Glossary · People and paperwork
Lawful permanent residency(Green card)
In short
This status grants non-citizens the right to live and work permanently in the U.S., commonly known as having a "green card." SBA borrowers must meet specific citizenship or residency requirements.
What it means in a deal
If you're not a U.S. citizen, you must prove lawful permanent residency or qualified non-immigrant status to be eligible for an SBA 7(a) loan. The lender will require documentation like your Form I-551 (green card). Ensure your immigration status is current and fully documented to avoid delays.
Official sources
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
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.
Related terms
Common questions about Lawful permanent residency
- What specific documentation must a lender collect to verify the legal residency status of a lawful permanent resident owner?
- Can a Qualified Alien without permanent residency obtain an SBA 7(a) loan?
- How does a lender verify the lawful permanent resident status of a non-citizen applicant?
- What specific documentation is required to verify a non-citizen owner's lawful permanent resident status?
- How does a lender verify the "U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Resident" status on SBA Form 1919?
- Can a non-U.S. citizen, who is a lawful permanent resident, apply for an SBA 7(a) loan?
Defined by CapBench 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.
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