Key Takeaways
- Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are now excluded from SBA loans under the March 2026 rule
- Revenue-based funding from Bankable has no green card requirement—only business revenue matters
- All other major revenue-based funders (Kabbage, OnDeck, MCAs) also have no green card requirement
- The surprise: revenue-based funding often has better terms than SBA for green card holders even in normal times
- Bankable's 92% approval rate applies equally to green card holders, visa holders, and all other non-citizen categories
Lawful permanent residents—green card holders—were perhaps the most surprised victims of the March 2026 SBA citizenship rule. Green card holders had long been considered eligible for SBA loans. They pay US taxes, live permanently in the US, and often operate businesses that employ US citizens. The rule change drew a bright line at citizenship, and green card holders found themselves on the wrong side of it.
Revenue-based funding exists entirely outside this citizenship framework. Bankable's model was never based on immigration status—it was built on the simple premise that consistent business revenue demonstrates repayment capacity. Green card or no green card, your revenue tells the story.
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 |
Green Card Holders vs. SBA in 2026
| Factor | Pre-March 2026 | Post-March 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Eligibility | Yes (green card holders eligible) | No (must be 100% US citizen) |
| SBA 504 Eligibility | Yes | No |
| Bankable Eligibility | Yes (always) | Yes (unchanged) |
| CDFI Eligibility | Yes (always) | Yes (unchanged) |
| Fintech Lender Eligibility | Yes (always) | Yes (unchanged) |
Revenue-Based Funding Options for Green Card Holders
- Bankable: $25K-$5M, 48-hour decisions, 92% approval, no green card requirement
- Kabbage (AmEx Business Blueprint): Up to $250K revolving line, no green card required
- OnDeck: Up to $250K term loan or $100K line, no green card required
- Bluevine: Business credit lines up to $250K, no green card required
- Fundbox: Business credit lines up to $150K, no green card required
- CDFI Microloans: Up to $250K, mission-driven rates, no green card required
Why Revenue-Based Funding Is Actually Better for Many Green Card Holders
Even before the SBA rule change, many green card holders would have benefited more from revenue-based funding:
- No long-term fixed payment risk: Green card holders whose circumstances may change benefit from revenue-flexible payments
- No collateral risk: SBA loans required personal guarantees and sometimes liens on business assets. Revenue-based funding eliminates hard collateral risk.
- Faster: 48 hours vs. 30-90 days. Many business opportunities can't wait for SBA timelines.
Green card holders: your revenue qualifies you for Bankable. Check your score in 5 minutes.
SBA closed its door to green card holders. Bankable's door was always open—and always will be. Apply today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Green card holders are fully eligible for Bankable's revenue-based funding, CDFI loans, fintech credit lines, and all other non-SBA business funding. The March 2026 SBA rule excluded green card holders, but all private lenders remain open.
The March 2026 SBA rule change requires 100% US citizenship (citizens and nationals only) for all business principals with 20%+ ownership. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are considered non-citizens under this definition despite their permanent legal status.
Bankable is the best replacement for most green card holding business owners with $150K+ revenue: $5M maximum, 48-hour decisions, 92% approval rate, no green card requirement, and revenue-flexible repayment. CDFIs serve smaller amounts.
No. Green card, temporary visa, DACA status, TPS, or any other immigration category is not evaluated by Bankable. We assess business revenue, operating history, and revenue consistency—nothing related to immigration status.
Bankable advances capital based on your business revenue. You provide 3-6 months of bank statements. Bankable makes a 48-hour decision. If approved, capital is deployed within 24-48 hours. Repayment is a percentage of monthly revenue until the repayment cap is reached.
Some state and local economic development programs offer grants for businesses owned by legal residents regardless of citizenship. CDFIs occasionally have grant programs. Bankable is a lender, not a grant provider.
The SBA rule requires ALL principals with 20%+ ownership to be US citizens. A business owned 51% by a citizen and 49% by a green card holder would still be ineligible because the green card holder has 20%+ ownership. The rule has no exceptions.
Bankable does not require immigration documents. You need: 3-6 months of business bank statements, basic business information (EIN, business registration), and minimal personal information. Your green card is not part of our application.
No. The only way to access SBA loans is to naturalize as a US citizen. The naturalization process typically takes 5+ years from green card receipt. Non-citizen green card holders should establish alternative funding relationships with Bankable and CDFIs now.
Funding depends on revenue. A green card holder with a $500K/year service business might access $100K-$250K in the first Bankable tranche. A $2M/year business might access $400K-$1M. Revenue is the sole variable.