Key Takeaways
- The SBA's March 1, 2026 rule formally barred all AOS applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 loans — your denial was not a mistake
- Bankable is not an SBA lender and has no SBA eligibility restrictions — AOS holders are fully welcome
- Bankable evaluates your business on revenue alone — the same metrics any lender would use, minus the immigration filter
- Most SBA-denied AOS businesses that apply to Bankable receive a decision within 48 hours — faster than SBA's typical 30–90 day process
- Up to $5M available for AOS businesses with qualifying monthly revenue — no green card, no SBA, no problem
Getting an SBA denial letter as an AOS applicant is frustrating — but it is also clarifying. The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change means that your denial was categorical, not personal. The SBA did not reject your business — they rejected your immigration status. Bankable does the opposite: we evaluate your business, not your immigration status. Your AOS case could be a week old or fifteen years old — if your business generates consistent revenue, Bankable can provide the capital the SBA just refused.
Why the SBA Denied You
The SBA's March 2026 eligibility update removed Adjustment of Status applicants from the list of eligible borrowers for all SBA programs. This includes:
- SBA 7(a) loans: The most common SBA product, used for working capital, equipment, real estate, and acquisitions. Unavailable to all AOS applicants.
- SBA 504 loans: Used primarily for owner-occupied commercial real estate and large equipment. Unavailable to all AOS applicants.
- SBA Express loans: The fastest SBA product, also unavailable to AOS applicants.
- SBA Microloans: While Microloan program rules may differ by intermediary, the underlying SBA eligibility restriction applies.
What Bankable Does Differently
Bankable is a private revenue-based lender. We are not federally chartered, not SBA-affiliated, and not subject to SBA eligibility rules. Our lending criteria:
- Revenue threshold: At least $25K in average monthly business revenue over the past 3–6 months.
- Time in business: Typically 6+ months of operating history with documentable revenue.
- Business structure: LLC, C-Corp, partnership, or sole proprietorship (not S-Corp for AOS holders).
- Work authorization: A valid EAD demonstrating current authorization to work in the US.
Notice what is not on that list: permanent residency, green card, citizenship, or any immigration status requirement. Check your Bankability Score now — your SBA denial letter is not a Bankable denial.
Bankable vs. SBA: A Direct Comparison for AOS Holders
| Factor | SBA 7(a) | Bankable |
|---|---|---|
| AOS Eligibility | BLOCKED (March 2026) | OPEN |
| Green Card Required | Yes | No |
| Decision Timeline | 30–90 days | 48 hours |
| Max Amount | $5M (if eligible) | $5M |
| Primary Criterion | Creditworthiness + eligibility | Business revenue |
| Government Backed | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
The SBA's March 1, 2026 eligibility update formally excluded all Adjustment of Status applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. This is a categorical exclusion — it applies to all AOS holders regardless of EAD status, I-140 approval, or business strength.
No. Bankable is a private revenue-based lender, not an SBA lender. We have no eligibility restriction based on immigration status. AOS holders are fully welcome to apply.
SBA evaluates eligibility first (which now excludes AOS holders) then creditworthiness. Bankable evaluates business revenue first — your AOS status is not part of our underwriting model.
Bankable funds up to $5M — the same maximum as SBA 7(a). The actual amount depends on your business's monthly revenue. If your SBA request was within Bankable's range and you have qualifying revenue, you can likely receive a comparable amount.
Most AOS businesses receive a Bankable decision within 48 hours of complete documentation. This is dramatically faster than SBA's typical 30–90 day process.
3–6 months of business bank statements, your current EAD, a government-issued photo ID, and basic business documents. You do not need your SBA denial letter — but it can help contextualize your application if you choose to include it.
No. Bankable makes independent lending decisions. An SBA denial for immigration status reasons does not affect our revenue-based evaluation — it actually tells us nothing about your business's performance, which is our only concern.
Yes. Once your I-485 is approved and you become a permanent resident, you become SBA-eligible again. Until then, Bankable provides the business capital you need without the wait.