For SBA lenders
Short answer
Yes, a U.S. Green Card holder (Lawful Permanent Resident) is eligible to apply for a 7(a) loan, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
SBA regulations state that eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. This means individuals holding a Green Card are considered qualified non-citizens for the purpose of SBA loan eligibility. Other qualified non-citizens may also be eligible if they provide satisfactory documentation.
A borrower who is a Green Card holder applies for a $400,000 7(a) loan. The lender verifies their Lawful Permanent Resident status with their Green Card. As long as they meet all other eligibility and credit criteria, the applicant is eligible based on their residency status.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
Policy Notice 5000-876441 - Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Procedural Notice 5000-876626 - Revised Applicant Ownership, Citizenship and Residency
Last checked 2026-06-13. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-13. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
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