How to get a mortgage with pending asylum status

Can asylum seekers get a mortgage to buy a home?  Yes—but there are some additional steps and important rules to be aware of.

In this article, you’ll learn how to qualify for a mortgage while your asylum application is still pending with USCIS, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common roadblocks in the process.

What does "pending asylum" mean?

Asylum seekers are individuals who fear persecution in their home country and have asked the U.S. government for protection. While your application is under review, your status is considered temporary.

The asylum process can take months—or even years—and the outcome depends on your situation and current U.S. immigration policies.

At the end of March 2025, there were 3,629,627 active cases pending before the Immigration Court.

• Florida: 548,740
• Illinois: 230,743
• Tennessee: 136,135
• Indiana: 51,022

Immigration Court Backlog Tool 

• Acceptable visas for non-permanent residents

Why do most mortgage lenders deny asylum seekers?

Most lenders deny mortgage applications from asylum seekers because of their temporary immigration status.

When your asylum case is still pending, there’s no guarantee your status will be extended or approved. That uncertainty makes some lenders hesitant, since it could impact your job stability, income, and ability to repay the loan.

Lenders want to reduce risk, so many choose not to approve loans for applicants with pending asylum cases, even if they have steady income and meet other requirements.

Can an asylum seeker get a mortgage to buy a home?

Yes, asylum seekers can get approved for a conventional mortgage.

But here’s the challenge—most lenders won’t offer loans to asylum seekers because they’re classified as non-permanent residents. Others may have limited options or stricter rules that make qualifying harder.

That’s why it’s important to work with a lender who understands your situation.

At NewCastle Home Loans, we offer mortgages to qualified asylum seekers buying or refinancing homes in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.

You’ll get the same terms, interest rates, and loan options as U.S. citizens, making homeownership not just possible, but practical.

Schedule some time to talk with a mortgage expert at NewCastle Home Loans. Ask questions, get straight answers, and find out how to start on your home loan.

How to get approved for a mortgage with "pending asylum" status

Yes, you can get approved for a mortgage while your asylum case is pending—if you meet certain requirements.

At NewCastle Home Loans, we help homebuyers with pending asylum status get approved under the same terms as U.S. citizens.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

1. The home must be your primary residence in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, or Tennessee
2. A valid Social Security Number
3. An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
4. A credit score of 620 or higher
5. Stable employment and income for the last two years

You may qualify for a mortgage to buy a home with the same low rate and terms available to U.S. citizens.

• As little as 3% down

• A low interest rate

• Affordable monthly payments

Once you meet the criteria, the next step is to get pre-approved, allowing you to shop for a home with confidence.

Mortgage rules for asylum seekers planning to buy a home

Here's a comprehensive list of acceptable visas for non-permanent residents looking to buy a home using a conventional mortgage.

Conventional mortgage: Non–U.S. citizen conventional mortgage eligibility requirements