Key Takeaways
- Green card is not required to get a business loan from private lenders like Bankable Funds
- Revenue, bank history, and time in business are the primary qualifiers — not immigration status
- You need an EIN (not SSN) and business bank account to qualify
- The process takes 5 minutes to start and 48 hours for a funding decision
- Visa holders, TPS, DACA, asylum, and all other non-green-card statuses are eligible at Bankable
You can get a business loan without a green card by applying through a private revenue-based funding company like Bankable Funds. Green card status is a requirement for some government programs, but private lenders base their decisions on your business's financial performance — not whether you hold a Permanent Resident Card.
Step-by-Step: Getting a Business Loan Without a Green Card
- Form your business entity — If you haven't already, register an LLC or corporation in your state. This gives the business its own legal identity separate from your immigration status.
- Get an EIN — Apply for an Employer Identification Number at IRS.gov. You can get an EIN with any visa status using your ITIN or foreign passport. No SSN or green card required.
- Open a business bank account — Use your EIN and business formation documents to open a dedicated business checking account. Keep all business revenue flowing through this account.
- Build 6+ months of revenue history — Lenders want to see consistent revenue. Aim for $15,000+ per month flowing through your business account consistently for at least 6 months.
- Check your Bankability Score — Complete the 5-minute Bankability Score assessment at Bankable Funds. You'll receive a personalized funding range based on your actual revenue and business profile.
- Gather your documents — You'll need your last 3–6 months of business bank statements, EIN documentation, business formation papers, and your immigration status documentation (visa, EAD, or I-94).
- Submit your application — Bankable's application process takes under 30 minutes. No government forms, no collateral assessment, no citizenship verification.
- Receive your decision — Funding decisions are made within 48 hours of a complete application. If approved, funds are deposited within 5–10 business days.
Documents Required (No Green Card Needed)
| Document | Purpose | Green Card Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Business Bank Statements | Revenue verification | No |
| EIN (Employer ID Number) | Business identification | No |
| Business Formation Docs | Legal entity verification | No |
| Passport or ITIN | Personal ID | No |
| Immigration Document | Work authorization | No — visa/EAD accepted |
What Disqualifies a Non-Citizen Application
While not having a green card is not disqualifying, certain business characteristics do affect approval: revenue below $15,000/month, less than 6 months of business history, a business that is purely personal services with no separable business revenue, outstanding tax liens, or excessive existing debt relative to revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Work visa holders including H-1B, E-2, L-1, O-1, and TN visa holders can get business loans from private lenders. Your visa provides the work authorization that establishes your right to conduct business — and your business revenue is the primary qualification criterion.
Bankable Funds does not have a hard minimum credit score for non-citizen applicants. Business revenue and bank history carry the most weight. Many non-citizen business owners with limited US credit history are approved based on strong monthly revenue. A FICO score of 550+ is helpful but not mandatory.
A longer remaining visa term is generally favorable as it reduces immigration-related uncertainty. However, visa holders with 6–12 months remaining on authorization can still qualify — Bankable Funds often structures repayment terms to align with current authorization periods. Pending renewals are considered positively.
A private lender cannot legally discriminate based on national origin under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. However, immigration status (not national origin) is not a protected class. Bankable Funds does not use lack of a green card as a denial factor — we evaluate your business performance.
If you leave the US and close your business, the loan obligation remains. Lenders may require repayment in full upon business closure. If you relocate and the business continues operating in the US with authorized personnel, the loan continues normally. Always disclose major business changes to your lender.
Yes. As your immigration status strengthens (visa extension, green card approval, naturalization), your risk profile to lenders typically improves. This can unlock lower factor rates, higher funding amounts, and access to additional loan products. The Bankability Score reflects your current profile — recheck it as your status evolves.
Bankable Funds offers the fastest process currently available to non-citizens: 5-minute initial assessment, 48-hour decision, funding in 5–10 business days. For true emergencies, some smaller advances may fund within 24–48 hours of application. Call (786) 443-5511 to discuss expedited options.
Yes. If the business has both citizen and non-citizen co-owners, Bankable Funds evaluates the business as a whole. The non-citizen owner's status does not disqualify the application. Both partners' financial contributions to the business and the business's own revenue are the key factors.