How Home Buyers Who Aren’t Citizens Can Get a Mortgage
Non-U.S. citizens can qualify for a mortgage but eligibility depends on residency status and adequate documentation.
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Contributing Editor If you’re a legal, non-U.S. citizen hoping to finance a property purchase in the United States, that goal may be within reach.
While all-cash deals usually grab the headlines, most non-citizen buyers use financing to purchase a home. In fact, 53% obtained a mortgage from a U.S. lender, according to the National Association of Realtors’ 2025 Profile of International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate, which covers transactions from April 2024 to March 2025.
If you don’t live in the U.S. or aren’t a U.S. citizen, expect additional administrative hurdles when seeking a mortgage. Recent policy changes have also narrowed access to some loan programs for certain non-citizen borrowers.
Since lending rules can shift, choosing a mortgage lender experienced in serving non-citizen buyers can help you navigate the latest rules and requirements with confidence.
Non-citizens that mortgage lenders will consider
Residency status in the U.S. is a key factor for non-citizens planning to apply for a mortgage here. Here’s a breakdown of the eligible categories.
Permanent residents
These are U.S. residents with a permanent resident (“green”) card. Permanent residents typically have access to most of the same mortgages as U.S. citizens.
Non-permanent residents
Non-permanent residents are foreign nationals living and working in the U.S. who don’t meet the permanent resident card, or “green card,” status. This category typically includes individuals working and living in the U.S. with valid work visas or other authorized legal temporary statuses.
Many non-permanent residents can qualify for U.S. mortgages, though eligibility depends on visa type, documentation and lender guidelines, and the process may be more complicated than it is for permanent residents or U.S. citizens.
Foreign nationals living outside the U.S.
Foreign nationals without U.S. citizenship or permanent residency who live outside the U.S are eligible for certain mortgages. However, their loan selection is limited. They also tend to pay higher interest rates and face steeper lender requirements, such as larger minimum down payments.
Mortgage options available to non-citizens
The mortgage programs available to non-citizen borrowers depend on immigration status, and eligibility can shift as federal policies change. For example, in 2025, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) eliminated eligibility for non-permanent residents across all of their insured loan programs.
Here’s a look at mortgage types that may be available to non-citizen home buyers:
- Conventional loans: Non-citizens with permanent residency status (green card holders) can qualify for conventional mortgages to purchase a primary residence, second home or investment property. Some non-permanent residents may qualify for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, depending on lender guidelines.
- Government-backed loans: FHA or USDA loans are currently limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
- Foreign national loans: These specialized mortgages are tailored to non-citizens who don’t have permanent residency, U.S. credit history or a Social Security number (SSN). They’re typically used by borrowers living outside of the U.S. to finance second homes, residential investment properties and commercial real estate, and generally require more substantial down payments.
- Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) loans: This type of non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) is geared toward real estate investors. Approval depends primarily on a property’s projected rental income. Lenders may prefer borrowers to apply as a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation.
- ITIN loans: Borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, may qualify for this non-QM loan option. ITIN loans often accommodate buyers with limited documentation and thin credit histories, but usually come with higher down payments and interest rates.
What lenders require from non-citizen mortgage applicants
Non-citizens applying for a mortgage in the U.S. will generally need to provide the same types of documentation as U.S. citizens — proof of income, assets and employment — though you’ll need additional information on hand, such as proof of your immigration status.
Here’s what lenders typically require when a non-citizen applies for a mortgage:
- Proof of income and employment: Non-citizens with a valid U.S. work visa or green card can often document their income in the same way citizens do, with payroll paperwork or signed federal tax returns.
- Valid Social Security number or ITIN: For non-citizens who can’t get an SSN, many lenders will accept an ITIN. However, expect higher down payment requirements and less favorable interest rates.
- Proof of legal entry status: Lenders will require a passport and proof of a green card or valid visa to prove you are here legally.
- Credit history and score: If a U.S. credit score and credit history aren’t available, lenders may accept an international credit report. These reports don’t provide a credit score, but they do offer a history of payments made in a borrower’s home country.
- Bank statements and assets: All buyers seeking a mortgage must show copies of monthly bank statements, including savings, checking, retirement and investment accounts.
- Cash reserves: Many lenders prefer to see at least several months of cash reserves from non-citizens to ensure they can access cash quickly to pay the mortgage and other living expenses.
- Debt obligations: Lenders will typically require that you disclose your monthly credit card payments and other financial responsibilities, such as student and auto loans, alimony and child support.
» MORE: Check your credit score
8 tips for non-citizens applying for a mortgage
Because you’ll need to provide standard mortgage documentation plus additional paperwork as a non-citizen borrower, preparing ahead of time can help prevent delays.
Here are strategies to strengthen your approval odds and keep the application process running smoothly:
- Ensure you have a valid SSN or ITIN.
- Locate key documents, such as your passport and green card or visa.
- Gather all financial materials, including proof of income (in the U.S. and/or abroad), tax returns, bank statements and credit history — and make copies.
- Build U.S. credit history, if possible.
- Get quotes from multiple trusted lenders that have experience working with non-citizens. Ask real estate agents and non-citizen home buyers for lender recommendations.
- Get preapproved to determine your budget and show sellers you’re a serious buyer.
- Save up for a larger down payment as lenders may require non-citizens to put down more depending on your residency status.
- Be patient and prepare for a rigorous and thorough review process.
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