Tap to get financing
Nasdaq: JNVRSBA 7(a) Loans
SBA 7(a) Loans
Uses for the SBA 7(a) LoanCompare SBA LoansFund a StartupBuy EquipmentGet a Commercial MortgageRepair CapitalRefinance Business DebtGet a Working Capital LoanBuy a BusinessLearn About the SBA Lending ProcessFind an SBA Lender
Requirements Rates Loan Calculator
SBA Tools
SBA 7(a) Loan CalculatorSBA 504 Loan CalculatorEnsuring a Smooth CloseSBA Form 1081 Guide
Blog
About Us
About usContact us
(561) 559-5551 Get financing →
Close sba7a.loans is an independently owned and operated website and has no government affiliation. We are not the Small Business Administration and are not a lender. If you are trying to reach the SBA click here to be redirected.
Interest Rates

Today’s interest rates for all SBA loans
Check Today's Rates →

Newly Published
Sep 21 at SBA 7(a) Loans
The ‘Hidden’ Costs of SBA 7(a) Loans
Sep 13 at SBA 7(a) Loans
How to Write a Business Plan for an SBA 7(a) Loan
Sep 12 at SBA 7(a) Loans
Why 2023 Is the Right Time to Buy a Business
Explore the Janover Network
Sep 29 at SBA 504 Loans
SBA 504 Loans for Preschools and Daycare Centers
Sep 26 at HUD Loans
What Is Fair Market Rent? 2024 FMR Calculator by ZIP
Sep 25 at Multifamily Loans
Multifamily Minute Reader Reflections: How Do You Communicate Rent Increases?
Was This Article Helpful?
Small Business and SBA Lending Blog
Last updated on May 19, 2023
4 min read

How Non-US Citizens Qualify for SBA Loans

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, can you still qualify for an SBA loan for your small business? Sometimes. There are some key requirements, like holding a green card, you should be aware of.

In this article:
  1. The SBA Loan Approval Process for Non-U.S. Citizens
  2. SBA Loan Approvals for Non-Green Card Holders and Foreign Nationals
  3. Case Study: Opening a Second Restaurant
  4. Need Help? We're Here
  5. Related Questions
  6. Get Financing
Start Your Application and Unlock the Power of Choice Experience expert guidance, competitive options, and unparalleled industry expertise.
Click Here to Get Quotes →
$5.6M offered by a Bank at 6.1%$1.2M offered by a Bank at 6.0%$2M offered by an Agency at 5.6%$1.4M offered by an SBA Lender at 9%Click Here to Get Quotes!

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, can you still qualify for an SBA loan for your small business?

Generally, yes — but not in all cases.

Legal permanent residents, or LPRs, also known as green card holders, can usually qualify for SBA financing. However, if a borrower is not a legal permanent resident, things can get a little more complex. Read on to find out more.

The SBA Loan Approval Process for Non-U.S. Citizens

As part of the SBA loan application process, each “proprietor, general partner, officer, director, LLC managing member, and 20%+ owner” of a business applying for a loan must provide an SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History) to their lender.

The SBA states that their financing is available for “businesses that are 51% owned and controlled by persons who are not citizens of the US provided the persons are lawfully in the United States.” However, it’s up to the discretion of an individual lender whether they want to provide a loan to a non-citizen. If a lender does want to go forward with the loan application process, they would need to get a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-551, also known as a green card, from the borrower.

SBA Loan Approvals for Non-Green Card Holders and Foreign Nationals

If a potential SBA loan application does not have a green card available because they are not a legal permeant resident (LPR), the lender needs to determine the borrower’s status. Potentially eligible statuses include:

  • “A documented alien admitted to the U.S. for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time”

  • An individual granted asylum or a temporary refugee with LPR status

  • “An alien subject to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)”

  • However, to be eligible, a business must also meet other requirements, including:

    1. Present management must have operated the business for a minimum of 12 months before the application date, or, they will need to personally gurantee the loan.

    2. The borrower must have enough U.S.-based collateral to repay the loan in full at any time during its term.

    In some cases, a business owned or managed by citizens of foreign countries, foreign business entities, or non-immigrant aliens can also be eligible for SBA financing, as long as they meets the conditions mentioned above.

    Case Study: Opening a Second Restaurant

    Razvan, a Romanian entrepreneur, co-owned Bucuresti Bistro, a thriving Romanian restaurant, alongside two American partners in Chicago. The restaurant quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike for its authentic cuisine and warm, inviting atmosphere. Encouraged by their success, Razvan and his partners decided to expand by opening a second location.

