Glossary · People and paperwork
U.S. National
In short
A person who owes allegiance to the U.S. and is entitled to its protection, but is not necessarily a U.S. citizen. The SBA has specific eligibility rules for non-citizens.
What it means in a deal
For a 7(a) loan, the borrower (you) must be a U.S. citizen or a "Qualified Alien" legally admitted for permanent residence. A U.S. National, while not a citizen, typically meets the "Qualified Alien" criteria. You'll need to provide documentation like Form I-551 (Green Card) to prove your status if you're not a citizen.
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 U.S. National
- Can a foreign national who is not a U.S. citizen or LPR serve as a personal guarantor on a 7(a) loan?
- How does a lender confirm an owner's U.S. citizenship if they were born in a U.S. territory or abroad to U.S. parents?
- What specific documentation is required for a lender to verify U.S. citizenship if an owner was born in a U.S. territory or abroad to U.S. parents?
- What documentation proves U.S. citizenship or Qualified Alien status for owners?
- Are U.S. citizens residing abroad eligible to apply for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Are funds from a non-U.S. citizen or non-resident investor acceptable for equity injection?
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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