Key Takeaways
- Q1: Yes, non-citizens can get business funding — through private lenders with an EAD
- Q2: Non-citizens can borrow $25,000–$750,000 through Bankable Funds
- Q3: You need EAD, EIN, and 4–6 months of business bank statements
- Q4: Factor rates are 1.15–1.45; lower than most MCAs and faster than any bank
- Q5: The March 2026 SBA rule closed government-backed loans to non-citizens permanently
These are the 10 questions Bankable Funds hears most frequently from non-citizen entrepreneurs. Answered directly, completely, and without the hedging that makes most financial content frustrating to read.
Q1: Can Non-Citizens Get Business Loans in the USA?
Yes. Non-citizens with valid work authorization (EAD) can access business funding through private lenders. As of March 1, 2026, the SBA's government-backed programs (SBA 7(a), SBA 504) require US citizenship and are not available. Private revenue-based lenders like Bankable Funds have no citizenship requirement.
Q2: How Much Can a Non-Citizen Business Borrow?
$25,000–$750,000. Through Bankable Funds, non-citizen businesses can access $25K–$750K in a single advance. The amount is based on your monthly business revenue — typically 100–200% of monthly gross revenue.
Q3: What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a Business Loan?
Three primary documents:
- Valid EAD (Employment Authorization Document) — any category that authorizes employment
- Business EIN (Employer Identification Number from the IRS)
- 4–6 months of business bank statements showing consistent revenue
You do NOT need: tax returns, business plan, personal credit report, or proof of US citizenship.
Q4: What Are the Interest Rates for Non-Citizen Business Loans?
Bankable uses factor rates, not interest rates. The factor rate range is 1.15–1.45, meaning you repay $1.15–$1.45 for every $1.00 advanced. A $100,000 advance at a 1.25 factor rate = $125,000 total repayment. This is higher on an APR basis than bank loans but significantly faster and more accessible.
Q5: How Did the March 2026 SBA Rule Change Affect Non-Citizens?
It closed SBA access entirely. Effective March 1, 2026, all SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans require US citizenship. LPRs (green card holders), TPS holders, DACA recipients, H-1B holders, E-2 investors, and all other non-citizens are now excluded from SBA programs. Private lenders like Bankable Funds are the primary alternative.
Q6: How Fast Can a Non-Citizen Get Business Funding?
48 hours to decision; 3–7 days to funded. The complete timeline: Bankability Score check (5 minutes) → document gathering (1–2 days) → application submission (15 minutes) → underwriting decision (48 hours) → agreement signing (1 hour) → wire transfer (1–3 days).
Q7: Does a Non-Citizen Need a Green Card to Get Business Funding?
No. Bankable Funds requires a valid EAD — not a green card. The EAD establishes work authorization. Green card holders also qualify, but a green card is not required.
Q8: Will Getting a Business Loan Affect My Immigration Application?
No. Business financing is a lawful commercial activity entirely separate from immigration matters. Bankable Funds does not report to USCIS. Business debt is not a "public charge" factor for most visa categories. Your immigration petition and your business loan are independent matters.
Q9: Can DACA Recipients Get Business Funding?
Yes. DACA recipients with valid EADs qualify for Bankable Funds. The EAD (category C33 for DACA) establishes work authorization. DACA status does not disqualify you from private business lending. The March 2026 SBA rule specifically excluded DACA recipients, but Bankable is unaffected by SBA rules.
Q10: What Happens to My Business Loan if My Visa Expires or I Have to Leave the USA?
The repayment obligation continues. Business financing is a contractual obligation of the business entity, not dissolved by immigration changes. If you must leave the US or lose work authorization, the business continues to owe the repayment. This is why immigration planning and business financing planning should be coordinated — apply for funding with a clear EAD renewal timeline in view.
Frequently Asked Questions
Revenue-based advances typically have no prepayment penalty. If your business generates higher-than-expected revenue, you simply repay faster. The total repayment amount is fixed (advance × factor rate) — paying faster costs the same but frees you from the advance sooner. Confirm this in your specific agreement before signing.
After repaying approximately 60–70% of your current advance, you may become eligible for a renewal or second advance. Many businesses maintain an ongoing Bankable relationship, renewing advances as revenue grows. Concurrent multiple advances from Bankable are generally not available.
Some visa types come with inherent work authorization (H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN) without an EAD. These visa holders may qualify based on their visa document itself rather than an EAD. Contact Bankable directly at (786) 443-5511 to discuss visa categories other than EAD.
If your business was operating informally (as a sole proprietor under your personal name without an EIN) and you've recently formalized it as an LLC, the business history for funding purposes generally starts from the formalization date — or from when you opened a business bank account. Informal operating history may support your application as context but doesn't substitute for documented bank statement history.
Asylum seekers with pending applications who have received an EAD (available after 150 days of pending status) can apply. The EAD category for pending asylum is C08. Once you have an EAD, you have work authorization that qualifies for Bankable's application.
Bankable verifies business legitimacy through: business bank account in the business name (EIN on account), EIN documentation, business formation documents (articles of organization/incorporation), and business operating history demonstrated through bank statements. Some industries may require additional verification (contractor license, food service permit, etc.).
No. Personal bank accounts are not accepted as the primary revenue documentation. Open a business bank account immediately. Some lenders will consider personal accounts for sole proprietors, but Bankable's standard products require a dedicated business bank account.