Co-borrower

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Download Co-Borrower Guide

 

What is a Co-Borrower?

A co-borrower shares responsibility for repaying the 1% APR loan that helps cover the cost of a USCIS citizenship application. A co-borrower is not just backing a loan, they are backing a person, a dream, and a future.  

What are the Responsibilities of a Co-Borrower?

Co-borrowers share equal financial responsibility for repaying the loan. It’s important to know that the co-borrower does not have access to the loan funds. Both the borrower and co-borrower must complete loan applications, meet eligibility requirements, and be prepared to make minimum monthly payments. On-time payments can build credit for both parties, while missed payments may negatively impact both credit scores. 

Who is Eligible to be a Co-Borrower?

A co-borrower must:

  • Be 18 or older    
  • Live in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.*
  • Have a Social Security Number or ITIN
  • Provide proof of income from a job, Social Security, a pension, disability payments or a similar source.  
  • Have a U.S. debit card 
  • Meet minimum credit requirements
    OPA considers credit score as part of our loan review process. 
    • 670 or higher: You may qualify to be a co-borrower.
    • Below 669: You will not qualify to be a co-borrower.
  • Be able to make monthly minimum payments    
  • Be able to complete a short online application and sign electronically  
  • Consent to receiving all documentation electronically (based on each state’s compliance requirements)
  • Consent to having your credit pulled and reviewed 

A co-borrower shares responsibility for loan repayment. A co-borrower must have proof of income, meet a minimum credit requirement, and cannot have defaulted on a past OPA loan.  Choose your co-borrower (and make sure they agree to be your co-borrower) before you start your application.  

*One Percent for America loans are currently available to residents of the following states, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. 
If your state is not listed, please sign up for updates. 

How To Invite a Co-Borrower? 

  • At the end of your application, include the email address of your co-borrower.
  • If your application requires a co-borrower, an email invitation will be sent to your co-borrower at the email address provided.
  • Co-Borrower accepts the invitation and completes the application. 

Share This with Your Co-Borrower 

Help your co-borrower understand their role. Download the PDF and share it with them today.

Download PDF 

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Ready to Start Your Loan Application?

You’ll need the following to apply for an OPA 1% Loan

  • Contact Information
  • Social Security Number or ITIN
  • Exact Loan Amount for USCIS Citizenship Application Fees
  • Payment Information (Debit Card)
  • Proof of income from a job, Social Security, a pension, disability payments or a similar source. 
    If you cannot provide proof of income, you may still be eligible by applying with a qualified co-borrower.  
  • Email Address of your Co-Borrower  

Ready to Apply?

Eligibility & Credit Score Disclaimers

Credit score ranges, tiers, and minimum requirements presented on this website are provided for informational and illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an offer, pre-qualification, or commitment to lend. Meeting a credit score threshold or applying with a qualifying co-borrower is a necessary condition, but does not guarantee loan approval or eligibility for advertised rates. Final approval, actual Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), and loan terms are subject to full underwriting, income verification, employment status, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and credit history review.
Rates and Fees: OPA loans carry a fixed 1% APR and applicable late fees.
Co-Borrowers: If applying with a co-borrower, both applicants must meet joint underwriting criteria, and co-borrower qualification does not guarantee approval.

Credit criteria guidelines presented on this page are current as of 9/23/2026 and are subject to update.

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