Qualifying for a Mortgage as a Non-Permanent Resident Alien: It’s Easier Than You Think!

You arrived in the United States with goals and dreams. Along with those, you need a place to live. Even though your U.S. residency might be temporary, you still want a house that feels like home.

If this sounds like your situation, MortgageDepot has your path to home ownership in Pennsylvania. We have helped countless non-permanent resident aliens secure a mortgage, and we are eager to add you to that list.

When you sit down with one of our experienced loan officers, you’ll see an overwhelming number of mortgage options available to Pennsylvania borrowers. Each option has different requirements. Understanding these requirements is critical to smooth sailing at the mortgage desk.

If you are a non-permanent resident alien, complete and accurate paperwork is essential. FHA and conventional loans have different documentation requirements for non-permanent resident aliens. Let us outline those differences so that you don’t encounter any surprises at the mortgage desk.

FHA’s Requirements for Non-permanent Resident Aliens

If you are a non-permanent resident alien and are leaning toward an FHA loan, detail-oriented documentation is key to a smooth mortgage process. Here is the bottom line regarding your potential FHA loan:

If your Employee Authorization Document (EAD) or your H1B status expires within 12 months of closing, you’ll need to show proof of prior renewal. This information gives the lender confidence that you are less likely to default on your mortgage due to a return to your home country.

What type of documentation do you need to bring to the mortgage desk? Here is a list of what you need for a hassle-free approval:

• USCIS form I-94
• USCIS form I-797 or USCIC form I-589
• Proof that you have applied for renewal again

What if I Don’t Have a Prior Renewal?

If you’ve only been in the U.S. for a short time, you can still qualify for an FHA mortgage. In this case, you need to get documentation from your employer or USCIS that your status renewal is likely.

How Does the Paperwork Differ for Conventional Loans?

Conventional loans require non-permanent resident aliens to provide similar paperwork for loan eligibility. There is one key difference: Conventional loans only require the paperwork to be valid through closing.

What About the DACA Program?

If you live in the U.S. under the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, you can still qualify for FHA or conventional loans. You must be legally permitted to work in the U.S. and meet all other loan requirements.

Contact MortgageDepot Today!

If you are a non-permanent resident alien who is seeking a mortgage in Pennsylvania, we’re here to help! Connect with us today to learn about your options.

Contact us today or email us here for more information.