Key Takeaways
- E-2 treaty investors and all EAD/SSN holders can purchase and operate US franchises
- Franchise acquisition funding up to $2M based on franchise revenue projections and history
- Existing franchise royalty revenue qualifies for operating capital and expansion funding
- Bankable works alongside franchise lenders for complementary capital stacks
- Multi-unit franchise expansion funded for non-citizen operators with proven locations
Franchise Funding for Visa Holders with SSN addresses the capital needs of non-citizen entrepreneurs in the franchise sector — businesses owned by individuals with valid SSNs from H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, TPS, EAD, and all other work-authorized categories who have built operations that deserve funding based on their business results, not their immigration status.
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated government-backed lending for all non-citizens, but Bankable's franchise funding programs operate entirely independently of SBA eligibility. Our underwriting focuses on franchise royalty revenue, system-wide average unit volumes, and multi-unit growth potential — the actual metrics that predict whether a franchise business will successfully repay capital investment.
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 |
Qualification Criteria for Franchise Business Owners
- Valid SSN from any legal work authorization (H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, EAD, TPS, etc.)
- Business EIN and US business bank account in the business name
- 6+ months of operating history with consistent revenue deposits
- Minimum $10,000 monthly revenue ($120,000 annually)
- Personal credit score 580+ (higher revenue can partially offset lower credit)
Funding Products Available to Franchise Non-Citizens
Bankable structures capital for franchise businesses across several product types, all without green card or citizenship requirements:
- Revenue-Based Advances: Repaid as percentage of monthly revenue — ideal for franchise businesses with variable income
- Business Term Loans: Fixed amount and term for planned investments — equipment, expansion, or renovation
- Equipment Financing: Asset-backed at lower rates — the equipment itself reduces lender risk
- Business Lines of Credit: Revolving credit for ongoing working capital needs
Check your Bankability Score today for a personalized funding assessment specific to your franchise business. Our team delivers decisions in 48 hours with no green card requirement. For full details on our industry funding programs, see our comprehensive sector resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, fully. Any non-citizen with a valid SSN from legal work authorization and a franchise business generating at least $10,000 per month qualifies for Bankable's evaluation process. No green card or citizenship is required.
You repay a fixed percentage of your monthly revenue until the funded amount plus our fee is satisfied. For franchise businesses with seasonal or variable revenue, this means lower payments in slow months and faster payoff in strong months — natural alignment with your business cycle.
Yes. Bankable's equipment financing program uses the financed asset as collateral, making it more accessible than unsecured loans. Non-citizen franchise business owners qualify for equipment financing based on the asset value and their business revenue history.