For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders must verify lawful permanent resident status by obtaining a copy of the applicant's Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551, commonly known as a 'green card') and confirming its validity.
SBA policy requires non-citizen applicants to be lawful permanent residents to be eligible for a 7(a) loan. The most definitive proof of this status is a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551). Lenders must visually inspect this document, obtain a copy for the loan file, and verify its current validity to ensure the applicant meets residency requirements.
A non-citizen applicant for a 7(a) loan provides a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (green card). The lender reviews the card to confirm it is unexpired and includes it in the loan file as verification of lawful permanent resident status.
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.
More on citizenship/residency
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day