Key Takeaways
- SBA completely blocked for U visa holders as of March 1, 2026 — this is permanent policy
- Bankable provides private SBA alternative funding from $25K to $750K
- All SBA loan purposes can be funded by Bankable: equipment, working capital, expansion, acquisition
- No government guarantee, no citizenship requirement, no residency requirement
- Decisions in 48 hours vs. SBA's 30-90 day timeline
For the past decade, SBA loans were the gold standard of small business financing — low rates, long terms, minimal collateral, and government backing that made banks comfortable lending to small businesses. For U visa holders who met the immigration-status requirement, SBA loans were accessible and well-suited to business growth needs. The March 2026 rule change ends that era entirely.
Bankable is purpose-built for this moment. We serve U visa holders with the same capital purposes that SBA loans served — just through private capital with private rules.
SBA to Bankable: A Purpose-by-Purpose Comparison
| Purpose | SBA Loan Type (Now Blocked) | Bankable Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Working capital | SBA 7(a) line of credit | Revenue-based working capital line, $25K-$250K |
| Equipment purchase | SBA 7(a) or 504 | Equipment financing, $10K-$500K, asset-backed |
| Business acquisition | SBA 7(a) | Revenue-based acquisition advance, $50K-$500K |
| Franchise purchase | SBA 7(a) | Revenue-based franchise advance, $50K-$500K |
| Commercial real estate | SBA 504 | Bridge capital + non-QM commercial mortgage referral |
| Expansion capital | SBA 7(a) | Revenue-based expansion advance, $50K-$500K |
| Startup capital | SBA microloan | Revenue-based startup advance, $10K-$150K (3 mo. history) |
What Bankable Cannot Replicate
Bankable is honest about where it cannot match SBA loans:
- Interest rates: SBA loans had rates of 6-10% APR. Bankable's factor rates are higher because private capital carries more risk and no government backing.
- Term length: SBA loans had 10-25 year terms for commercial real estate. Bankable's terms are typically 6-24 months for advances.
- Maximum loan size: SBA 7(a) loans go up to $5M. Bankable's maximum is $750K.
For U visa holders, Bankable's higher rates reflect the reality of the current market — not a deficiency in your creditworthiness. The SBA rule change is a policy failure, not a reflection of your business's value. Apply at Bankable's Bankability Score.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The March 2026 rule applies universally. There are no exceptions, waivers, or alternative pathways within SBA programs.
CDFIs that previously offered SBA microloan programs to U visa holders can no longer do so under the March 2026 rule. Some CDFIs offer non-SBA programs from their own capital — ask explicitly whether the program uses SBA funding.
SBA rates were 6-10% APR. Bankable's factor rates (1.15-1.45) translate to higher effective rates but are the primary available private alternative. The comparison is academic — SBA loans are now unavailable to U visa holders.
Occasionally, but rarely. Some community banks offer non-SBA small business loans to non-permanent-residents, but these are uncommon and typically require strong collateral.
$750,000 for established businesses with 12+ months of revenue history.
Yes, as bridge capital for the down payment while a non-QM commercial mortgage is arranged. Bankable maintains relationships with non-QM commercial mortgage specialists who serve U visa holders.
The cost of Bankable's financing (factor rate) is deductible as a business expense in most cases. Consult your tax advisor for your specific situation.
The March 2026 rule does not include a sunset provision. Reversal would require either administrative rulemaking or congressional action. There is no projected timeline for change.