Key takeaways
- You can get a conventional mortgage on an H-1B visa without a green card. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow mortgages for eligible non-permanent residents, although each lender must review your documentation and finances.
- You don’t automatically need a large down payment. Some conventional programs offer low-down-payment options for eligible borrowers, and the down payment you qualify for depends on the loan and lender.
- Your visa expiration date matters, but it isn’t the whole story. At Tomo Mortgage, a status document that expires within 30 days of closing needs proof of renewal or proof that you’ve filed to renew, so talk to your loan advisor before you make an offer.
Can you get a mortgage on an H-1B visa?
Yes. Conventional loans are generally the clearest option. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac permit mortgages for lawfully residing non-permanent residents on the same program terms available to U.S. citizens. Individual lenders can have additional requirements.
| Mortgage type | Is it an option for H-1B borrowers? |
| Conventional | Yes, if you meet the lender’s credit, income, down payment, and documentation requirements. |
| Jumbo | Possibly. Availability and documentation requirements depend on the lender and loan. |
| FHA | No, based on H-1B status alone. FHA ended eligibility for non-permanent residents for case numbers assigned on or after May 25, 2025. |
| USDA | Generally no, based on H-1B status alone. H-1B is not among the qualified immigration categories identified for USDA’s guaranteed-loan program. |
The FHA change is important because older articles may still say that H-1B borrowers can use FHA loans. See HUD’s updated residency rules and USDA’s eligibility guidance.
What do you need to qualify?
Your H-1B status doesn’t replace the usual mortgage review. Lenders still look at your income, debts, credit, down payment, and available savings.
Down payment
There isn’t a universal rule requiring H-1B borrowers to make a large down payment. Fannie Mae offers conventional loans to non-permanent residents on the same terms as U.S. citizens, including its low-down-payment options. The standard low-down-payment option requires at least one first-time buyer; other low-down-payment programs have their own rules.
With a smaller down payment on a conventional loan, you’ll typically pay private mortgage insurance, which adds to your costs. Ask your lender what minimum down payment applies to your application.
Credit score and U.S. credit history
You don’t need a special credit score because you’re on an H-1B visa. Fannie Mae’s credit standards are the same for H-1B borrowers as for U.S. citizens.
Fannie Mae no longer sets a minimum credit score for loans assessed through its automated underwriting system, but that doesn’t mean every lender approves every score. Lenders can still apply their own requirements, and credit affects the rate you’re offered. Fannie Mae’s current credit rules explain the distinction.
If you recently moved to the U.S. and have limited American credit history, tell your lender early. Fannie Mae may consider your rent payment history as part of its credit assessment, although eligibility requirements apply.
Income
A lender typically verifies your employment and income through recent pay stubs, W-2s, and sometimes other records. Fannie Mae buys loans to non-permanent residents on the same terms as loans to U.S. citizens, so the same income rules apply.
Lenders also consider your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your monthly debt payments, including your proposed mortgage, to your gross monthly income. Lower existing debt generally makes it easier to qualify.
What immigration documents will you need?
Prepare your passport and H-1B paperwork before applying, along with your usual financial documents. Your lender may request:
- Your passport, H-1B visa, and current Form I-94 (the record showing your authorized stay)
- An I-797 approval or receipt notice, if you have one, especially for a renewal or employer change
- Your Social Security number
- Pay stubs, W-2s, bank statements, and proof of money available for the down payment and closing costs
Tomo Mortgage’s documented visa guidance includes H-1B as an acceptable non-permanent-resident visa category for conventional loans. It calls for current proof of lawful presence, with documentation requirements varying according to how the loan is underwritten. Loans sold to Freddie Mac, for example, require an unexpired H-1B visa at closing, with other USCIS documentation considered case by case. Having an H-1B visa does not by itself guarantee loan approval.
What if your visa expires soon, or the stamp has already expired?
An expired visa stamp and an expired authorized stay are not the same thing. The visa stamp is used for travel and entry; your I-94 and other USCIS records help establish how long you’re authorized to remain in the U.S. The State Department explains the difference.
But even when your stay remains authorized, a lender may need additional evidence before closing. At Tomo Mortgage, a status document that expires within 30 days of closing needs proof of renewal or proof that you’ve filed to renew, and a pending extension application should be dated within six months of your loan application.
Best next step: If your visa stamp, I-94, or approval notice is expiring, or your extension is pending, send the documents to your loan advisor early. Ask which ones will be acceptable at closing before you commit to a timeline.
Can you use savings held outside the U.S.?
Potentially. If you plan to use money from an overseas account for the down payment or closing costs, tell your lender before transferring it.
Under Fannie Mae’s foreign-assets rules, those funds must be converted to U.S. dollars, held in a U.S. or state-regulated financial institution, and verified before closing. Keep the account statements and transfer records so your lender can trace the money.
Will an H-1B visa mean a higher mortgage rate?
Not automatically. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac permit eligible non-permanent residents under the same program terms as U.S. citizens, and Fannie Mae’s loan-level price adjustments don’t include residency status. Your actual quote still depends on the lender, credit profile, down payment, loan type, and other details. Don’t assume either a special visa surcharge or a guaranteed identical rate without checking your offer.
Compare more than the advertised interest rate. The annual percentage rate (APR) includes the interest rate plus certain borrowing charges, making it useful when comparing similar offers. The CFPB explains the difference.
What if you change jobs while applying?
Tell your loan advisor as soon as you know about an employer change or pending H-1B petition. Fannie Mae generally requires lenders to verify your employment within 10 business days before your loan’s note date, which is usually your closing date, so changing jobs during the process may mean providing updated information.
If you’re changing employers, be ready to provide updated pay information and USCIS paperwork. A pending petition may require extra review as it isn’t an automatic mortgage approval or denial.
When should you get preapproved?
Start before shopping seriously, particularly if your documents will expire near your expected closing date or you have recently changed jobs. A loan advisor can review your situation and tell you what’s missing while you still have time to gather it.
Before your first conversation with any lender, ask these three questions:
- Do you lend to H-1B borrowers?
- Which immigration documents will you accept?
- Can those documents still be used on my expected closing date?
Loan approval is subject to credit, income, employment, assets, residency status, and underwriting requirements. Mortgage eligibility depends on individual circumstances, loan program requirements, and lender policies. This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Tomo Mortgage, LLC NMLS #2059741 Equal Housing Lender.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a green card to buy a house?
No. A green card isn’t required for an eligible conventional mortgage if you’re a lawfully residing H-1B holder and meet the lender’s other requirements. You can apply without waiting for permanent residency.
How much time do I need left on my H-1B to get a mortgage?
Fannie Mae doesn’t set a minimum amount of time remaining on your visa, and it says status that renews every two years isn’t a factor in judging whether your income will continue. At Tomo Mortgage, the date that matters is your closing: a status document that expires within 30 days of closing needs proof of renewal or proof that you’ve filed to renew.
Can my H-4 spouse apply with me?
Potentially. Whether a spouse can be included on your loan (and whether their earnings can count) depends on their eligibility, acceptable documentation, and authorization to earn that income. Have your lender review both applicants’ documents rather than assuming H-4 income will qualify.