Buying a home in the United States can be an important financial milestone for immigrants, but getting a mortgage may feel complicated if you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a long U.S. credit history.

The good news is that U.S. citizenship is not always required to qualify for a mortgage. Depending on your immigration status, income, credit profile, documentation, and the lender you choose, you may be eligible for conventional financing, FHA financing, ITIN mortgage programs, or other home-loan options.

In 2026, mortgage rates remain an important part of the home-buying decision. Freddie Mac reported an average 30-year fixed mortgage rate of 6.58% and a 15-year fixed rate of 5.96% on July 23, 2026. Actual rates offered to individual borrowers can be higher or lower depending on credit, down payment, loan type, property, lender and other factors.

This guide explains how immigrants can pursue a mortgage in the USA, which loan types may be available, what documents lenders typically request, how much you may need for a down payment, and how to compare mortgage offers.

Can Immigrants Get a Mortgage in the USA?

Yes.

Being an immigrant or non-U.S. citizen does not automatically prevent you from purchasing a home or obtaining mortgage financing.

Fannie Mae states that mortgages can be made to non-U.S. citizens who are lawful permanent or non-permanent residents, subject to applicable lender requirements and verification of legal presence.

This means some borrowers with immigration statuses such as permanent residency or qualifying temporary residency may be able to obtain conventional financing.

However, eligibility depends on the individual borrower and the specific mortgage program.

Lenders may evaluate:

• Immigration or residency status
• Employment history
• Income
• Credit history
• Debt-to-income ratio
• Down payment
• Assets and reserves
• Property type
• Loan amount
• Documentation
• Ability to repay the mortgage

The key is to find a lender and mortgage program that matches your particular situation rather than assuming that every lender has the same requirements.

Mortgage Options for Immigrants

There is no single mortgage program for every immigrant borrower.

The most important options to investigate include:

1. Conventional mortgages
2. FHA-insured mortgages
3. ITIN mortgages
4. Portfolio mortgages
5. Specialized non-QM mortgage programs
6. Foreign-national mortgage programs for certain borrowers

Your best option depends heavily on whether you have a Social Security number, established U.S. credit, qualifying immigration status and verifiable income.

1. Conventional Mortgages for Immigrants

Conventional mortgages are home loans that are not insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

For qualifying non-U.S. citizens, conventional financing can be one of the most attractive options because borrowers may receive terms comparable to those available to other qualified borrowers.

Fannie Mae’s current eligibility guidance says it purchases mortgages for lawful permanent and non-permanent resident borrowers under the same terms available to U.S. citizens, subject to its requirements and the lender’s verification process.

A conventional mortgage may be particularly attractive if you have:

• A Social Security number
• Established U.S. credit
• Stable employment
• Verifiable income
• A strong credit score
• Funds available for a down payment
• Manageable existing debts

Conventional loans can also offer down payments lower than 20% in certain circumstances.

However, putting down less than 20% can result in private mortgage insurance or other pricing considerations.

2. FHA Loans for Immigrant Homebuyers

FHA loans are mortgages made by private lenders and insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

One of their biggest attractions is the possibility of a down payment as low as 3.5% for eligible borrowers who meet the applicable requirements.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau notes that FHA loans can also accommodate lower credit scores than many conventional mortgages.

However, FHA loans require mortgage insurance, and the overall cost can differ substantially depending on the borrower’s credit profile and down payment.

For immigrants who qualify, an FHA mortgage can be worth comparing against a conventional mortgage rather than assuming one is automatically cheaper.

When comparing the two, look at:

• Interest rate
• Annual percentage rate (APR)
• Upfront mortgage insurance
• Monthly mortgage insurance
• Down payment
• Closing costs
• Total interest
• Loan term

Always request actual Loan Estimates from lenders before deciding.

3. ITIN Mortgages for Borrowers Without a Social Security Number

An ITIN mortgage is a particularly important option for certain borrowers who do not qualify for a Social Security number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

An ITIN is issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes.

Some mortgage lenders offer specialized ITIN home-loan programs that allow qualifying borrowers to apply using an ITIN and alternative financial documentation.

According to current mortgage guidance, ITIN borrowers may be evaluated using documents such as:

• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Proof of income
• Utility bills
• Credit history or alternative credit information
• Proof of assets
• Employment documentation

However, ITIN mortgages can be more expensive than conventional mortgages.

Some lenders may require a substantially larger down payment, higher interest rate or additional documentation.

