Key Takeaways
- Bankable provides $25K to $150K working capital for U visa businesses making their first hires
- Funds cover payroll, workers' comp deposits, and the 30-60 day revenue gap from new staff
- No green card required — your business revenue and EAD are sufficient to qualify
- U visa holders can legally hire employees and withhold payroll taxes with their SSN and EIN
- Most applicants receive a funding decision within 48 hours
The moment you hire your first employee, your cash flow model changes fundamentally. You now have a fixed payroll obligation that must be met regardless of how that week's sales perform. Workers' compensation insurance requires a deposit. Payroll taxes must be withheld and remitted. Training costs productivity before the new hire adds productive capacity. For U visa holders who have been running lean, solo operations — this transition can create a genuine cash crisis if not properly capitalized.
Bankable's hiring capital advances bridge this gap. We fund 60-90 days of anticipated payroll and onboarding costs based on your existing business revenue, giving you the runway to bring on your first employees without gambling your operating account on the transition.
What Hiring Capital Covers
- Payroll float: 60-90 days of projected payroll for 1-5 new employees
- Workers' compensation deposit: Most WC policies require 25-50% of annual premium upfront
- Payroll service setup: Gusto, ADP, or similar setup costs
- Hiring costs: Job postings, background checks, and onboarding materials
- Uniforms and equipment: Initial outfitting costs for new employees
- Training costs: Lost productivity time during onboarding period
Can U Visa Holders Legally Hire Employees?
Yes. U visa holders with an active EAD have work authorization, which extends to operating a business and employing others. You can obtain an EIN, establish a payroll account, withhold and remit payroll taxes, and carry workers' compensation insurance as a business owner. Your immigration status does not affect your ability to be an employer of record in the United States.
See our guide on working capital lines for U visa businesses or check your eligibility at Bankable's Bankability Score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. U visa holders with an active EAD have work authorization that allows them to operate a business and be an employer of record. You can withhold payroll taxes, carry workers' comp, and report wages to the IRS.
Gusto, ADP Run, QuickBooks Payroll, and Paychex all work for U visa-held businesses. You need an EIN and business bank account — both of which U visa holders can obtain.
Beyond salary, employer costs add 20-30%: payroll taxes (FICA, FUTA, SUTA), workers' comp, and benefits. For a $40K/year employee, total employer cost is typically $48K-$52K/year.
$25K to $150K depending on your existing revenue. The advance is typically sized to cover 2-3 months of projected employer costs for 1-5 employees.
As a percentage of your daily revenue — typically 8-15% of daily credit card and ACH deposits. Payments flex with your revenue level.
3 months of business bank statements, your EAD, EIN, and evidence of the hire (offer letter, job posting, or payroll setup documentation).
Yes. Bankable pre-funds hiring capital before your new employees begin — ensuring you have the payroll reserves in place before onboarding.
Yes. $10,000 average monthly revenue over the past 3 months. For hiring capital specifically, we also evaluate your revenue trajectory — businesses growing 10%+ month-over-month qualify more easily.