Visa holders buying a home in the US don’t need citizenship or a green card to do it — there’s no federal law that requires US citizenship or permanent residency to purchase real estate. What changes is the loan process: some lenders have specific programs and documentation requirements for H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and other work-visa holders, and it helps to know what to expect before you start shopping.
What lenders typically ask for
- A valid, unexpired visa, and often at least a year or more of remaining validity or a demonstrated history of renewals
- Proof of steady employment and income, similar to any other buyer
- A Social Security Number in most cases, though some lenders offer ITIN loan programs for borrowers without one
- US credit history — if you’re newer to the country and don’t have an established US credit file yet, some lenders will consider international credit history or alternative documentation such as rent and utility payment records
Not every lender offers the same visa-holder or foreign national loan programs, so it’s worth asking a few lenders directly how they handle your specific visa type before committing to one.
Down payment expectations
Visa holders sometimes face somewhat higher down payment requirements than US citizens with long credit histories, particularly on jumbo loans. See Jumbo Loans Explained for High Earners if your price range puts you above the conforming loan limit, which is common in the Bay Area.
Combining income with a partner
If you and a partner are buying together and one or both of you hold work visas, Two-Income Households: Combining Buying Power covers how lenders typically combine two incomes and credit profiles.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s guidance on mortgages for non-citizens covers the federal-level basics of what’s required regardless of which lender you choose.
Once you’re ready to shop
The home search and offer process itself is the same as for any buyer — see the Complete Buyer’s Guide and Making a Competitive Offer in the Bay Area. Return to the Tech Employee’s Guide to Buying in Silicon Valley for the rest of the tech-buyer topics.
Building US credit if you’re newly arrived
If you’re within your first year or two in the country, building a US credit history in parallel with your home search can meaningfully improve your loan terms. A secured credit card, an auto loan, or becoming an authorized user on a trusted family member’s card are all common ways to establish a credit file. Even six to twelve months of on-time payments can open up more competitive loan options by the time you’re ready to make an offer, so it’s worth starting this well before you begin touring homes.
Selling a home in another country or state?
If your move involves selling a home elsewhere, get a free estimate at the Home Value Estimator and see the Seller’s Guide.
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Loan eligibility and documentation requirements for visa holders vary by lender and visa type — consult a licensed mortgage professional and, if you have immigration-status questions, an immigration attorney.
Laxmi Penupothula · Intero Real Estate · DRE #02047105 · Serving Fremont, Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara, Union City & Newark. Equal Housing Opportunity. This brokerage does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, immigration status, or any other protected class.