How Can L-1 Visa Holders Get a Mortgage in the U.S.

Updated on June 9, 2024

At a Glance

  • Mortgage loans on an L1 visa are possible with specific requirements.
  • Requirements include 2 years of US work history, a 2-year credit history, passport, and ITIN for tax purposes.
  • Proof of assets is needed for the down payment and closing costs.
  • Possibility to use a personal loan for the mortgage down payment.

International companies with offices in the United States commonly send foreign workers on the company’s behalf to the United States. Once their employees are in the US, these foreigners receive an L1 visa document, which is used to classify foreigners from another company as legal workers in the US.

After having lived in the United States for quite some time, many people decide they want to stay in the country and establish roots in their new home. The first step to doing this is by buying a home to live in — but can L1 visa holders actually get a mortgage loan in the US? How does it work? Is it even possible for a nonresident to get a US mortgage?

In order to answer these two questions and give you further insight on how to do get a mortgage on an L-1 visa, we’ve set up this article. After reading this article, you’ll know what you need to know to get a mortgage loan in the US while on an L1 visa.

Can I get a mortgage loan on an L1 visa?

Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage on an L1 visa. Just because you are not a citizen of the US, does not automatically mean that you can’t apply for a loan. Indeed, you will face several challenges on your way to buying a home that will make the process a headache. However, no one said it was impossible! Other then having the correct documentation, if you follow procedures correctly, nothing should stand in the way of getting a mortgage loan in the US.

How to get a mortgage loan on an L1 Visa

The requirements for getting a loan vary based on your residency status and the kind of visa you are holding. For example, it is much easier for someone holding an L1 visa to get a mortgage loan than it is for other visa holders.

The documentation needed depends on the type, as well as the total amount of the loan you are requesting.

The 4 Things You Need to Get a Mortgage Loan on an L1 Visa

Here’s what you need:

Qualification

When you decide to apply for a mortgage loan in the US, you need to have at least 2 years of work history in the US. You will have to show your employment history to the lender for you to qualify for the mortgage loan on an L1 visa.

Since you are on an L1 visa, you have probably worked some duration of time in another country for the same company, which will be taken into consideration during your loan application. This is good news!

Aside from your employment history, you need to be able to show 2-year credit history in the US. If you are lucky, your bank in your home country is partnered up with your US bank, which will make this part easier. If your bank is partnered up (as is the case for many Canadian banks) the bank you are getting a mortgage loan from will consider your credit history from outside of the US.

Passport

For identification and visa verification purposes, the financial institution will need your passport.

Individual Tax Identification Number

As a person in the US on an L1 visa, you do not have residency status. When you enter the US under an immigration status and work and pay taxes on earnings, you will need to have an ITIN (Individual Tax Identification Number). With the ITIN, you can show the lender your employment history, which the lender will use to determine whether or not your income will continue for at least another three years.

Proof of Assets

You need to prove that you have sufficient assets to cover the down payment and closing costs of the loan. Even if you don’t have assets in the United States, you can still qualify. You have to show that your foreign funds belong to you and that they can be transferred to a US bank account prior to closing. Usually, the bank hires a third party to get foreign bank statements and other documents translated into English.

How to Use a Personal Loan to Pay the Down Payment on Your Mortage

One of the most important considerations when buying a home is the down payment. Most realtors will suggest putting at least 20% down of to total cost of your mortgage, which, in the long run, has benefits for you as the buyer:

  • Smaller overall mortgage amount
  • Smaller monthly payments for the duration of your mortgage
  • Potentially tens of thousands of dollars in savings

So, if you wanted to buy a $200,000 home, you’d ideally put down $20,000 toward the cost of that home upfront.

Many people, though, don’t have savings enough to put down 20% or even 10% when buying a home. Luckily, homebuyers can work around this problem by using a personal loan to cover the cost of their down payments.

