Glossary · People and paperwork
Work authorization
In short
Official permission for a non-citizen to work legally in the United States. It's typically granted by USCIS and documented with specific forms.
What it means in a deal
If you, as the buyer, are not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, you must demonstrate valid work authorization for SBA loan eligibility. The SBA requires proof, often your Form I-551 (Green Card) or other USCIS documentation.
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 Work authorization
- What exactly is an SBA 7(a) loan and how does it work?
- What is an SBA 7(a) loan and how does it generally work?
- Does my past work experience matter when applying for an SBA 7(a) loan?
- What exactly is an SBA 7(a) loan, and how does it work for small businesses?
- What if my business is purchasing a franchise; how does that work with an SBA 7(a) loan?
- Is an individual without permanent resident status, but with a valid U.S. work visa, eligible for a 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.
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
Backed by data on 1,000+ SBA lenders and 300,000+ funded deals. Your details go only to lending partners you ask to be matched with — never sold to advertisers.