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For Non-US Citizens

Foreign National Loans

Purchase or refinance US property as a foreign national. No US credit history or Social Security Number required. We accept international bank statements, foreign income documentation, and ITIN numbers.

Why Choose Foreign National Loans?

Designed specifically for non-US citizens purchasing property in the United States. Whether you're on a work visa, investor visa, or living abroad, we can help you finance US real estate.

No SSN Required

Use your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) or foreign passport

International Documentation

Accept foreign bank statements, pay stubs, and employment letters

No US Credit History

We don't require US credit history—foreign credit reports accepted

All Visa Types

Work visas (H-1B, L-1, E-2), investor visas, or no visa required

Investment & Primary

Finance investment properties or primary residences in the US

Competitive Rates

Rates starting at 7.25% for well-qualified foreign nationals

Up to $3M Loan Amount

Finance luxury properties and high-value real estate

Remote Closing Available

Close from anywhere in the world with mobile notary services

Accepted Visa Types

We work with foreign nationals on various visa types, as well as those living abroad without a US visa.

Find Visa Options for Your Country
Select your country of origin to see which visa types are commonly available and their specific requirements.
H-1B Visa
Specialty occupation workers

Most common work visa for professionals in specialty occupations like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Typically issued for 3 years, renewable up to 6 years total.

Typical Requirements:

  • Valid H-1B visa
  • Employment verification letter
  • Recent pay stubs (2-3 months)
  • Foreign or US bank statements
L-1 Visa
Intracompany transferees

For employees transferred to a US office of their international employer. L-1A for managers/executives, L-1B for specialized knowledge workers.

Typical Requirements:

  • Valid L-1 visa
  • Transfer letter from employer
  • Proof of employment abroad
  • Income documentation
E-2 Visa
Treaty investor visa

For investors from treaty countries who have invested substantial capital in a US business. Renewable indefinitely as long as business operates.

Typical Requirements:

  • Valid E-2 visa
  • Business ownership documentation
  • Proof of investment
  • Business financial statements
B-1/B-2 Visa
Business/tourist visa

Temporary visitor visa for business or tourism. While not a work visa, B-1/B-2 holders can purchase US investment property.

Typical Requirements:

  • Valid B-1 or B-2 visa
  • Foreign bank statements
  • Proof of income abroad
  • Larger down payment (30-40%)
O-1 Visa
Extraordinary ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Includes O-1A and O-1B categories.

Typical Requirements:

  • Valid O-1 visa
  • Employment contract
  • Income documentation
  • Proof of extraordinary ability achievements
No Visa (Foreign Resident)
Living abroad

Foreign nationals living outside the US who want to purchase US investment property. No visa required for investment property purchases.

Typical Requirements:

  • Valid passport
  • Foreign bank statements (6-12 months)
  • Proof of income in home country
  • 30-40% down payment

ITIN Application Process

If you don't have a Social Security Number, you'll need an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) to purchase US property. Here's how to obtain one.

What is an ITIN?

An ITIN is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to have a US taxpayer identification number but don't qualify for a Social Security Number. ITINs are used for tax reporting purposes and are required for foreign nationals purchasing US property.

ITIN Format:

9XX-XX-XXXX

Always begins with "9" and is formatted like a Social Security Number

5-Step ITIN Application Process
1

Complete Form W-7

Download and complete IRS Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This form asks for basic information including name, mailing address, foreign address, birth country, and reason for applying.

  • Reason for applying: Check box 'h' - Exception 2 (purchasing US real estate)
  • Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your passport
  • Provide both US mailing address and foreign permanent address
2

Gather Required Documentation

You must provide original documents or certified copies proving your identity and foreign status. The IRS requires at least one document with your photo.

  • Passport (most common - proves both identity and foreign status)
  • National ID card with photo, name, address, DOB, and expiration date
  • US driver's license (if applicable)
  • Birth certificate (for dependents)
  • All documents must be current and not expired
3

Attach Supporting Tax Documents

Include documentation showing why you need an ITIN. For real estate purchases, attach a copy of your purchase contract or letter from your lender stating you're purchasing property.

  • Copy of signed purchase agreement
  • Letter from mortgage lender on company letterhead
  • Closing disclosure or settlement statement (if available)
  • These prove you have a valid reason for needing an ITIN
4

Submit Application

Mail your completed Form W-7, original documents (or certified copies), and supporting tax documents to the IRS. You can also apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center or through a Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA).

  • Mail to: Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342
  • Or use a CAA to avoid mailing original passport (CAA can certify copies)
  • Keep copies of everything you submit
  • Use certified mail with tracking for security
5

Receive Your ITIN

The IRS typically processes ITIN applications within 7-11 weeks. Your original documents will be returned to you within 60 days. Once issued, your ITIN is valid indefinitely, though it may expire if not used on a tax return for 3 consecutive years.

  • Processing time: 7-11 weeks (can be longer during peak season)
  • Original documents returned separately within 60 days
  • ITIN letter arrives by mail - keep it safe
  • ITIN expires if not used on tax return for 3 consecutive years
  • Can be renewed using the same Form W-7 process
Can I Apply for a Mortgage Before Getting an ITIN?

Yes! You can start the mortgage application process before receiving your ITIN. We can pre-approve you using your passport number, and you can apply for your ITIN while we process your loan. The ITIN must be obtained before closing, but the 7-11 week processing time usually aligns well with typical mortgage timelines. We'll guide you through the process and coordinate timing.

