How Home Buyers Who Aren’t Citizens Can Get a Mortgage

Home buyers don’t have to be citizens or residents to get a mortgage in the U.S. In fact, the credit and financial requirements are essentially the same for any buyer. But there is a difference: Home buyers who don't live in the U.S. or who aren't citizens can find it challenging to produce the required documentation for a mortgage.

Because most U.S. lenders work with standard forms and reports, they aren't set up to easily help a borrower who can't produce a FICO score or a U.S. tax return. A mortgage application also includes dozens of questions and requests for transaction histories and bank statements.

But the bottom line is that if you file taxes in your country, have a history of paying bills on time and have a salary history, you should be in good shape to apply for a U.S. mortgage. For non-citizens without those credentials, other solutions often exist.

» MORE: See top mortgage lenders for immigrant borrowers

Here are three essentials you’ll need as a non-citizen mortgage seeker:

1. A real estate agent who has helped other clients like you buy homes

2. A lender who has experience working with clients in your situation

3. Patience. To buy a home with a mortgage in the U.S., you may be required to provide more documentation than you would elsewhere, and fulfilling those demands could take more time.