Mortgages for Non-Citizens: ITIN Loans, Visa Holders and Foreign Nationals
You don't have to be a U.S. citizen to buy a home with a mortgage, but your options depend heavily on your immigration status and what kind of credit and income history you can document. The path can look very different for a green card holder than for someone on a temporary visa or a buyer living abroad. Lawful permanent residents Permanent residents (green card holders) are generally treated much like citizens for most major loan programs. They typically need a valid Social Security number, a U.S. credit history and verifiable income. Most conventional, FHA and other programs are available on the same terms, though programs have their own eligibility rules. Non-permanent residents on work visas Borrowers with valid work authorization, such as certain employment-based visas, can often qualify for conventional and FHA loans. Lenders look at how long the authorization is valid, whether it's likely to be renewed, and the borrower's employment and income history. Docum...