For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lenders verify U.S. Citizenship through valid government-issued ID and Lawful Permanent Resident status through a valid Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551) and documentation of active residency.
For U.S. Citizens, lenders typically rely on government-issued identification (e.g., passport, driver's license, birth certificate). For Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), lenders must review the original Permanent Resident Card (Green Card, Form I-551) to verify its validity and ensure it has not expired. Lenders must also obtain evidence that the LPR resides in the U.S. (e.g., utility bills, tax returns).
An applicant for a $300,000 7(a) loan is a Lawful Permanent Resident. The lender reviews their unexpired Form I-551 card and requests recent utility bills and a copy of their latest U.S. tax return to confirm U.S. residency.
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
SBA Form 1919 - Borrower Information Form
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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