What can help a non-US citizen get a mortgage?

Order in your documentation is especially crucial, so we recommend starting from there. Lenders expect you to pass verification and to be able to repay the loan. Your permit confirmation is crucial in this case. For instance, make sure that you have a valid visa and work permit, or a green card, to show that you have legal status in the country. Then you need to prepare the proof of your income and creditworthiness to confirm that you are a reliable borrower. Don’t have an SSN and can’t get it? Then, an ITIN is what you need. Good credit history is always a good sign during an application, so try to build one. You can start with a small loan and pay bills on time, showing that you are a responsible borrower. But we recommend avoiding excessive debts. You can make a large down payment to show your readiness and financial capability. Usually, it helps borrowers to get more favorable interest rates and can give you a chance to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance). Working with an experienced lender, you can seriously streamline the process and avoid complexity. You need a person who fully understands the nuances and can explain the benefits of different loans.

What difficulties can I face as a non-US citizen trying to get a mortgage?

The most common problem is a lack of an SSN or ITIN. The SSN, or social security number, is issued to eligible residents to track their employment history. It is a standard requirement when you try to get a traditional mortgage loan. ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is issued to citizens who need to report taxes but don’t qualify for an SSN. If you have one of them, your chances are getting higher, and you can qualify for specific programs depending on the number you have. Another common challenge is the lack of credit history, as all lenders want to evaluate your creditworthiness, which is difficult for those who have just come to the USA. Lenders usually consider loans to non-US citizens riskier, so they may request higher down payments or higher interest rates to protect themselves. Quite often, they may also ask for additional documentation to verify your employment status, residency, or visa. In some cases, they can request to show credit reports from your home country as proof of your reliability.

Can foreign nationals purchase a property in the USA without a US credit history?

Yes, foreign nationals quite often purchase houses in the USA, even if they don’t have a credit history in the country. Of course, usually traditional mortgage lenders rely on domestic credit scores and US financial records, but when it comes to non-US citizens, there are programs with alternative methods to evaluate a borrower’s ability to repay a loan. Instead of relying on the absent US credit score, lenders use your international credit reports, homeland bank statements, proof of income, and asset documentation. Basically, they need evidence of your financial stability, and can get it from your home country. Although down payment requirements for these loans may be higher than in conventional mortgages, this is your chance to purchase US real estate without spending years on building a decent credit score. LBC Mortgage works with foreign nationals from many countries and helps borrowers navigate all required documentation and qualification processes. With our experience in non-US resident mortgages, we can help you find a suitable program depending on your foreign-source income, ownership records, or other financial documents.

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Mortgage Loan Options for Non-US Citizens

June 18, 2026

Foreign Buyers Purchase in the US Housing Market

The US housing market stopped being only for local citizens a long time ago, and around 78,100 foreign buyers have purchased houses only during the 2024-2025 period. Getting a mortgage for a house purchase can be complex, and for non-US citizens, the process is even more challenging as many factors come into play. For instance, lenders pay attention to your visa status and how you are going to use the property. So, today we are going to discuss whether foreign buyers have an opportunity to get a mortgage. Stay with us and find out which options you have.

Is A Mortgage Available For A Non-US Citizen?

Sure, mortgages are available for foreign nationals as well, but the process is different than if you were a local citizen. Choosing the best option depends on many factors, including credit history, immigration status, employment, and others.

Residents who live in the USA permanently and have a green card, for example, can apply for the same mortgage product as US residents, while the buyers who live in the USA not permanently and work on a visa may face extra difficulties and restrictions.

Some lenders also have programs tailored to foreign residents and their needs, seeing their potential for the market and the US economy in general.

Permanent And Non-Permanent Resident Aliens

Depending on your current status, you have various mortgage options, so understanding the difference is critical for a successful process.

What Does "Permanent Resident Alien" Mean?

When we speak about permanent resident aliens, we usually mean foreigners who have a green card and the right to live in the USA without time restrictions. Green card holders mostly have the same rights as local citizens. For instance, they can apply for conventional, VA, and FHA loans.

What Does “Non-Permanent Resident Alien” Mean?

This term refers to those who have the right to work and live in the USA for a specific period. Permission to stay in the country is usually related to work or another qualifying reason. Visa defines the terms under which the person stays. So, if you are a non-permanent resident, you still have the right to qualify for a mortgage, but under special non-permanent resident alien or ITIN programs. Non-resident borrowers don’t need an SSN and can get financing for primary residence, second home, or property investments.

What Mortgage Types Are Suitable for Non-US Residents?

Mortgage programs designed for non-US residents are tailored to the special needs of individuals who came from abroad. Their requirements include nuances of financial profiles, residency statuses, and credit histories.

Foreign National Loans

This program enables tax benefits from real estate investments, which can help make serious savings and increase profitability. Basically, it’s non-QM loans tailored to non-US residents who want to invest in real estate. This loan type doesn’t require a green card or an SSN. The borrowers may prove their creditworthiness without a FICO score by submitting a credit report from their country.