So, for example, let’s say you’re buying that $200,000 dollar house mentioned above and let’s say your mortgage is for 40 years (or 480 months) at 3% interest. Including monthly interest, your monthly payment would be $716. Let’s see how that breaks down:

$716 x 480 = $343,665

But, if you were to pay $20,000 down (10%) and had a mortgage of only $180,000 at the same rate and for the same length, your monthly payment would be only $644. That breaks down to:

$644 x 480 = $309,299 

That’s a savings of $34,366! But what will the personal loan used for the down payment cost you? Well, let’s say the personal loan for $20,000 came with an 8% interest rate and was for 36 months. The monthly payment would come out to about $627 and the breakdown would be:

$627 x 36 = $22,562

So, on a $20k loan at 8% for 36 months, you’d pay $2,562 in interest, which, when subtracted from the $34,366, nets you $31,804 in savings over the lifetime of your mortgage.

How to Get a Personal Loan for a Mortgage Down Payment as an L1 Visa Holder

As an L1 visa holder in the United States, you are likely already accustomed to navigating the complexities of international employment and residency status. When it comes to homeownership, the process of securing a mortgage can introduce additional challenges, particularly when considering a personal loan for the down payment. Here’s a guide to understanding the nuances and steps involved in leveraging personal loans for this purpose.

Step 1: Verify Your Residency Status with Lenders

Begin by ensuring potential lenders are comfortable with your L1 visa status. This visa allows you to work in the U.S. for a branch of your current employer or a parent/subsidiary, and it can typically be renewed up to a total of seven years for L1A and five years for L1B holders. Since you are not a permanent resident, you’ll need to find a lender who understands your residency status and is willing to work with you.

Step 2: Assess Your Financial Position

As with any loan, lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and credit score. On an L1 visa, you might face more stringent DTI requirements or higher interest rates. Ensure your financial house is in order by maintaining a solid credit history and a stable job with a reliable income, which will help to reassure lenders of your ability to repay the loan.

Step 3: Establish or Strengthen Your U.S. Credit History

Credit history can be a hurdle for L1 visa holders, especially if you’re new to the country. Begin establishing a credit history as soon as possible by obtaining a U.S. credit card, paying utilities, or securing a small credit-building loan. Consistently make timely payments to bolster your credit score.

Step 4: Gather Essential Documentation

You will need to provide documentation such as your L1 visa, proof of legal U.S. residency, employment authorization, and verification of employment from your U.S. employer. Additionally, prepare to present tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and any assets or liabilities you hold. This information will demonstrate to lenders your financial reliability.

Step 5: Understand the Loan Specifications

When selecting a personal loan, aim for one without pre-payment penalties. This gives you the flexibility to pay off the loan early without incurring extra costs, which can be particularly advantageous if your visa status changes or you choose to return to your home country.

Step 6: Consider the Impact on Your Mortgage Approval

Be mindful of how a personal loan for your down payment will affect your mortgage application. The additional debt could increase your DTI ratio, potentially affecting your mortgage terms or approval. Engage with mortgage lenders early to ensure that the use of a personal loan for your down payment is not a disqualifying factor.

Step 7: Execute the Loan Application

Once you have found a suitable lender and fully understand the terms, apply for the personal loan. Ensure that all information is accurately portrayed and that you are clear on the repayment schedule.

Step 8: Plan for the Long Term

With the fluid nature of visa statuses, it’s crucial to have a long-term financial plan. Consider what will happen if your L1 visa is not extended or if you transition to a different vis

Once all is said and done…

After providing all of the above documentation and having your loan approved, you have the same access to mortgage credits as a United States citizen does. This means you are eligible for the same credit rates and down payments as US citizens. However, if it is a Jumbo loan, you need to consider making a higher down payment.

As you can see, nothing can stand in your way of getting a mortgage loan in the United States with an L1 visa. The only obstacle is to prove to the lender that you fit their risk profile and are not a financial threat to the organization. If you follow the 4 steps outlined above have mentioned above, you will get your mortgage loan in no time!

We hope this article has helped you to figure out how to get a mortgage loan in the United States with an L1 visa. If you have any further questions or experiences you want to share about acquiring a loan, please feel free to contact us. We wish you the best of luck during your journey on getting a mortgage loan and building your perfect home in the US!