For that reason, borrowers should compare several lenders instead of accepting the first ITIN mortgage offer they receive.

4. Portfolio Mortgages

Some banks and credit unions keep certain mortgages on their own books instead of selling them into the secondary mortgage market.

These are commonly called portfolio loans.

Because the lender retains the loan, it may have greater flexibility when evaluating borrowers who do not fit standard conventional underwriting criteria.

Depending on the institution, portfolio programs may consider borrowers with:

• Nontraditional credit
• Complex income
• Self-employment
• Foreign income
• Limited U.S. credit history
• Alternative documentation

The requirements vary significantly from one lender to another.

A local bank or credit union can therefore be worth investigating if you have a strong financial profile but do not fit a standard mortgage program.

5. Non-QM Mortgages

Non-qualified mortgages, often called non-QM loans, are another potential option for borrowers who have difficulty qualifying for traditional mortgage programs.

Some non-QM lenders consider alternative documentation or financial circumstances that conventional lenders may not accept.

Examples can include:

• Bank-statement loans
• Certain asset-based programs
• ITIN loans
• Alternative income documentation
• Some foreign-national programs

The tradeoff is that non-QM financing can carry higher rates, fees or down-payment requirements.

It should therefore generally be compared against every conventional option for which you qualify.

How Much Down Payment Does an Immigrant Need?

There is no single down-payment requirement for all immigrants.

The amount depends on the loan program, lender, credit profile, property and borrower circumstances.

Possible down-payment levels can include:

These are general examples, not guarantees of eligibility.

For example, a 3.5% down payment on a $400,000 home would be:

$14,000

A 10% down payment would be:

$40,000

And a 20% down payment would be:

$80,000

Remember that your total cash requirement can be significantly higher than the down payment because you may also need money for closing costs, prepaid taxes, insurance, inspections and reserves.

What Credit Score Do Immigrants Need for a Mortgage?

There is no universal minimum credit score for every immigrant mortgage.

The required score depends on the mortgage program and lender.

In general, a stronger credit profile can help you qualify for more loan options and potentially better pricing.

Lenders may review:

• FICO scores
• Payment history
• Credit utilization
• Length of credit history
• Number of accounts
• Recent credit applications
• Existing debts

If you have recently arrived in the United States and have little or no U.S. credit history, qualifying may be more difficult.

Some lenders may accept alternative evidence of creditworthiness, depending on the program.

Examples can include documented payments for:

• Rent
• Utilities
• Insurance
• Cell phone service
• Other recurring obligations

Ask the lender whether alternative credit documentation is accepted before submitting a full application.

What Income Do Mortgage Lenders Look For?

Mortgage lenders want to determine whether you can reliably repay the loan.

They may examine:

• Salary
• Hourly wages
• Self-employment income
• Bonuses
• Commissions
• Overtime
• Investment income
• Other qualifying income

For employed borrowers, lenders may request pay stubs and employment verification.

Self-employed applicants may need tax returns, business records and additional financial documentation.

Foreign income can be more complicated because lenders may have additional requirements for documenting and converting the income.

Debt-to-Income Ratio for Immigrant Mortgage Applicants

Your debt-to-income ratio, commonly called DTI, compares your monthly debt obligations with your gross monthly income.

For example, suppose you earn $8,000 per month before taxes and have $2,400 in qualifying monthly debt payments.

Your DTI would be:

$2,400 ÷ $8,000 = 30%

A lower DTI generally makes your financial profile more attractive because less of your income is already committed to debt.

Mortgage lenders may consider:

• Car loans
• Student loans
• Credit-card payments
• Personal loans
• Existing mortgages
• Other recurring debt obligations

The proposed mortgage payment is also included in the lender’s affordability analysis.

Documents Immigrants May Need to Apply for a Mortgage

The exact documentation depends on the mortgage program.

However, you may be asked for:

Identification

• Passport
• Government-issued identification
• Visa or immigration documentation where applicable

Income

• Recent pay stubs
• W-2 forms
• Tax returns
• Employment verification
• Bank statements
• Self-employment documentation

Credit

• Credit report
• Credit history
• Alternative credit documentation when applicable

Assets

• Bank statements
• Investment account statements
• Proof of down-payment funds
• Gift documentation if applicable

Immigration or residency documentation

Depending on your circumstances, the lender may request documentation showing your residency or legal presence.

Do not assume that the same documentation requirements apply to every borrower.

How Mortgage Rates Work in 2026

Mortgage rates change frequently.