Full documentation loans will work for you if you can provide full information about your financial records and prove your creditworthiness. If you want to purchase the property for rent, the debt service coverage ratio loans are a good choice, as lenders in this case are focused on the property’s ability to cover the costs. Also, you can review the interest-only loan option, which allows you to pay just the interest for a certain period.

ITIN Loans

These loans are tailored to foreign borrowers who can’t get a Social Security number but have an ITIN (an individual taxpayer identification number). An ITIN is issued to help foreign nationals deal with tax laws and get tax returns and payments if they are not eligible for Social Security numbers.

In this case, if borrowers earn money in the USA, they can also get a mortgage to buy a property. This category includes contractors, entrepreneurs, and freelancers who pay taxes in the US.

Loans for permanent residents

Non-US citizens who live in the US permanently and have a green card can buy houses and properties for investment with a permanent resident alien loan. For instance, they can get both conventional and non-QM loans, including full documentation, asset-based loans, bank statement loans, interest-only loans, and many others. Permanent residency allows building a credit history like any US citizen.

Loans For Non-Permanent Resident Aliens

Loans for non-permanent residents with H1-B, L-1, or other work-oriented visas can get a mortgage with the help of their SSN and US FICO score. You can apply for full documentation loans, recent credit event loans, bank statement loans, and a great variety of others, but the key factor is a valid visa.

How Can LBC Mortgage Help a Non-US Citizen?

Our professional team has experience working with non-US resident mortgage loans, and we know how to get things done with as little stress as possible. We can guide you through the process, even if you don’t have a US credit history, tax returns, or a social security number.

Working with multiple lenders, we have all the chances to match a non-US buyer with a lender that is ready to work with international borrowers and incomes from foreign sources. We can help with foreign national loans and DSCR loans and assist with portfolio and non-QM loans to get more flexible underwriting. Working with us, you get clear explanations, professional guidance, and knowledge that you will be aware of everything you may require for a successful mortgage.

Find Out How to Get the Best Loan Options

Non-US citizens have every right to get a mortgage, and there is a great bunch of programs tailored specifically to their residency situation. Residents with green cards and without them have various loan options, but to choose the right one, you need to consider all nuances, like the presence of an SSN, a valid visa, or permission to live and work in the country. LBC Mortgage is always ready to assist by evaluating your current financial situation and finding lenders who are ready to offer the best terms.

Author:

Alex Shekhtman CEO & Founder, LBC Mortgage

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can help a non-US citizen get a mortgage?

Order in your documentation is especially crucial, so we recommend starting from there. Lenders expect you to pass verification and to be able to repay the loan. Your permit confirmation is crucial in this case. For instance, make sure that you have a valid visa and work permit, or a green card, to show that you have legal status in the country. Then you need to prepare the proof of your income and creditworthiness to confirm that you are a reliable borrower. Don’t have an SSN and can’t get it? Then, an ITIN is what you need.
Good credit history is always a good sign during an application, so try to build one. You can start with a small loan and pay bills on time, showing that you are a responsible borrower. But we recommend avoiding excessive debts.
You can make a large down payment to show your readiness and financial capability. Usually, it helps borrowers to get more favorable interest rates and can give you a chance to avoid PMI (private mortgage insurance).
Working with an experienced lender, you can seriously streamline the process and avoid complexity. You need a person who fully understands the nuances and can explain the benefits of different loans.
2. What difficulties can I face as a non-US citizen trying to get a mortgage?

The most common problem is a lack of an SSN or ITIN. The SSN, or social security number, is issued to eligible residents to track their employment history. It is a standard requirement when you try to get a traditional mortgage loan. ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is issued to citizens who need to report taxes but don’t qualify for an SSN. If you have one of them, your chances are getting higher, and you can qualify for specific programs depending on the number you have.
Another common challenge is the lack of credit history, as all lenders want to evaluate your creditworthiness, which is difficult for those who have just come to the USA.
Lenders usually consider loans to non-US citizens riskier, so they may request higher down payments or higher interest rates to protect themselves. Quite often, they may also ask for additional documentation to verify your employment status, residency, or visa. In some cases, they can request to show credit reports from your home country as proof of your reliability.
3. Can foreign nationals purchase a property in the USA without a US credit history?

Yes, foreign nationals quite often purchase houses in the USA, even if they don’t have a credit history in the country. Of course, usually traditional mortgage lenders rely on domestic credit scores and US financial records, but when it comes to non-US citizens, there are programs with alternative methods to evaluate a borrower’s ability to repay a loan.
Instead of relying on the absent US credit score, lenders use your international credit reports, homeland bank statements, proof of income, and asset documentation. Basically, they need evidence of your financial stability, and can get it from your home country.
Although down payment requirements for these loans may be higher than in conventional mortgages, this is your chance to purchase US real estate without spending years on building a decent credit score.
LBC Mortgage works with foreign nationals from many countries and helps borrowers navigate all required documentation and qualification processes. With our experience in non-US resident mortgages, we can help you find a suitable program depending on your foreign-source income, ownership records, or other financial documents.

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