For SBA lenders
Short answer
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) are eligible. Other non-citizens may be eligible if they hold certain valid visas that allow them to reside permanently in the U.S. and own the applicant business.
Beyond U.S. citizens, only Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) are generally eligible. Other non-citizens may be eligible if they can demonstrate legal permanent residency status. This means the visa must confer the right to reside in the U.S. permanently, not just for a temporary work assignment, and allow them to own a business.
An applicant for a 7(a) loan is not a U.S. citizen but presents a valid Green Card (Form I-551). The lender confirms this LPR status and processes the application based on this eligibility. A temporary work visa (e.g., H-1B) would typically be insufficient.
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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