication, and collaboration tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. L-2 EAD provides full work authorization, including the right to operate a self-owned consulting business. You can sign contracts, invoice clients, hire staff, and operate in any consulting field. Many L-2 spouses prefer consulting because it aligns with their existing expertise without requiring new US credentials.
Management consulting, IT consulting, HR consulting, financial consulting, marketing consulting, engineering consulting, environmental consulting, supply chain consulting, and language/translation consulting. We fund virtually any consulting specialty.
We review your last 3-6 months of bank statements showing client payment deposits, plus any outstanding contract or retainer agreements. Consulting businesses with retainer clients are especially strong candidates because retainer revenue is predictable and recurring.
Yes. Solo consultants (individuals operating as single-member LLCs or S-Corps) qualify for Bankable's funding. Your funding amount is tied to your revenue — a solo consultant billing $20,000/month can qualify for $30,000-$60,000 in working capital.
Yes. Payroll capital is one of the most common uses. When you hire your first subcontractor or W-2 employee, there is a gap between their salary costs and when client invoices are paid. Bankable bridges that gap.
Late-paying clients (net-30, net-60, net-90) are a classic consulting cash flow problem. Bankable's funding provides the working capital to operate while waiting for invoice payment. Our repayment is based on your bank deposits, so when clients pay, your repayment naturally accelerates.
Yes. L-2 EAD holders can contract with US government agencies in most cases, though certain national security clearance positions require citizenship. Many federal agencies and state governments contract with non-citizen consultants in non-classified roles.
Yes, provided your business is US-registered and receives payments in US business bank accounts. Consulting businesses that serve international clients from a US base — leveraging language and cultural expertise — are strong candidates.