Key Takeaways
- Visa holders are now categorically excluded from SBA—your rejection was expected and is not unique to you
- Bankable approves visa holders at the same 92% rate as all qualifying businesses: based on revenue, not visa type
- Your visa status (H-1B, E-2, L-1, TN, O-1, F-1 OPT) does not affect your Bankable eligibility at all
- Revenue-based funding from Bankable often provides MORE flexibility than SBA loans ever did
- The sooner you apply to Bankable, the sooner your business growth plan continues
Every visa holder who applied for SBA funding after March 1, 2026 received the same rejection for the same reason: the SBA's new citizenship rule. Whether you hold an H-1B, E-2, L-1, TN, O-1, F-1 OPT, or any other non-citizen work authorization, the SBA's answer is now no—regardless of your business's financial strength.
This rejection has nothing to do with your business. The SBA never evaluated your revenue, your growth trajectory, your market position, or your repayment capacity. It only evaluated your citizenship—and found you lacking by its new standard.
Bankable evaluates the things that actually matter for lending: your revenue, your business history, and your consistency of income. Your visa status is irrelevant to our underwriting.
SBA vs. Alternatives: 2026 Comparison
| Option | Citizenship | Max | Decision | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | 100% required | $5M | 30-90 days | Blocked for non-citizens |
| CDFIs | No | $250K | 2-4 weeks | Open, limited capacity |
| Bankable | No requirement | $5M | 48 hours | Fully open, 92% approval |
Visa-Specific Funding Paths After SBA Rejection
| Visa Type | SBA (2026) | Bankable | Other Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Blocked | Fully eligible | CDFIs, fintech lenders |
| E-2 | Blocked | Fully eligible | Portfolio commercial lenders |
| L-1 | Blocked | Fully eligible | CDFIs, business loans |
| TN | Blocked | Fully eligible | Fintech lenders |
| O-1 | Blocked | Fully eligible | CDFIs, fintech lenders |
| F-1 OPT | Blocked | Fully eligible | CDFI microloans |
| Green Card | Blocked | Fully eligible | Community banks (some) |
Why Revenue-Based Funding Is Actually Better for Visa Holders
SBA loans come with conditions that are difficult for visa holders: long terms tied to business stability during uncertain visa renewals, personal guarantees that become complicated during international moves, and fixed payments that don't flex when visa-related disruptions affect business. Revenue-based repayment from Bankable flexes with your actual income—making it uniquely appropriate for non-citizen business owners whose circumstances can change.
Apply now and know your options within 48 hours. Check your Bankability Score here.
Your visa didn't disqualify you from building a business. It shouldn't disqualify you from funding it. Bankable agrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
The March 2026 SBA rule requires 100% US citizenship for all business principals with 20%+ ownership. All visa categories—including permanent residents—are now excluded from SBA 7(a), 504, and all other SBA programs.
No. Bankable does not evaluate visa type, immigration status, or citizenship. All visa categories (H-1B, E-2, L-1, TN, O-1, F-1 OPT, and others) are fully eligible for Bankable's revenue-based funding.
SBA: requires citizenship, 30-90 day process, fixed payments, collateral required. Bankable: no citizenship requirement, 48-hour decisions, revenue-flexible payments, no collateral required. For visa holders, Bankable is the accessible alternative.
Yes. H-1B holders who own businesses are fully eligible for Bankable's revenue-based funding. Your H-1B status is not evaluated—only your business revenue is assessed.
Yes. E-2 visa holders are fully eligible for Bankable funding. The irony that E-2 holders invested in US businesses to get their visa but are now rejected from SBA is not lost on us. Bankable has no such contradiction.
Funding depends on revenue. An H-1B visa holder with a $500K/year IT services business might access $100K-$250K. An E-2 investor with a $1M/year business might access $200K-$500K. Revenue is the only variable.
No. Green cards, permanent residency, and citizenship are all irrelevant to Bankable's funding process. Revenue-based underwriting requires only bank statements and business information.
Bankable's funding is based on business performance, not visa status. If your business will continue operating during visa renewal, funding can proceed. Contact Bankable at (786) 443-5511 to discuss your specific visa timing situation.
Yes. TN visa holders are fully eligible for Bankable's revenue-based funding. TN status is not evaluated in our underwriting process.
For visa holders, revenue-based funding has practical advantages beyond cost: it is accessible (no citizenship), flexible (payments flex with revenue), and appropriate for uncertain immigration timelines. The absence of long-term fixed payment obligations is a benefit for those whose situations may change.