    However, as a non-permanent resident, Razvan faced challenges when trying to secure financing for the expansion. He learned that although the SBA financing was generally available to non-U.S. citizens, his eligibility would depend on his immigration status and the discretion of the lender.

    Determined to secure the funds needed for their new location, Razvan and his partners approached a lender experienced in working with non-citizens applying for SBA loans. The lender reviewed Razvan's immigration status, confirming that he was a documented alien admitted to the U.S. for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time. This status made him potentially eligible for the SBA 7(a) loan, provided that other requirements were met.

    Bucuresti Bistro had been successfully operated by the current management for more than 12 months, fulfilling one of the requirements. Furthermore, the partners were able to offer sufficient U.S.-based collateral to secure the loan. With these factors in their favor, Razvan and his partners successfully obtained an SBA 7(a) loan to finance their expansion.

    With the financing secured, Bucuresti Bistro opened a second location, bringing their unique blend of authentic Romanian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere to a new community. Razvan's persistence and collaboration with a knowledgeable lender allowed him to overcome the challenges faced by non-permanent residents in securing SBA financing, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of their business.

    This is a fictional case study provided for illustrative purposes.

    Need Help? We're Here

    We’re here to help you get the commercial financing you need. Get your free SBA loan quote by completing the short form below.

    Related Questions

    Can a non-U.S. citizen apply for an SBA loan?

    Yes, a non-U.S. citizen can apply for an SBA loan. As part of the SBA loan application process, each “proprietor, general partner, officer, director, LLC managing member, and 20%+ owner” of a business applying for a loan must provide an SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History) to their lender. The SBA states that their financing is available for “businesses that are 51% owned and controlled by persons who are not citizens of the US provided the persons are lawfully in the United States.” However, it’s up to the discretion of an individual lender whether they want to provide a loan to a non-citizen. If a lender does want to go forward with the loan application process, they would need to get a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-551, also known as a green card, from the borrower.

    If a potential SBA loan application does not have a green card available because they are not a legal permeant resident (LPR), the lender needs to determine the borrower’s status. Potentially eligible statuses include:

    • A documented alien admitted to the U.S. for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time
    • An individual granted asylum or a temporary refugee with LPR status
    • An alien subject to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)

    However, to be eligible, a business must also meet other requirements, including:

    1. Present management must have operated the business for a minimum of 12 months before the application date, or, they will need to persoinally gurantee the loan.
    2. The borrower must have enough U.S.-based collateral to repay the loan in full at any time during its term.

    In some cases, a business owned/managed by citizens of foreign countries, foreign business entities, or non-immigrant aliens can also be eligible for SBA financing, as long as it meets the conditions mentioned above.

    What documents are required for a non-U.S. citizen to apply for an SBA loan?

    As part of the SBA loan application process, each “proprietor, general partner, officer, director, LLC managing member, and 20%+ owner” of a business applying for a loan must provide an SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History) to their lender. Additionally, if the potential SBA loan application does not have a green card available because they are not a legal permanent resident (LPR), the lender needs to determine the borrower’s status. Potentially eligible statuses include:

    • A documented alien admitted to the U.S. for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time
    • An individual granted asylum or a temporary refugee with LPR status
    • An alien subject to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)

    In some cases, a business owned/managed by citizens of foreign countries, foreign business entities, or non-immigrant aliens can also be eligible for SBA financing, as long as it meets the conditions mentioned above, including:

    • Present management must have operated the business for a minimum of 12 months before the application date, or, they will need to personally guarantee the loan.
    • The borrower must have enough U.S.-based collateral to repay the loan in full at any time during its term.

    What are the eligibility requirements for a non-U.S. citizen to apply for an SBA loan?

    The SBA states that their financing is available for “businesses that are 51% owned and controlled by persons who are not citizens of the US provided the persons are lawfully in the United States.” However, it’s up to the discretion of an individual lender whether they want to provide a loan to a non-citizen. If a lender does want to go forward with the loan application process, they would need to get a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-551, also known as a green card, from the borrower.

    To be eligible, a business must also meet other requirements, including:

    • Present management must have operated the business for a minimum of 12 months before the application date, or, they will need to personally guarantee the loan.
    • The borrower must have enough U.S.-based collateral to repay the loan in full at any time during its term.

    In some cases, a business owned/managed by citizens of foreign countries, foreign business entities, or non-immigrant aliens can also be eligible for SBA financing, as long as it meets the conditions mentioned above.

