Key Takeaways
- Visa holders of all types can access private business funding in 2026 without citizenship
- The March 2026 SBA rule change eliminated government-backed options but did not affect private lenders
- Revenue-based funding from Bankable Funds requires $15K/month in revenue, not a green card
- H-1B, E-2, L-1, O-1, TPS, DACA, asylum, and refugee status all qualify at Bankable
- Check your Bankability Score to see your exact funding range in 5 minutes
Visa holders can get business loans in 2026. The landscape shifted dramatically on March 1, 2026, when the Small Business Administration (SBA) restricted government-backed loan programs to US citizens only. But private lenders were never bound by that rule — and Bankable Funds has been funding visa holder businesses since its founding.
What Changed on March 1, 2026
The SBA's new rule formalized a citizenship requirement for all SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loan applications. Previously, lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders could access these programs. As of March 1, 2026, that access is closed to anyone without a US passport. This is the single largest restriction on non-citizen business funding in recent history.
However, the SBA rule applies only to government-backed programs. Private lenders, revenue-based funders, CDFIs, and angel investors have no such restriction. Bankable Funds is a private funding company and our eligibility criteria are based entirely on business performance.
Which Visa Types Qualify in 2026
| Visa Type | Private Funding Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B | Yes | Business must be separately structured from employer |
| E-2 | Yes | Already investor/business visa holders |
| L-1 | Yes | Company executives qualify |
| O-1 | Yes | Entrepreneurs with extraordinary ability |
| TN (NAFTA) | Yes | Canadian/Mexican professionals |
| DACA | Yes | Valid EAD required |
| TPS | Yes | Valid EAD required |
| Asylum/Asylee | Yes | EAD or approval notice required |
| Green Card (LPR) | Broadest access | Some additional programs available |
How Revenue-Based Funding Works for Visa Holders
Revenue-based funding evaluates your business's monthly sales, not your immigration status. Bankable Funds advances capital against your proven revenue stream. Repayment flexes with your income — a percentage of daily or weekly sales until the advance is repaid. This model is particularly well-suited to visa holders because:
- No personal immigration status check is required
- Repayment aligns with business performance, reducing risk during slow periods
- Funding can be renewed as your business grows
- The business entity (LLC or corporation) is the primary borrower
Getting Started as a Visa Holder
To access funding through Bankable Funds, you'll need your business EIN, 3–6 months of business bank statements, and documentation of your current immigration status. Start with the Bankability Score assessment to get your personalized funding range before submitting a full application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. H-1B visa holders can access private business loans through lenders like Bankable Funds. The business must be legally structured separately from the H-1B employer relationship. Revenue and business history are the primary qualification criteria.
No. The March 2026 SBA rule change only affected government-backed SBA programs. Private lenders, revenue-based funders, and CDFIs are not subject to SBA eligibility rules and continue to serve all visa categories.
Revenue-based funding through Bankable Funds is currently the fastest route — decisions within 48 hours, funding within 5-10 business days. Start with the Bankability Score assessment at bankablefunds.com to see your options instantly.
No. Bankable Funds accepts applications using your business EIN and ITIN. An SSN is not required. Your immigration status documentation (visa, EAD, I-94) is used for identity verification, not eligibility determination.
Yes, though lenders typically prefer to structure loans within your current authorization period. Providing documentation of a pending renewal application strengthens your application. Bankable Funds works with applicants through visa transitions.
Rates for revenue-based funding are based on business risk, not immigration status. A visa holder with strong revenues and clean bank history will receive rates comparable to any other applicant with the same business profile. Visa status itself is not a rate factor at Bankable Funds.
Very few visa categories are categorically ineligible. Visitor visas (B-1/B-2) prohibit business activity in the US, so business loans tied to US operations would be inappropriate. Student visas (F-1) without OPT authorization have limitations. All work-authorized categories are generally eligible.
Business loans are for business operations and cannot be directly used to self-sponsor a visa. However, a funded business with sufficient revenue can support an E-2 investment visa application or provide the financial foundation for an EB-5 petition. Consult an immigration attorney for visa-specific guidance.