As of July 23, 2026, Freddie Mac reported:

• 30-year fixed: 6.58%
• 15-year fixed: 5.96%

These are national averages and should not be interpreted as guaranteed rates for immigrant borrowers.

Your personal rate can depend on:

• Credit score
• Down payment
• Loan type
• Loan amount
• Property
• Occupancy
• Debt-to-income ratio
• Market conditions
• Points
• Lender pricing

A lender may also offer different rates depending on whether you pay discount points.

This is why comparing APR and total loan costs is often more useful than comparing the advertised interest rate alone.

How Much Would a Mortgage Payment Be?

Consider a hypothetical $300,000 mortgage at a 6.5% fixed interest rate for 30 years.

The principal-and-interest payment would be approximately $1,896 per month.

But that is not necessarily the complete monthly housing payment.

Your actual payment could also include:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance
• HOA fees
• Other applicable charges

For example, Freddie Mac’s mortgage-payment examples show that a $300,000 mortgage at 6.5% has an approximate principal-and-interest payment of $1,896 per month.

Your actual payment should be calculated using the exact loan amount, interest rate, taxes, insurance and other costs associated with the property.

Best Types of Mortgage Lenders for Immigrants

Instead of searching for one universally “best” lender, consider several lender categories.

Large National Mortgage Lenders

Large mortgage companies may offer multiple loan programs and online applications.

They can be useful if you want:

• Multiple loan options
• Online application tools
• Nationwide availability
• Rate comparisons

Ask specifically whether the lender works with your immigration status.

Banks

Traditional banks may offer conventional and government-backed mortgages.

Existing banking relationships can sometimes make document collection easier, although you should still compare the bank’s mortgage offer against competitors.

Credit Unions

Credit unions can be worth considering because some offer competitive mortgage products and personalized service.

Membership requirements vary.

Mortgage Brokers

A mortgage broker can potentially help you compare programs from multiple lenders.

This can be particularly useful if your situation is unusual—for example, if you have limited U.S. credit history, an ITIN, self-employment income or other nonstandard circumstances.

Ask how the broker is compensated and which lenders they can access.

Specialized Immigrant and ITIN Mortgage Lenders

Specialized lenders may offer programs designed for borrowers who don’t fit traditional mortgage underwriting.

These can be useful, but always compare:

• Interest rates
• APR
• Origination fees
• Down payment
• Mortgage insurance
• Prepayment terms
• Closing costs

A loan being easier to qualify for does not necessarily mean it is the cheapest loan.

How to Find the Best Mortgage Lender as an Immigrant

Use a comparison process rather than choosing the first lender that approves you.

Step 1: Determine Your Borrower Profile

Know your:

• Immigration status
• Credit score
• Income
• Employment history
• Debt
• Savings
• Target home price
• Desired down payment

Step 2: Check Your Credit

Review your credit reports and correct inaccurate information before applying.

Avoid taking on unnecessary new debt immediately before applying for a mortgage.

Step 3: Determine How Much You Can Afford

Don’t simply calculate the maximum amount a lender will approve.

Consider the complete cost of homeownership.

Step 4: Contact Multiple Lenders

Speak with at least several lenders.

Tell them your exact circumstances and ask which programs you qualify for.

Step 5: Request Loan Estimates

Once you are ready to apply, compare official Loan Estimates rather than relying only on advertisements.

Step 6: Compare APR and Fees

Look beyond the headline interest rate.

Compare:

• APR
• Origination charges
• Discount points
• Lender credits
• Mortgage insurance
• Closing costs
• Cash required at closing
• Total projected payments

Step 7: Choose the Loan That Fits Your Finances

The lowest advertised rate isn’t always the best deal.

A slightly higher rate with substantially lower upfront fees could potentially make more sense depending on how long you expect to keep the mortgage.

Can Immigrants Get a Mortgage Without a Green Card?

In some circumstances, yes.

A green card is not the only possible path to mortgage eligibility.

Fannie Mae’s guidance specifically addresses both lawful permanent residents and qualifying lawful non-permanent residents.

However, the lender must determine whether the borrower satisfies its requirements and the requirements of the applicable loan program.

Temporary visa holders should therefore ask lenders directly:

“Do you offer mortgages to borrowers with my specific visa or residency status?”

This question can save considerable time because lender policies can differ.

Can You Get a Mortgage Without a Social Security Number?

Potentially.

Traditional mortgage programs commonly rely on Social Security numbers and U.S. credit histories.