Best Lenders for Downpayment Loans

Avant (Best for Quick Approval)

Avant Personal Personal Loan

4.0
Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score

550

Fixed APR

9.95-35.99%

Variable APR

N/A

Overview

  • Minimum credit score: 550.
  • Fixed APR: 9.95-35.99%.
  • Loan amounts: $2,000-$35,000.
  • Repayment: 1 to 5 years..

Qualifications

  • Strong credit and income may secure lower rates, but not mandatory.
  • Must possess a bank account in good standing under your name.
  • A valid Social Security number is required.
  • Bankruptcy should not be active.
  • Minimum credit score of 550; using FICO score version 8 and VantageScore version 3.
  • Minimum monthly net income: $1,200 from various sources including employment, alimony, retirement, child support, and Social Security payments.

Pros

  • A dedicated mobile app is available for loan management.
  • Offers a diverse selection of repayment terms.
  • Customer service is accessible seven days a week.

Cons

  • An origination fee might be applicable.
  • They don’t offer co-signed, joint, or secured loan options.
  • Direct payments to creditors aren’t available for debt consolidation loans.

AmOne (Best of Low Credit Score)

AmOne Personal Loan

4.5
Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score

600

Fixed APR

3.99%-35.99%

Variable APR

N/A

Overview

  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Fixed APR: 3.99%-35.99%.
  • Loan amounts: $1,000 to $50,000.
  • Repayment: 1 to 7 years.

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • While there’s no specific income requirement, a consistent source of income is essential for the applicant.

Pros

  • Suitable for individuals with lower credit scores.
  • No cost for the matching service.
  • Attractive loan rates.

Cons

  • Acts as an intermediary, not a direct lender.
  • Risk of multiple contacts from prospective lenders.
  • Lack of clarity on lender details.

Upstart (Best for Fair Credit Score)

Upstart Personal Loan

4.5
Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score

None

Fixed APR

4.60-35.99%

Variable APR

N/A

Overview

  • Minimum credit score: None.
  • Fixed APR: 4.60-35.99%.
  • Loan amounts: $1,000-$50,000.
  • Repayment: 3 or 5 years.

Qualifications

  • Hold U.S. citizenship or possess permanent residency.
  • Be a minimum of 18 years old in the majority of states.
  • Provide a valid email address and Social Security number.
  • Be currently employed full-time or starting a full-time job within the next six months.
  • Maintain an active bank account with a recognizable routing number.
  • Not have declared bankruptcy in the past year.
  • Ensure no delinquencies are present on their current credit reports.
  • Record fewer than six hard credit inquiries in the past six months, excluding inquiries for student, auto, or mortgage loans.

Pros

  • Welcomes first-time credit users.
  • Provides quick fund disbursement.
  • Allows flexibility in adjusting payment due dates.
  • Offers pre-qualification through a soft credit inquiry.
  • Customer support available seven days a week.

Cons

  • Origination fee may apply.
  • Does not offer joint, co-signed, or secured loan options.
  • Lacks a mobile application for loan management.
  • Limited to two loan repayment terms.

OneMain Financial (Best for Good Rates)

OneMain Financial Personal Loan

4.5
Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score

None

Fixed APR

18.00-35.99%

Variable APR

N/A

Overview

  • Minimum credit score: None.
  • Fixed APR: 18.00-35.99%.
  • Loan amounts: $1,500-$20,000.
  • Repayment: 2 to 5 years.

Qualifications

  • Must possess a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number.
  • Minimum age: 18 in most states.
  • No set minimum credit score, but some credit history is preferable.
  • No specific minimum income, but must cover personal expenses and the loan’s monthly payment.

Pros

  • Flexibility to select and modify your payment date.
  • Offers both joint and secured loan options.
  • Provides quick loan disbursement.
  • Enables direct payments to creditors for debt consolidation.
  • Comes with a seven-day policy for loan cancellation.

Cons

  • Interest rates are relatively high compared to competitors.
  • An origination fee is applicable.
  • Doesn’t offer any rate discounts.
  • Offers a restricted range of loan amounts.
  • APR is not displayed during pre-qualification.

