Glossary · People and paperwork
In short
A specific immigration status (e.g., permanent resident, asylee) that allows a non-citizen to be eligible for certain federal benefits, including SBA loans.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, the SBA requires you to be a "Qualified Alien" or "Qualified Non-Citizen" and have a valid Form I-551 (Green Card) or other acceptable documentation. Your lender will verify this status during underwriting, as it's a fundamental eligibility requirement for the borrower.
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Defined by DealRoom.so SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
Know what you'll need before you apply
Tell us about the deal and who's buying — we'll flag the guaranty, eligibility, and paperwork issues that slow SBA approval before they cost you time.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day