Key Takeaways
- Legal services business revenue drives Bankable approval — no green card required
- LegalTech, paralegal services, and legal support companies qualify
- Fund team, tools, and working capital for OPT legal business founders
- 48-hour decisions for legal service businesses with $10K+ monthly revenue
Legal and LegalTech graduates on F-1 OPT cannot practice law as licensed attorneys without passing the bar (which requires permanent status in many jurisdictions), but they can own and operate legal support businesses: paralegal services firms, legal document preparation companies, legal technology platforms, contract review services, and immigration consulting companies (in the non-attorney capacity allowed in some states).
LegalTech founders on STEM OPT are launching document automation platforms, legal research AI tools, and contract management SaaS products that serve law firms and corporate legal departments with strong subscription revenue.
Legal Services Business Capital Uses
- Legal software: contract management, document automation, and case management tools
- Paralegal and legal assistant hiring
- LegalTech product development and engineering team
- Marketing to law firm and corporate legal department clients
- Working capital between service delivery and law firm payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Since March 2026, SBA loans require 100% US citizen or national ownership. Bankable is non-SBA — F-1 OPT founders qualify based entirely on business revenue.
No. Bankable funds US-registered business entities based on revenue. Immigration status is not evaluated.
Your business entity continues operating and servicing funding. The loan is with the business, not the individual.
Yes. Legal support businesses — paralegal services, document preparation, legal research, and LegalTech companies — can be owned by F-1 OPT founders. Direct law practice requires bar admission, which varies by jurisdiction.
$10,000+ in monthly service revenue with 4+ months of operating history.
Yes. LegalTech subscription revenue (MRR) qualifies for Bankable's MRR-based funding program on the same terms as other SaaS businesses.
Non-attorney immigration consulting and document preparation services can qualify where legally permitted. Requirements vary by state — consult with a legal advisor about your specific service model.
Yes. Legal software licenses and technology infrastructure are approved uses of Bankable working capital for legal service businesses.