Can a non-permanent resident get a mortgage?

A non-permanent resident of the U.S. can get approved for a mortgage to buy a home. However, the process may have additional requirements compared to U.S. citizens.

In this article, I'll explain how a non-permanent resident can get approved for a home loan.

Can I get approved for a mortgage as a non-permanent resident? 

Non-permanent residents are eligible for conventional mortgages.

However, most lenders do not offer mortgages to non-permanent residents due to the associated risks. Some lenders offer mortgages but have limited options and stricter requirements.

Before searching for a home, contact a lender with mortgage experience for non-permanent residents.

NewCastle Home Loans offers conventional mortgages to non-permanent residents buying and refinancing homes in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.

You may be eligible for the same low interest rates as U.S. citizens if you meet these conditions:

1. Prove you are legally present in the U.S.
   
2. Meet the standard credit, employment, income, and cash-to-close requirements.

What documents prove I am legally present in the U.S?

To prove you are legally present in the U.S., you must have a Social Security Number and one of the following documents:

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
• Work Visa
• Passport with entry stamps
• Passport with I-551 stamps

Here's a sample EAD card: 

Expiring documents

If your documents expire within 30 days of closing, you must have proof of renewal or proof of filing for renewal.

If your EAD expires within the year, provide a copy of your previous expired EAD. If your renewal application is pending approval, provide a copy of the USCIS's temporary extension document.

H-1B visa and foreign workers in specialty occupations

Provide a copy of your USCIS Form I-94 and evidence of employment by the authorized employer for at least one year. 

Refugee or asylee status granted by the USCIS

Provide employment authorization (an unexpired EAD card), or Form I-94 with refugee or asylum status, or Form I-797 indicating approval of a Form I-589.

• How to get a mortgage with pending asylum status

Can a non-permanent resident get an FHA loan?

As of May 25, 2025, non-permanent residents are no longer eligible for FHA home loans.

If you have temporary legal status, such as DACA, asylum, or an H-1B visa, you cannot use an FHA loan to buy or refinance a home.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), only borrowers with a clear path to permanent residency qualify for FHA financing.

That means individuals with DACA status, pending asylum, or pending refugee status are now excluded from FHA eligibility.

What if I already have an FHA loan?

If you're a non-permanent resident, the FHA rule change does not affect your current loan, but you can’t use an FHA loan to refinance.

The good news? You can still refinance with a conventional mortgage, and it might save you money.

For example, conventional loans don’t require mortgage insurance if you have 20% or more equity in your home. That could mean lower monthly payments and big savings over time.

Take Enrique, a DACA recipient with a 7% FHA loan. He reached out to lower his rate and monthly payment, but he’s no longer eligible for an FHA refinance.

Fortunately, he qualified for a conventional loan, and we helped him make the switch, saving him over $200 every month.

At NewCastle Home Loans, we’ll help you explore your options and guide you through refinancing from FHA to conventional.

Can a non-permanent resident get a USDA loan?

Non-permanent residents are no longer eligible for USDA loans.

As of March 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated its rules. To qualify for a USDA loan, you must be one of the following:

1. A U.S. citizen
2. A U.S. non-citizen national
3. A non-citizen with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and one of the following immigration categories:

• A03 – Refugee (approved)
• A04 – Paroled as Refugee
• A05 – Asylee (granted)
• A10 – Granted withholding of deportation or removal
• C11 – Paroled into the U.S. for public interest or emergency reasons

Your EAD or Permanent Resident Card must be valid and unexpired at the time of closing.

What if I already have a USDA loan?

You may still be eligible to refinance. For USDA refinance programs—including Streamlined-Assist—the original rules from when you first got your loan still apply.

But if you add a new borrower, they must meet the updated USDA eligibility requirements that started on March 18, 2025.

What documents do non-U.S. citizens need to get approved for a VA loan?

If you’re a Veteran with a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE), you're eligible for a VA loan—no additional residency documents are required, regardless of immigration status.

Non-veteran co-borrowers who are non-U.S. citizens:

Conditional Permanent Residents (e.g., spouses of U.S. citizens) must provide:

1. A copy of their unexpired Conditional Permanent Resident card
2. If the card is expired and they did not file to remove the conditional status within the required 90-day period, they must submit: a) Evidence from USCIS shows good cause for the delay, and b) proof that they filed a petition to remove the conditional status.

Non-permanent residents must provide a valid, unexpired visa.

Borrowers on non-work visas also need an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

If the borrower is not using income to qualify, proof of legal residency is not required.

We review alternative documentation on a case-by-case basis to help you move forward confidently.

Acceptable visas for non-permanent residents

This table shows the visa types that NewCastle Home Loans accepts for conventional mortgages.

Each entry includes a short description of the visa and the documents you need for mortgage approval.

Keep in mind that many banks and lenders may not accept your visa or might ask for extra documents. 

• What is the minimum credit score for a conventional loan?
• How much is a down payment on a house?

NewCastle Home Loans specializes in mortgages for qualified non-permanent residents. We offer lower mortgage rates and superior service compared to traditional banks. Feel free to book a time to talk to a mortgage expert. 

Why should non-permanent residents get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Non-permanent residents should get pre-approved for a mortgage for several reasons:

1. A pre-approval letter confirms that a lender has reviewed your financial details and determined how much you can borrow. 
2. Home sellers see a pre-approval letter as proof of your buying power, which can strengthen your offer.
3. Knowing your loan has been approved reduces stress during the home-buying process.

NewCastle Home Loans offers a verified mortgage pre-approval letter for non-permanent residents purchasing homes in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.

This letter shows that a loan decision-maker has checked your financial information, giving you confidence. 

Here's a real-life testimonial from a first-time homebuyer. 

Take your first step toward homeownership. Get pre-approved for a mortgage by a lender you can trust.

Mortgage rules for non-permanent residents

Here's more information about the general mortgage rules for non-permanent residents.

• Fannie Mae non–U.S. citizen borrower eligibility requirements
• Freddie Mac permanent and non-permanent resident aliens

• HUD Cracks Down

• USDA Eligibility of Qualified Aliens 

Remember, each lender may have specific requirements and criteria for approving mortgage loans for non-permanent resident aliens.

Some lenders may choose not to offer you a loan. In contrast, others may have strict underwriting standards or internal policies that limit lending to specific borrower demographics, including non-permanent residents.

Talk to an expert at NewCastle Home Loan. Ask questions, get straight answers, and find out how to start on your home loan.