Key Takeaways
- The primary requirements are: valid EAD, business EIN, 4+ months of revenue, and a business bank account
- No green card, citizenship, tax returns, or immigration attorney documentation required
- Minimum revenue thresholds vary by product — $8,000–$20,000/month for most programs
- Credit score is evaluated but not the primary qualification factor — business revenue is
- Requirements are designed for the reality of work-authorized immigrant entrepreneurs
Understanding exactly what is required to qualify for business funding is the first step toward actually getting it. Bankable has designed its requirements to match the real documentation landscape for VAWA self-petitioners — not the wishful thinking of requirements designed for people with decades of US tax history and permanent residency.
Universal Requirements (All Products)
- Valid EAD: Your Employment Authorization Document must be unexpired. USCIS 180-day automatic extensions during renewal are generally accepted.
- US Business EIN: Your business Employer Identification Number from the IRS. Obtainable by any person with a valid taxpayer identification number, including ITIN holders.
- Business Bank Account: A dedicated business checking account in your business name. Most major US banks accept EAD holders for business accounts.
- 4+ Months Business Revenue: Bank statements showing at least 4 consecutive months of consistent business revenue deposits.
- Government-Issued Photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, or passport (US or foreign — both acceptable).
- Business License: Evidence that your business operates legally in your state and city.
Revenue Minimums by Product
| Product | Minimum Monthly Revenue | Minimum Months |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue-Based Financing | $10,000–$15,000 | 4 months |
| Equipment Financing | $5,000+ (asset secures loan) | 3 months |
| Working Capital Line | $15,000+ | 6 months |
| Invoice Financing | N/A (invoice amount qualifies) | N/A |
| Inventory Financing | $8,000+ (sales history) | 4 months |
Credit Score Considerations
Bankable evaluates personal credit scores but does not use them as the primary qualification factor. VAWA self-petitioners who have been in the US for a shorter period may have thin or no US credit history — this is a recognized and manageable situation, not a disqualifier. Strong business revenue compensates for limited personal credit history in our underwriting model.
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.
Thin or no US credit history is common among VAWA petitioners who have been in the country for a shorter period. Bankable evaluates business revenue as the primary criterion. Limited personal credit history may result in a slightly more conservative initial advance amount, but it is not a disqualifier.
No. Sole proprietorships with EINs and business bank accounts qualify. LLCs, S-corps, and C-corps also qualify. The key requirements are a business EIN and a dedicated business bank account — not a specific corporate structure.
We look for revenue consistency over 4+ months. A business with two strong months and two zero months raises questions about whether the business is truly operational. We look for month-over-month revenue presence, not perfection in every month.
Business tax returns are not required for our standard revenue-based financing under $150,000. For larger amounts and equipment financing, prior year business tax returns may be requested to supplement bank statement verification.
Cash businesses qualify if cash is deposited into a business bank account. We evaluate bank statement deposits as revenue. Cash businesses that do not deposit consistently into a business account present documentation challenges — we recommend establishing a practice of regular business bank deposits immediately.