Key Takeaways
- The document list for VAWA petitioners is short — EAD, EIN, bank statements, and ID
- No immigration petition documents, attorney letters, or VAWA case paperwork required
- Most VAWA entrepreneurs can gather all required documents in under 30 minutes
- Documents can be submitted digitally — no in-person appointments required
- Bankable's document review takes 24–48 hours from complete submission
One of the most common concerns among VAWA self-petitioners considering business funding is the documentation burden. The fear: "They will ask for immigration documents I cannot provide, or that will expose my petition." The reality: Bankable's document requirements are straightforward, business-focused, and entirely free of immigration paperwork.
Complete Document List
| Document | Purpose | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Valid EAD (Form I-766) | Work authorization verification | Your EAD card — ensure it is not expired |
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Identity verification | Driver's license, state ID, or passport |
| Business EIN Letter | Business identity verification | IRS CP-575 letter or IRS EIN confirmation |
| 4 Months Business Bank Statements | Revenue verification | Your business bank account — download PDF statements |
| 3 Months Merchant Processing Statements | Revenue verification | Square, Stripe, PayPal Business, or your POS provider |
| Business License or Operating Permit | Legal business verification | Your city or county business license |
What You Do NOT Need
- Green card or permanent resident card
- US citizenship documentation
- VAWA petition documents (I-360, NOA, approval letters)
- Deferred action notice
- Immigration attorney letter or affidavit
- Personal tax returns (for most products under $150,000)
- Business tax returns (for most products under $150,000)
- Collateral beyond business assets (for revenue-based financing)
- A co-signer or guarantor who is a US citizen
Industry-Specific Additional Documents
Depending on your industry, we may also request:
- Healthcare: Professional license and EOB/insurance remittance statements
- Trucking: MC or DOT number and freight settlement statements
- Construction: Contractor license and current job contracts
- Restaurants: Health permit and POS sales reports
- Auto Dealers: Dealer license
- Equipment Financing: Equipment quote or invoice from seller
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bankable does not require a green card, US citizenship, or permanent residency. A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), business EIN, and 4 months of documented business revenue are the primary requirements.
Bankable issues funding decisions within 48 hours of a complete application. Funds reach your business bank account within 3 to 7 business days of approval.
No. Business financing is a lawful commercial activity. Bankable does not report to USCIS or any immigration agency. Your petition and your business financing are entirely separate matters.
Business documents must be submitted in English or with a certified English translation. Your EAD and government ID are in English. Bank statements are typically in English. If any documents are in another language, provide both the original and a certified translation.
Your EAD may be in your legal name while your business is registered under a DBA (doing business as) or a different entity name. Provide both your EAD and your business registration documents showing your name as the business owner.
No. Bankable accepts digital scans and photographs of all documents. Upload them through our secure application portal. Physical mail is not required.
PDF statements downloaded directly from your bank's online portal are preferred. Screenshots of banking app screens are acceptable for smaller amounts. Bank-certified printouts from a branch are also accepted. Excel exports alone are not sufficient.
We strongly recommend separating business and personal finances before applying. If you are using a personal account for business, download 4 months of personal statements and clearly identify which deposits and expenses are business-related. Dedicated business bank accounts (available to EAD holders at many banks) significantly improve your application.