International Documentation Requirements

We accept documentation from your home country. All foreign language documents must be translated to English by a certified translator.

Identity Documents
  • Valid passport (primary ID document)
  • National ID card with photo
  • US visa (if applicable)
  • ITIN letter from IRS (if already obtained)
  • Foreign driver's license (supplementary)
Income Documentation
  • Foreign bank statements (6-12 months)
  • Employment letter from foreign employer
  • Foreign pay stubs or salary slips
  • Foreign tax returns (if self-employed)
  • Business financial statements (if business owner)
Asset Documentation
  • Foreign bank account statements
  • Investment account statements
  • Proof of funds for down payment
  • Gift letter (if receiving gift funds)
  • Wire transfer documentation for funds coming to US
Credit Documentation
  • Foreign credit report (if available)
  • Reference letters from foreign banks
  • Rental payment history (12-24 months)
  • Utility payment records
  • Alternative credit documentation
Employment Verification
  • Employment verification letter on company letterhead
  • Business registration documents (if self-employed)
  • Professional licenses or certifications
  • Contract or offer letter (for new employment)
  • Proof of business ownership (if applicable)
Translation Requirements
  • All foreign language documents must be translated
  • Translations must be certified by professional translator
  • Translator must provide certification statement
  • Both original and translated versions required
  • Translator contact information must be included

Qualification Requirements

Foreign national loan requirements are designed to accommodate international borrowers while managing risk.

Down Payment

25-40% minimum (25-30% with visa, 30-40% without US visa)

Credit Score

No US credit required - foreign credit reports or alternative credit accepted

Income Verification

Foreign bank statements, pay stubs, or employment letters from home country

ITIN or Passport

ITIN preferred but not required for application - can use passport number initially

Reserves

12-24 months PITI reserves after down payment and closing costs

Property Types

Primary residence (with visa), investment properties, vacation homes

Loan Amount

Up to $3,000,000 (higher amounts case-by-case)

DTI Ratio

Up to 45% debt-to-income ratio using foreign and US debts

Real Success Stories

Foreign nationals from around the world are successfully purchasing US property with our help.

H-1B Software Engineer - $650,000 Purchase
Indian national on H-1B visa in San Francisco

Challenge

Software engineer from India on H-1B visa wanted to purchase a condo in San Francisco. Had only been in the US for 18 months with limited US credit history. Traditional lenders required 2 years of US employment and established US credit.

Solution

Used 6 months of US pay stubs and bank statements to verify income. Accepted Indian credit report and bank reference letters. ITIN obtained during loan process.

Outcome

Approved for $650,000 purchase at 7.25% with 25% down. Closed in 38 days.

Loan Details

Loan Amount:$650,000
Rate:7.25%
Down Payment:25% ($216,667)
Visa Status:H-1B (valid 2 more years)
Credit:No US credit (Indian credit report provided)
Income:$180,000/year (US employment)
Reserves:18 months PITI
Property:Primary residence, 2BR condo in San Francisco, CA
Chinese Investor - $1,200,000 Investment Property
Foreign national living in China purchasing US rental

Challenge

Businessman living in Shanghai wanted to purchase investment property in Los Angeles for rental income and portfolio diversification. No US visa, no US credit history, all income and assets in China.

Solution

Used 12 months of Chinese bank statements showing business income. All documents translated from Mandarin to English. Larger down payment (35%) to offset no US presence.

Outcome

Approved for $1.2M investment property at 7.75% with 35% down. Remote closing from China.

Loan Details

Loan Amount:$1,200,000
Rate:7.75%
Down Payment:35% ($646,154)
Visa Status:None (living in China)
Credit:No US credit (Chinese bank reference letters)
Income:Business income verified via Chinese bank statements
Reserves:24 months PITI
Property:Investment property, 4BR single-family in Los Angeles, CA
E-2 Visa Entrepreneur - $825,000 Purchase
French entrepreneur on E-2 investor visa

Challenge

French national on E-2 visa who invested in a US business wanted to purchase a home in Miami. Income came from new business (less than 2 years old). Traditional lenders wouldn't accept business income without 2-year history.

Solution

Used combination of business bank statements (12 months) and personal French bank statements showing investment funds. E-2 visa demonstrates substantial US investment and commitment.

Outcome

Approved for $825,000 purchase at 7.50% with 30% down. Purchased home near business location.

Loan Details

Loan Amount:$825,000
Rate:7.50%
Down Payment:30% ($353,571)
Visa Status:E-2 (renewable indefinitely)
Credit:Limited US credit (French credit report + 12 months US payment history)
Income:Business income + French investment income
Reserves:18 months PITI
Property:Primary residence, 3BR single-family in Miami, FL

Ready to Purchase US Property as a Foreign National?

Our loan officers specialize in foreign national mortgages and understand the unique challenges of international buyers. We'll guide you through every step from ITIN application to closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Rate Information

Rates Subject to Change: All interest rates, annual percentage rates (APRs), and loan terms displayed on this website are subject to change without notice based on market conditions and other factors.

Credit Approval Required: All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all applicants will qualify for the rates or terms shown. Your actual rate and terms will depend on your credit profile, income, assets, and other factors.

Not a Commitment to Lend: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a loan offer or commitment to lend. Final loan approval and terms are subject to underwriting review.

NMLS #139369 | Equal Housing Lender

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