Key Takeaways
- Non-citizen startups with 6+ months of revenue qualify for Bankable funding
- F-1 OPT, H-1B, DACA, and EAD founders with early traction all served
- Revenue-based funding from $25K to $500K for qualifying early-stage businesses
- No VC, no citizenship, no SBA — just your revenue and your business momentum
- Bankable's tranche model grows with your startup — access more as revenue scales
Startup Funding for Non-Citizens with SSN | Bankable addresses a critical segment of the non-citizen business lending market. Bankable serves all SSN-holding non-citizens across this topic area — evaluating businesses based on revenue merit rather than immigration status.
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated government-backed lending for all non-citizens. Bankable's revenue-based programs fill this gap with speed (48 hours), scale (up to $5M), and universal non-citizen acceptance. Your SSN and business revenue are all that matter to our underwriting team.
SBA Loans vs. Traditional Banks vs. Bankable
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated all non-citizen, non-national applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. Here is how your options compare:
| Factor | SBA 7(a) (Pre-2026) | Traditional Bank | Bankable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card Required? | No (changed Mar 1, 2026) | Usually yes | Never |
| Citizenship Required? | Yes (as of Mar 1, 2026) | Sometimes | No |
| SSN Accepted? | N/A (citizenship required) | Rarely alone | Yes — primary requirement |
| Decision Speed | 30-90 days | 30-60 days | 48 hours |
| Max Funding | $5M (if eligible) | Varies | Up to $5M |
| Collateral | Required | Required | Revenue-based, minimal |
| Min. Revenue | Varies | $500K+ | $120K annual |
Qualification at a Glance
- SSN from any legal work authorization: H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, EAD, TPS, OPT, asylum — all accepted
- Minimum 6 months business history with active revenue deposits
- $10,000+ monthly revenue visible in your business bank statements
- Personal credit score 580+ for standard products
- US business bank account in the business entity's name
Check your Bankability Score today for a personalized funding assessment. 48-hour decision, no green card required. For more on SBA loan alternatives, see our comprehensive comparison guide for non-citizen business owners in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
F-1 OPT and STEM OPT holders who have established businesses qualifying under their OPT status can apply for Bankable funding. The business must have verifiable revenue through a US bank account. OPT holders running legitimate businesses with 6+ months of revenue history commonly qualify.
Bankable requires $10,000 per month minimum — so startups must have reached at least this monthly revenue threshold. Pre-revenue startups do not currently qualify for Bankable's products. For pre-revenue non-citizen startups, CDFI programs and university accelerator programs are more appropriate.
No. Bankable provides revenue-based debt financing — you repay from revenue, not from equity. Your ownership stake is not diluted. This makes Bankable distinct from angel investors and venture capital who take equity in exchange for capital.