Mortgage Home Loans for Non-Citizen Borrowers

Editor’s note: This post has been updated to reflect Fannie Mae’s current non-citizen borrower guidelines and to add information on ITIN and non-QM loan programs.

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to buy a home in Washington State. I work with non-citizen borrowers regularly, and there’s often confusion — even among loan officers — about who qualifies and what’s required. Here’s a clear breakdown of how it works, including options for borrowers who use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number.

Who qualifies as a non-citizen borrower for a conventional loan?

Fannie Mae purchases and securitizes mortgages made to non-citizens who are lawful permanent or non-permanent residents of the United States, on the same terms available to U.S. citizens. This isn’t a new policy — Fannie Mae has simply clarified it over the years so lenders interpret it consistently.

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely and qualify under the same terms as citizens.
• Non-permanent residents — including borrowers on work visas such as H-1B, L-1, E-series, or O-series — are also eligible, provided they’re legally present and meet all other underwriting requirements.

What does “legally present” mean?

To be eligible, a borrower must have:

• A valid Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN); and
• Current, verified immigration status — documented by a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or other proof such as a Green Card or work visa.

Fannie Mae doesn’t specify one exact document lenders must collect. It puts the responsibility on the lender to make a reasonable determination based on the borrower’s situation, since immigration documentation varies widely from one status to another.

Do you need a Social Security number to get a mortgage?

No. Fannie Mae requires each borrower to have a valid SSN or ITIN — not specifically a Social Security number. That opens the door for borrowers who file taxes with an ITIN but don’t have an SSN.

Beyond conventional financing, I also offer dedicated ITIN loan programs designed specifically for borrowers who qualify with an ITIN rather than an SSN. These programs typically involve alternative documentation and may have different down payment or reserve requirements than a conventional loan.

For some ITIN borrowers, a non-QM (non-qualified mortgage) program can actually be an easier path to qualifying. Non-QM loans use more flexible underwriting than conventional financing — think alternative income documentation, such as bank statements, instead of the continuity and verification standards conventional loans require. If your income or work history doesn’t fit neatly into a conventional file, it’s worth exploring whether a non-QM option is a better fit before assuming you don’t qualify.

Read: Non-QM Mortgages in Washington State

What about income and employment history?

Non-citizen borrowers who are legally present must meet the same underwriting guidelines as any other borrower, including income continuity requirements. For conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, non-permanent resident borrowers generally need an established minimum two-year history of U.S. residency, employment, and credit to qualify for standard terms. These agency guidelines can be strict, though there may be exceptions — for example, a corporate-sponsored relocation or transferee borrower may not fit the typical two-year mold but can still work with the right documentation.

If you don’t yet have that two-year U.S. history, you’re not necessarily out of options. Non-QM and Foreign National loan programs  are designed for borrowers with more international financial profiles, and tend to offer more flexible underwriting than conventional agency guidelines allow.

Visa and work authorization timing matters too. At closing, all visa and work authorization documentation must be current, active, and valid — if your authorization is set to expire before or shortly after your closing date, it can delay or derail the transaction. It’s worth reviewing your renewal timeline with your lender early, before you’re under contract, rather than discovering a conflict once you’re in escrow.

Lenders do typically look more closely at income stability for non-permanent residents, particularly if a visa or work authorization is close to expiring at the time of closing. Foreign income and foreign assets can often be used too, though they usually require additional documentation, such as translations and currency conversion.

 

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Social Security number to get a mortgage?

No. Fannie Mae requires each borrower to have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you file taxes with an ITIN but don’t have an SSN, you may still qualify for a home loan.

Can I qualify for a home loan with only an ITIN?

Yes. I offer dedicated ITIN loan programs designed for borrowers who qualify with an ITIN rather than an SSN. These typically involve alternative documentation, so it’s worth talking through your specific situation early.

Is a non-QM loan easier to qualify for than a conventional loan?

It can be, depending on your income and documentation. Non-QM loans use more flexible underwriting than conventional financing — for example, qualifying off bank statements instead of the income continuity standards conventional loans require. If your file doesn’t fit neatly into a conventional box, a non-QM option may be worth exploring.

Read: Non-QM Mortgages in Washington State

What documentation do I need as a non-citizen borrower?

You’ll need proof of legal presence — a valid Employment Authorization Document, Green Card, or work visa — along with your SSN or ITIN. All visa and work authorization documentation must be current, active, and valid at the time of closing. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conventional guidelines generally require a two-year U.S. residency, employment, and credit history for standard terms, though Non-QM and Foreign National programs offer more flexibility for borrowers who don’t fit that mold. The exact documentation depends on your immigration status and which program fits best, so it’s best to review your file with a lender directly.

 

If you or someone you know is considering buying a home anywhere in Washington State, I’m happy to help you understand your options, whether that’s a conventional, ITIN, or non-QM path. Click here for a no-hassle mortgage rate quote, or reach out directly to talk through your specific situation — every borrower’s documentation is a little different, and it’s easier to sort out early than after you’ve found a home.

Last reviewed: July 2026