SoFi (Best for Good Credit Score)

SoFi Personal Loan

5.0
Stilt’s lender ratings reflect the findings and opinions of our editorial staff. Our scoring methodologies consider a wide array of factors and data points for every lender, offering, and financial solution.
Min. credit score

600

Fixed APR

8.99-35.99%

Variable APR

N/A

Overview

  • Minimum credit score: 660.
  • Fixed APR: 8.99-29.99%.
  • Loan amounts: $5,000-$100,000.
  • Repayment: 2 to 7 years.

Qualifications

  • Targets borrowers with good to excellent credit; fair credit may qualify.
  • Minimum credit score of 660.
  • At least two years of credit history.
  • Proof of sufficient income sources or employment offer starting in less than 90 days.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a visa holder (J-1, H-1B, E-2, O-1, or TN).

Pros

  • Soft credit check is available for pre-qualification.
  • Offers high loan amounts.
  • 0.25% rate reduction for auto pay.
  • No origination fee.
  • No prepayment penalty.

Cons

  • Minimum 660 credit score required.
  • Minimum $5,000 loan amount.

Read More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can L-1 visa holders apply for a mortgage in the United States?

Yes, L-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for a mortgage in the United States. While being on an L-1 visa doesn’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining a mortgage, there are certain considerations and requirements you should be aware of.

What are the key factors lenders consider when granting mortgages to L-1 visa holders?

Lenders consider several factors when evaluating mortgage applications from L-1 visa holders, including:

  1. Legal Status: L-1 visa holders must have valid legal status in the United States to be eligible for a mortgage.
  2. Credit History: A positive credit history in the U.S. is essential. Lenders typically review your credit score and credit report to assess your creditworthiness.
  3. Income and Employment: Lenders assess your income and employment stability. Having a stable job and a steady source of income is crucial.
  4. Residency Status: Some lenders may require L-1 visa holders to have a certain residency status or a certain number of years left on their visa. Permanent residents or those with longer visa terms may have an advantage.

Can L-1 visa holders with no credit history in the U.S. get a mortgage?

Lack of credit history in the U.S. can be a challenge, but it’s not necessarily a barrier to obtaining a mortgage. Some lenders offer specialized mortgage programs for borrowers with limited or no U.S. credit history. You may need to provide alternative documentation to demonstrate your creditworthiness, such as proof of on-time rent payments or international credit reports.

Do L-1 visa holders need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply for a mortgage?

While having an SSN can make the mortgage application process more straightforward, it’s not always required. Some lenders may accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes if you do not have an SSN.

Can L-1 visa holders with a cosigner improve their chances of getting a mortgage?

Having a cosigner with a stable income and good credit history, such as a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, can strengthen your mortgage application. A cosigner agrees to take responsibility for the mortgage if you cannot make payments, which can mitigate some of the risks associated with lending to visa holders.

Are there specific mortgage programs for L-1 visa holders?

There are no specific mortgage programs exclusively for L-1 visa holders. However, there are various mortgage options available to non-U.S. citizens, including conventional mortgages, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, depending on your eligibility and specific circumstances.

How can L-1 visa holders improve their chances of mortgage approval?

To enhance your chances of mortgage approval as an L-1 visa holder, consider the following:

  • Build a positive credit history in the U.S.
  • Maintain stable employment and income.
  • Save for a substantial down payment, which can reduce the loan-to-value ratio.
  • Explore mortgage lenders who have experience working with non-U.S. citizens and visa holders.
  • Consult with a mortgage broker or financial advisor for guidance tailored to your situation.
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Rohit Mittal

Rohit Mittal is the co-founder and CEO of Stilt. Rohit has extensive experience in credit risk analytics and data science. He spent years building credit risk and fraud models for top U.S. banks. In his current role, he defines the overall business strategy, leads debt and capital fundraising efforts, leads product development, and leads other customer-related aspects for the company. Stilt is backed by Y Combinator and has raised a total of $275M in debt and equity funding to date.

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