Question 1

Do I need a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN)?

Accepted Answer

No. Foreign national loans do not require a U.S. SSN. You can use your passport, foreign national ID, or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you have one. We work with borrowers from over 50 countries who don't have U.S. credit history or SSNs.

Question 2

Can I use my foreign income to qualify?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We accept foreign income from employment, business ownership, or investments. You'll need to provide documentation such as employment letters, bank statements, tax returns from your home country, or proof of business ownership. Income will be converted to USD using current exchange rates.

Question 3

What visa types are eligible?

Accepted Answer

Most visa types qualify, including H-1B, L-1, E-2, O-1, TN, and F-1 (with OPT/CPT work authorization). Non-visa holders (B-1/B-2 tourists, foreign nationals living abroad) can also qualify for investment property purchases. Each visa type has specific documentation requirements.

Question 4

How much down payment do I need?

Accepted Answer

Minimum down payment is typically 25-30% for foreign nationals without U.S. credit. If you have a valid work visa (H-1B, L-1, etc.) and can establish U.S. credit, you may qualify for as low as 15-20% down. Investment properties generally require 30-35% down.

Question 5

Can I buy property if I live outside the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many of our foreign national clients live abroad and purchase U.S. real estate as investments or vacation homes. We can close remotely using digital signatures and mobile notaries. You don't need to be physically present in the U.S. to close.

Question 6

What documentation do I need?

Accepted Answer

Typical documents include: valid passport, visa documentation (if applicable), proof of foreign income (employment letter, bank statements, tax returns), proof of down payment funds, and proof of U.S. address (lease, utility bill, or property address). We'll provide a detailed checklist based on your specific situation.

Question 7

How long does it take to close?

Accepted Answer

Foreign national loans typically take 30-45 days to close due to additional documentation verification and international fund transfers. If you have all documents ready and funds in a U.S. bank account, we can expedite to 21-30 days.

Question 8

Can I get a mortgage without U.S. credit history?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use alternative credit evaluation methods for foreign nationals without U.S. credit. We can review your credit history from your home country, bank statements showing payment history, or use a larger down payment to offset the lack of U.S. credit.

Question 9

Are interest rates higher for foreign nationals?

Accepted Answer

Foreign national loan rates are typically 0.5-1.5% higher than conventional U.S. citizen rates due to additional risk and documentation requirements. Your rate depends on down payment size, visa status, credit profile, and property type. Larger down payments (35%+) can help secure better rates.

Question 10

Can I refinance my existing U.S. property?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign nationals can refinance existing U.S. mortgages for rate-and-term or cash-out purposes. Refinancing requirements are similar to purchase loans: valid visa/passport, proof of income, and sufficient equity in the property (typically 25-30% minimum).

Feature	Conventional Loan	Foreign National Loan
SSN Requirement	U.S. Social Security Number required	No SSN required - passport/ITIN accepted
Credit History	U.S. credit history required (620+ score)	No U.S. credit required - foreign credit accepted
Income Documentation	U.S. W-2s, tax returns, pay stubs	Foreign income accepted with translation
Eligible Visa Types	U.S. citizens and permanent residents only	H-1B, L-1, E-2, O-1, TN, F-1, and non-visa holders
Down Payment	3-20% depending on loan type	25-35% (15-20% with work visa)
Property Types	Primary, second home, investment	Second home and investment (primary with work visa)
Interest Rate	Market rate (lower)	0.5-1.5% higher than conventional
Closing Timeline	21-30 days typical	30-45 days (international documentation)

U.S. Mortgages for Foreign Nationals

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The Challenge

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The Outcome

The Challenge

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The Outcome

The Challenge

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The Outcome

Visa Types We Finance

Qualification Requirements

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