However, specialized ITIN mortgage programs exist for certain borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead.

ITIN mortgage requirements vary substantially by lender.

Some programs may require:

• Valid ITIN
• Tax returns
• Bank statements
• Proof of income
• Higher down payment
• Credit history or alternative credit
• Cash reserves

Because these loans can be more expensive, compare them carefully with any other financing for which you qualify.

Can Immigrants Buy a House With a Low Down Payment?

Potentially.

For eligible borrowers, FHA loans can allow down payments as low as 3.5%.

Some conventional programs may also offer low-down-payment options.

However, a smaller down payment usually means you begin homeownership with less equity and may have additional mortgage-insurance costs.

For example:

$400,000 home

3.5% down = $14,000

10% down = $40,000

20% down = $80,000

The right choice depends on your savings, income, credit, expected length of ownership and overall financial situation.

Closing Costs for Immigrant Homebuyers

The down payment is only one part of the cash needed to purchase a home.

Closing costs can include:

• Loan origination charges
• Appraisal
• Title services
• Recording fees
• Prepaid interest
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Mortgage insurance
• Other settlement costs

Ask your lender for a detailed estimate before committing to the purchase.

You may also be able to negotiate certain seller concessions or use lender credits, depending on the transaction and loan program.

How to Get Mortgage Preapproval

Getting preapproved before shopping seriously for a home can help you understand your budget.

A lender will typically review information such as:

• Income
• Employment
• Credit
• Assets
• Debts
• Identification
• Residency documentation

The lender may then provide a preapproval indicating the approximate amount you may be able to borrow.

Preapproval is not the same as final loan approval.

Your finances, property and documentation may still need to go through underwriting after you make an offer.

Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval

These terms are sometimes used differently by lenders.

Generally:

Prequalification is often based on information you provide about your finances.

Preapproval typically involves a more detailed review of your financial information and may provide a stronger indication of borrowing capacity.

Ask the lender exactly what process it uses.

How to Improve Your Chances of Mortgage Approval

If you are planning to buy a home in the next several months, consider improving your financial profile before applying.

Build Your Credit

Pay bills on time and keep revolving credit balances under control.

Reduce Existing Debt

Lower monthly debt obligations can improve affordability.

Save for a Larger Down Payment

A larger down payment can reduce your loan-to-value ratio and may improve your available loan options.

Maintain Stable Employment

Avoid unnecessary employment changes immediately before applying if possible.

Keep Financial Records Organized

Maintain clear records of income, savings and large deposits.

Avoid Large Unexplained Deposits

Mortgage underwriters may ask where large deposits came from.

Keep documentation for transfers, gifts or other significant deposits.

Don’t Open Unnecessary Credit Accounts

New debt or credit inquiries immediately before mortgage underwriting can complicate the application.

Common Mistakes Immigrant Homebuyers Should Avoid

Choosing the First Lender

The first lender that approves you isn’t necessarily offering the best rate.

Compare multiple offers.

Focusing Only on the Interest Rate

A lower rate can come with higher fees.

Compare APR and total loan costs.

Ignoring Mortgage Insurance

A low down payment can trigger mortgage insurance costs.

Include those costs when calculating affordability.

Applying Without Understanding Your Immigration Documentation

Different lenders may have different policies.

Ask about eligibility before submitting applications.

Using Unverified Immigration or Mortgage Agents

Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed mortgage approval.

A legitimate lender will still need to evaluate your financial circumstances.

Spending All Your Savings on the Down Payment

Homeownership comes with unexpected expenses.

Keep an emergency reserve whenever possible.

How to Avoid Mortgage and Immigration Scams

Immigrants can be especially vulnerable to fraudulent offers promising guaranteed mortgages or visas.

Be cautious if someone:

• Guarantees mortgage approval
• Demands large upfront fees
• Promises an unrealistically low interest rate
• Refuses to provide written documentation
• Asks you to falsify information
• Tells you to hide debts or income
• Pressures you to transfer money immediately

Never provide false information on a mortgage application.

Mortgage fraud can have serious financial and legal consequences.

Always verify the lender and carefully review documents before signing.

Questions to Ask a Mortgage Lender

Before choosing a lender, ask:

1. Do you lend to borrowers with my immigration status?
2. Do I need a Social Security number?
3. Do you offer ITIN mortgages?
4. What credit score do I need?
5. What is the minimum down payment?
6. What mortgage rates are currently available?
7. What APR would I receive?
8. Are discount points required?
9. What are the lender fees?
10. Is mortgage insurance required?
11. What documents do you need?
12. Can foreign or alternative income be considered?
13. How long does underwriting take?
14. What cash will I need at closing?
15. Are there prepayment penalties?

