Loan Solutions for Non-U.S. Residents

Depending on the type of loan you're eligible for, you can get a mortgage in the United States even if you aren't a U.S. citizen. The type of loan you qualify for, and the documentation needed to get that loan, depends on your immigration status. In almost all cases, a social security number is required of non-residents, but there are some key differences and exceptions.

Permanent Residents with a Green Card

If you are a permanent resident with a green card, you may be eligible for the same standard conventional or FHA loan that U.S. citizens are eligible for. In short, aside from your lender requiring additional documentation, your loan options should be the same as any naturalized U.S. citizen.

It is worth noting that you must still qualify for the loan. This usually requires:

• At least two months of bank statements
• Two years of credit history
• Two to three years of tax returns or other proof of income continuity

To clarify, new residents may have to wait to provide enough years of proof that they have been paying U.S. taxes and earning income in the U.S.

Temporary Residents with a Work Visa

If you are legally working in the United States, even on a temporary work visa, you should be able to qualify for the same loans as permanent residents. This includes FHA and other down payment assisted programs. In other words, the loan process should be the same for temporary residents as permanent residents and citizens.

If your work visa is expiring in less than a year, some lenders may require a letter from your employer guaranteeing the renewal of your visa. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can also be provided in lieu of a visa.

Similarly to new permanent residents, new temporary residents may have difficulty providing two years of tax returns and credit history. If this is the case, some lenders may be willing to consider non-U.S. income history, especially if it is from the same employer.

Foreign Nationals without the Legal Status to Work in the U.S.

Unfortunately, if you don't have a U.S. work visa or permanent resident status (sometimes called a green card), you are not eligible for a conventional or government-backed loan in the United States.

However, there are options out there, such as a foreign national loan. These loans are meant for investment properties, not permanent residences. At PRM, we understand that unique circumstances often require unique loan solutions. This is why we offer a loan for Foreign Nationals as part of our Alternative Advantage Programs.

Because Foreign Nationals do not have Social Security Numbers, this program will require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Program Exclusions:

• We are unable to accept foreign credit or foreign income for this loan program.
• Applicants who reside outside the U.S. are not eligible.
• DACA applicants are not eligible for the Foreign National Loan.

Additional Details:

• Applicants must have established credit and income in the United States.
• Loan documents signed outside of the United States must be notarized by a U.S. embassy or consular official.
• Fixed and Adjustable rates available.
• Interest-only option
• Loan amounts up to $1.5 million.

Do you have questions about this program or one of our other AltVantage Programs? Contact a Mortgage Advisor today using the contact form below.