Key Takeaways
- All EAD categories qualify: DACA (C33), H-4 (A17), AOS (C09), TPS (A12), OPT (C03A), and all others
- EAD holders with SSN are treated identically to green card holders by Bankable underwriting
- EAD renewal cycles managed through shorter-term funding products with renewal option
- DACA EAD holders represent 580,000+ individuals, many running established businesses
- AOS EAD holders awaiting green card can fund and grow while their case is pending
EAD holder business funding addresses the specific needs of the millions of Americans who hold Employment Authorization Documents — whether issued under DACA, H-4 authorization, Adjustment of Status pending, TPS, OPT, or dozens of other categories. The EAD is the document that grants the right to work legally in the United States, and Bankable treats every EAD holder with an SSN as fully eligible for business funding evaluation.
Employment Authorization Documents are issued under INA 274a.12, which establishes 24 distinct eligibility categories ranging from A01 (refugee) through C43 (other eligible categories). Each category represents a different immigration pathway, but all share a common outcome: the legal right to work in the United States, the issuance of a Social Security Number, and the legal right to operate a business. Bankable serves all of them without distinction.
Major EAD Categories and Their Business Funding Implications
DACA (Category C33) — ~580,000 Holders
DACA recipients are among the most entrepreneurially active EAD holder groups. Having grown up in the United States, DACA recipients have deep community ties, English fluency, local market knowledge, and established networks that translate into business success. Bankable funds DACA entrepreneurs at the full standard range — $25,000 to $5,000,000 — based on their business revenue history.
Adjustment of Status (Category C09) — ~1.5M+ Holders
AOS EAD holders are in the process of adjusting to permanent resident status. While they await green card approval — a process that can take months to years — their EAD provides full work authorization. These individuals often have strong educational backgrounds, stable incomes, and clear paths to permanent status. Bankable funds AOS EAD holders recognizing that permanent residency is imminent for many applicants.
H-4 EAD (Category A17) — ~90,000 Holders
Spouses of H-1B holders with Employment Authorization are among the most professionally accomplished EAD holders. Many have advanced degrees and extensive professional experience. Bankable funds H-4 EAD entrepreneurs with the same standards applied to any other EAD category.
TPS (Category A12) — ~700,000 Holders
Temporary Protected Status holders from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Syria, and other designated countries have been building businesses in the United States for decades. Despite the "temporary" label, many TPS beneficiaries have been in the US for 15-25 years and operate established, multi-employee businesses. Bankable funds TPS businesses based on their operational track record.
OPT/STEM OPT (Category C03A/C03B) — ~300,000 Holders
F-1 students on OPT or STEM OPT who are running businesses approved by their universities qualify for Bankable funding. Given the shorter duration of OPT periods, funding terms are typically structured within the authorization window, with longer terms available for STEM OPT (36 months).
SBA Loans vs. Traditional Banks vs. Bankable
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated all non-citizen, non-national applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. Here is how your options compare:
| Factor | SBA 7(a) (Pre-2026) | Traditional Bank | Bankable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card Required? | No (changed Mar 1, 2026) | Usually yes | Never |
| Citizenship Required? | Yes (as of Mar 1, 2026) | Sometimes | No |
| SSN Accepted? | N/A (citizenship required) | Rarely alone | Yes — primary requirement |
| Decision Speed | 30-90 days | 30-60 days | 48 hours |
| Max Funding | $5M (if eligible) | Varies | Up to $5M |
| Collateral | Required | Required | Revenue-based, minimal |
| Min. Revenue | Varies | $500K+ | $120K annual |
If you hold any EAD category and have an active business generating at least $10,000 per month in revenue, your path to funding begins at Bankable's Bankability Score. No green card documentation. No immigration status screening. Just your business, your EAD-issued SSN, and your revenue history.
Frequently Asked Questions
All of them. Category C33 (DACA), C09 (Adjustment of Status), A17 (H-4 EAD), A12 (TPS), C03A (OPT), C26 (H-1B cap-gap), and all other EAD categories issued under INA 274a.12 qualify. Your specific EAD category does not affect Bankable's funding decision.
Bankable aligns funding terms with your EAD validity period when possible. If your EAD expires in 12 months and you prefer a 24-month funding term, Bankable will discuss renewal expectations and may require evidence of a pending renewal application. Shorter-term products (6-12 months) are simplest for EAD holders with renewal cycles.
Yes. USCIS's automatic extension rules mean your work authorization continues while a timely-filed EAD renewal is pending. Bankable can work with applicants whose authorization is in the automatic extension period.
If your underlying immigration case is denied and your EAD becomes invalid, your SSN remains valid but your work authorization ends. This is an immigration matter that Bankable cannot predict or control — consult your immigration attorney to understand your specific situation's risks.
Yes, emphatically. DACA recipients have SSNs, EADs, and legal work authorization. Many have operated businesses for years and have strong revenue histories. Bankable funds DACA entrepreneurs based purely on their business metrics.
Yes. Many EAD holders who are Bankable clients renew their funding when they renew their EAD, particularly as their business has grown during the prior period. Consistent EAD renewal history is a positive factor in funding renewal assessments.