Key Takeaways
- Immigrants own 54% of all US restaurants — the most immigrant-dominant industry by ownership
- Restaurant visa-holder owners qualify for $25K-$750K based on daily sales volume and bank history
- Equipment financing, working capital, renovation loans, and location expansion all available
- No green card required — POS sales data and bank statements are the primary qualifiers
- 48-hour decisions for restaurant funding regardless of visa category
restaurant funding for visa holder entrepreneurs addresses one of the most persistent gaps in American small business lending: industry-specific capital for non-citizen business owners who generate strong revenue but fail the citizenship and residency screens that most lenders impose. Bankable funds restaurant businesses across all visa categories — based on daily sales, POS volume, seasonal revenue patterns, equipment needs, and lease obligations.
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated government-backed lending for all non-citizens. For restaurant business owners on H-1B, DACA, TN, L-1, TPS, EAD, and other work-authorized categories, the SBA was never meaningfully accessible. Bankable has always been the more appropriate funding partner — faster, more flexible, and without the residency requirements that disqualified non-citizen restaurant entrepreneurs from government programs.
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 |
What Non-Citizen Restaurant Business Owners Need from a Lender
- Speed: Restaurant businesses face time-sensitive capital needs — equipment failures, inventory opportunities, payroll gaps, and growth windows that cannot wait 30-90 days for a traditional loan decision
- Flexibility: Revenue-based repayment that adapts to seasonal or project-based revenue cycles common in restaurant
- No residency requirement: The most basic need — a lender who evaluates the business on its merits rather than the owner's immigration status
- Industry knowledge: Understanding of daily sales, POS volume, seasonal revenue patterns, equipment needs, and lease obligations specific to restaurant business underwriting
How Bankable Evaluates Restaurant Businesses
Bankable's underwriting for restaurant businesses focuses on the revenue history visible in 3-6 months of business bank statements, the consistency of that revenue, the business's time in operation, and the owner's personal credit profile. Immigration status is not evaluated. A restaurant business generating $40,000 per month with consistent deposits and 18 months of operating history qualifies for the same funding range as any other business at that revenue level — regardless of whether the owner has an H-1B, a DACA EAD, or a TPS authorization.
Begin your restaurant business funding journey by checking your Bankability Score. Our team will model the appropriate funding structure for your business's revenue profile and provide a decision within 48 hours. For more on the full range of restaurant funding products, visit our industry resource center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. All non-citizen restaurant business owners with a valid SSN and at least $10,000 in monthly business revenue qualify for Bankable's evaluation process. Visa status, green card, and citizenship are not factors in our underwriting decision.
Typically: valid government-issued ID, SSN, EIN, 3-6 months of business bank statements, and basic business documentation (license, lease, or similar). No green card or visa documentation beyond standard ID verification.
Yes. Expansion capital is one of the primary uses for Bankable's larger funding tranches. A restaurant business with established revenue from one location and ambitions for a second qualifies for growth-focused funding based on the existing operation's track record.
From $25,000 to $5,000,000 depending on monthly revenue, time in business, and credit profile. The absence of a green card is not a factor in the amount offered.