    What are the advantages of an SBA loan for a non-U.S. citizen?

    The advantages of an SBA loan for a non-U.S. citizen include:

    • The ability to access capital to start or expand a business in the U.S.
    • Competitive interest rates and terms.
    • No requirement for a U.S. credit history.
    • No requirement for a U.S. cosigner.
    • No requirement for a U.S. citizenship.

    Source: www.sba7a.loans/sba-7a-loans-small-business-blog/sba-loans-for-non-citizens

    Are there any special considerations for a non-U.S. citizen when applying for an SBA loan?

    Yes, there are special considerations for a non-U.S. citizen when applying for an SBA loan. As part of the SBA loan application process, each “proprietor, general partner, officer, director, LLC managing member, and 20%+ owner” of a business applying for a loan must provide an SBA Form 912 (Statement of Personal History) to their lender. The SBA states that their financing is available for “businesses that are 51% owned and controlled by persons who are not citizens of the US provided the persons are lawfully in the United States.” However, it’s up to the discretion of an individual lender whether they want to provide a loan to a non-citizen. If a lender does want to go forward with the loan application process, they would need to get a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-551, also known as a green card, from the borrower.

    If a potential SBA loan application does not have a green card available because they are not a legal permeant resident (LPR), the lender needs to determine the borrower’s status. Potentially eligible statuses include:

    • A documented alien admitted to the U.S. for a specific purpose and for a temporary period of time
    • An individual granted asylum or a temporary refugee with LPR status
    • An alien subject to the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA)

    However, to be eligible, a business must also meet other requirements, including:

    1. Present management must have operated the business for a minimum of 12 months before the application date, or, they will need to persoinally gurantee the loan.
    2. The borrower must have enough U.S.-based collateral to repay the loan in full at any time during its term.

    In some cases, a business owned/managed by citizens of foreign countries, foreign business entities, or non-immigrant aliens can also be eligible for SBA financing, as long as it meets the conditions mentioned above.

    In this article:
    1. The SBA Loan Approval Process for Non-U.S. Citizens
    2. SBA Loan Approvals for Non-Green Card Holders and Foreign Nationals
    3. Case Study: Opening a Second Restaurant
    4. Need Help? We're Here
    5. Related Questions
    6. Get Financing
    Tags
    • SBA 7(a) Loans
    • SBA Loans
    • SBA 7(a)
    • SBA Business Loans
    • SBA Loans for Foreign Nationals
    • SBA Loans for Non-U.S. Citizens
    • Case Study

Getting a small business loan should be easy.⁠ Now it is.

Click below for a free, no obligation quote and to learn more about your loan options.

Get financing →
Janover logo

SBA 7(a) Loans is a Janover company. Please visit some of our family of sites at: Multifamily Loans, Multifamily Today, Commercial Real Estate Loans, SBA7a Loans, CMBS Loans, Apartment Loans, HUD Loans, HUD 221d4 Loan, HUD 232 Loan, HUD 223f Loan, HUD 223a7 Loan, SBA Express Loans, SBA 504 Loans, and OpportunityZones Help.

Janover Inc.

6401 Congress Ave
Ste 250
Boca Raton FL 33487
(561) 559-5551 

hello@sba7a.loans

SBA 7(a) Loans

SBA Loan Comparison
SBA 7(a) Loan Fees, Rates, and Terms
Qualifying for an SBA 7(a) Loan
SBA Loan Guides per State
Commercial Mortgage Rates

Site Information

Privacy Policy
Terms of Use
Advertiser Disclosure

This website is owned by a company that offers business advice, information and other services related to multifamily, commercial real estate, and business financing. We are a technology company that uses software and experience to bring lenders and borrowers together.

All users should perform their own due diligence and research. Nothing on this website is an offer or a solicitation for a loan. This website does not endorse or charge you for any service or product. None of the information on this site constitutes legal advice. We are not affiliated with the Small Business Administration (SBA). If you need to visit the SBA directly please click here: sba.gov

Click here for our Advertiser Disclosure.

This website utilizes artificial intelligence technologies to auto-generate responses, which have limitations in accuracy and appropriateness. Users should not rely upon AI-generated content for definitive advice and instead should confirm facts or consult professionals regarding any personal, legal, financial or other matters. The website owner is not responsible for damages allegedly arising from use of this website's AI.

Copyright © 2023 Janover Inc. All rights reserved.