Key Takeaways
- Revenue-based advances from Bankable are the most accessible option for most U visa businesses
- Equipment financing is the best option when you have a specific asset to purchase
- Invoice factoring works well if your clients are large companies that pay net-30 or net-60
- Non-QM commercial mortgages serve U visa holders buying commercial property
- SBA loans — formerly the best option — are now blocked for all U visa holders
With SBA loans blocked for U visa holders as of March 2026, understanding the full landscape of available funding options is critical. This guide ranks and explains every viable option for U visa business owners in 2026.
Option 1: Revenue-Based Advances (Best for Most U Visa Businesses)
Best for: Businesses with 3+ months of documented revenue needing capital for any purpose
How it works: Bankable advances $25K-$750K based on your monthly revenue. Repayment is a percentage of daily revenue — no fixed monthly payment.
Pros: No residency requirement, fast (48 hours to decision), flexible repayment, any business purpose
Cons: Higher cost than SBA loans; shorter terms (6-24 months)
Apply at: bankablefunds.com/bankability-score
Option 2: Equipment Financing (Best for Equipment-Intensive Businesses)
Best for: Restaurants, construction companies, landscapers, truckers buying specific equipment
How it works: The equipment serves as collateral. Bankable funds $10K-$500K for equipment purchases, new or used.
Pros: Lower cost than unsecured advances (equipment reduces risk), equipment serves as collateral, no residency requirement
Cons: Only usable for specific equipment purchases; used equipment requires appraisal for larger amounts
Option 3: Invoice Factoring (Best for B2B Businesses with Corporate Clients)
Best for: Cleaning companies, construction subcontractors, and staffing businesses with commercial clients that pay net-30 to net-90
How it works: A factor purchases your outstanding invoices at a discount (typically 2-5%), advances 80-90% of the invoice value immediately, and collects from your customer directly
Pros: No credit evaluation of the business owner; based on the creditworthiness of your corporate clients; no residency requirement at most factors
Cons: Only works if your clients are creditworthy companies; you give up invoice collection control
Option 4: Non-QM Commercial Mortgages (For Property Purchase)
Best for: U visa holders buying the commercial building their business occupies
How it works: Non-QM lenders evaluate DSCR (debt service coverage ratio) rather than residency. Bankable can provide the down payment advance; non-QM lenders fund the mortgage.
Pros: Builds real estate equity, competitive rates vs. private lending
Cons: Complex process; requires 25-35% down payment; takes longer than other options
What Is NOT Available to U Visa Holders in 2026
- SBA 7(a) loans, SBA 504 loans, SBA microloans (all blocked)
- Most conventional bank business loans (require permanent residency)
- Most credit union business loans (require membership, often citizenship)
- State-backed lending programs (most require permanent residency)
Frequently Asked Questions
Equipment financing typically has the lowest cost because the equipment reduces lender risk. Revenue-based advances are more expensive but are usable for any purpose. SBA loans (now blocked) would have been the cheapest option.
Yes. Many businesses combine a Bankable advance for working capital with equipment financing for a specific asset purchase. Simultaneous funding from multiple sources is possible if your revenue supports the total repayment.
Yes, at most factors. Factors evaluate the creditworthiness of your customers, not your immigration status. A cleaning company with Fortune 500 clients can factor invoices without any residency requirement.
Technically yes, but this is not recommended. Personal loans for business use complicate your taxes, mix personal and business liability, and typically carry higher rates than business financing.
Some local immigrant-focused nonprofits and CDFIs offer small grants ($500-$5,000) to immigrant business owners. These are not widely available and typically require significant time investment relative to the small amounts available.
A revenue-based advance from Bankable with 3+ months of revenue history. Invoice factoring is also viable if your clients are creditworthy companies. Equipment financing works for specific purchases.
Yes. A U.S. citizen or green card holder co-signer who is a business co-owner can expand your options, potentially opening doors to community bank products that are otherwise unavailable.
Compare factor rates, repayment percentages, and total cost. Bankable specializes in U visa holders and has a track record in this specific market. General MCA companies may not understand the U visa context and may apply unnecessary restrictions.