SBA loan basics
Short answer
Yes, a non-U.S. citizen who holds a valid Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) status is generally eligible to apply for an SBA 7(a) loan, provided they meet all other program requirements.
The SBA requires that all owners of 20% or more of the applicant business be either U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Non-citizens must provide documentation of their lawful permanent resident status, such as a Green Card, to be eligible as a borrower or guarantor.
A business with two owners, one a U.S. citizen and the other a lawful permanent resident with a Green Card, would meet the citizenship/residency requirement for the owners. However, if the second owner only had a temporary work visa, they would typically not be eligible.
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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