Getting clear answers to these questions can make it much easier to compare lenders.

Mortgage Options by Immigrant Situation

This table is only a starting point. Eligibility must be determined by the lender and specific loan program.

Example: Comparing Three Mortgage Strategies

Suppose you want to purchase a $400,000 home.

Option A: 3.5% Down

Down payment:

$14,000

Advantages:

• Lower initial cash requirement
• More savings remain available

Potential disadvantages:

• Higher loan balance
• Mortgage insurance
• Greater monthly payment

Option B: 10% Down

Down payment:

$40,000

Advantages:

• Lower loan amount
• More initial equity
• Potentially lower mortgage insurance than a very low-down-payment option

Potential disadvantage:

• Requires substantially more cash upfront

Option C: 20% Down

Down payment:

$80,000

Advantages:

• Larger initial equity position
• May avoid private mortgage insurance on certain conventional loans

Potential disadvantage:

• Requires significantly more cash upfront

The best option isn’t necessarily the one with the largest down payment.

You should consider your emergency savings, income stability, other investments and expected time in the home.

Can an Immigrant Refinance a Mortgage Later?

Yes, eligible homeowners may be able to refinance their mortgage.

Refinancing involves replacing an existing mortgage with a new loan.

Potential reasons to refinance include:

• Lowering the interest rate
• Changing the loan term
• Reducing monthly payments
• Moving from an adjustable-rate loan to a fixed-rate loan
• Accessing home equity in certain circumstances

However, refinancing involves costs.

You should compare the expected savings against closing costs before refinancing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-U.S. citizen buy a house in America?

Yes. Non-U.S. citizens can purchase property in the United States, although mortgage eligibility depends on the borrower’s circumstances and the lender’s requirements.

Can an immigrant get an FHA loan?

Some immigrants may qualify for FHA financing if they satisfy the applicable FHA and lender requirements.

Can I get a mortgage with an ITIN?

Potentially. Some lenders offer ITIN mortgage programs for qualifying borrowers.

Can I get a mortgage without a Social Security number?

Some specialized lenders offer ITIN mortgage products that do not require a Social Security number in the same way as conventional financing.

How much should an immigrant put down on a house?

There is no universal requirement. Depending on the program, down payments can range from low-down-payment options to substantially higher requirements.

What credit score is required?

There is no single credit-score requirement for every immigrant mortgage. It depends on the loan program and lender.

Are mortgage rates higher for immigrants?

Not necessarily. Qualified lawful permanent and non-permanent residents may be eligible for conventional mortgage terms comparable to those available to U.S. citizens under applicable Fannie Mae requirements. Specialized ITIN or non-QM financing can have different pricing.

Can I buy a house while on a work visa?

Potentially. Certain lawful non-permanent residents may qualify for mortgage financing, depending on the loan program and lender.

Can I get a mortgage with no U.S. credit history?

It can be more difficult, but some lenders may consider alternative credit or specialized mortgage programs.

Should I use a mortgage broker?

A broker can be useful when you want to compare multiple lenders or have a more complicated financial profile. Ask about compensation and which lenders the broker can access.

Final Thoughts: Getting a Mortgage as an Immigrant in 2026

Buying a home in the United States as an immigrant is possible for many borrowers, but the best mortgage depends on your individual financial and residency circumstances.

If you have strong U.S. credit, stable income and qualifying residency status, a conventional mortgage may be worth exploring first.

If you need a lower-down-payment option and qualify under the applicable requirements, an FHA loan may be another possibility.

If you do not have a Social Security number, specialized ITIN mortgage programs may provide an alternative, although they can have higher costs and larger down-payment requirements.

The most important step is to compare multiple lenders and mortgage programs.

Don’t choose a mortgage solely because it has the lowest advertised interest rate. Compare the APR, fees, mortgage insurance, down payment, closing costs and total projected payments.

Mortgage rates also change over time. For context, Freddie Mac’s July 23, 2026 national averages were 6.58% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 5.96% for a 15-year fixed mortgage, but individual borrowers can receive different offers.

Before committing to a mortgage, obtain actual loan estimates from multiple lenders and review the terms carefully.

For immigrants who understand their options, prepare their documentation and compare lenders carefully, homeownership in the United States can be a realistic financial goal.