Key Takeaways
- Working visa holders (H-1B, TN, L-1, O-1, E-2) qualify for full Bankable funding range
- Capital from $25K to $5M based on business revenue — visa status is irrelevant to underwriting
- Working visa entrepreneurs account for 18% of US new business starts annually
- Bankable has funded 2,400+ non-citizen businesses with $400M+ deployed
- Same funding speed (48 hours) and terms as citizen-owned businesses
Working visa business capital for H-1B, TN, L-1, O-1, and E-2 holders fills a critical gap in the American entrepreneurship ecosystem. These are among the most credentialed and professionally accomplished non-citizens in the US — specialists, managers, researchers, and entrepreneurs — who carry their expertise into businesses that serve American consumers and employ American workers. Their businesses deserve capital access proportionate to their professional and economic contribution.
The challenge is straightforward: most capital sources require either citizenship or permanent residency as a baseline condition. Working visa holders have neither — by definition. Their visa categories are classified as non-immigrant, meaning they are not intended to confer permanent status (even if many eventually do lead to green cards). This classification creates an artificial barrier that has nothing to do with creditworthiness and everything to do with outdated institutional practices.
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 |
Working Visa Business Capital by Industry
Working visa holders run businesses across every sector of the American economy:
- Technology: H-1B engineers and developers running consulting firms, SaaS companies, and tech agencies
- Healthcare: TN and H-1B medical professionals running practices, medical staffing agencies, and telehealth platforms
- Engineering and consulting: TN, L-1, and O-1 holders running specialized consulting practices
- Food and hospitality: E-2 treaty investors and OPT graduates running restaurants and food businesses
- Finance and accounting: TN and H-1B finance professionals running advisory and accounting firms
Whatever your working visa category and industry, Bankable's Bankability Score assessment matches you with capital appropriate to your business's revenue and stage. Five minutes of assessment, 48 hours to decision, no green card required.
Frequently Asked Questions
H-1B holders must be careful about self-employment and running businesses. Owning a passive equity stake in a business is generally permitted. Active management of a business where you are the primary worker may create immigration issues. Consult an immigration attorney about your specific situation before applying.
Yes. TN holders with independent professional practices — consulting, engineering, accounting — qualify for Bankable funding based on their business revenue. TN renewal cycles do not affect shorter funding terms.
No — Bankable funds your business, not your employment income. The business you own must have its own revenue and bank account history separate from your H-1B employment.