Can Non-Citizen Buy a Home in USA?

Yes non-US citizens can get a loan.  You have to be a lawful resident.

Permanent Resdient or Non-Permanent resident provided that:

• property will be borrower’s principal residence

• borrower has a valid SSN

• borrower is eligible to work in the US, as evidenced by an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Permanent Resident will either have a:

• permanent resident card

• Unexpired foreign passport with I-551 stamp that says “processed for I-551. Temporary evidence of lawful admission for permanent residence.  Valid until (date).  Employment Authorized.”

Typical EAD docs for non-permanent resident would be a type of visa:

• H1B – Specialty Occupations

• H3 – Trainee

• L1 – Intra Company Business

• E3 – Specialty Occupations/Australians

• O1 – Extraordinary Ability

• O2 – Essential Support

• others…

If the EAD will expire w/in one year and a prior history of renewals exists, the lender may assume that the continuation will be granted.  If there are not prior renewals, the lender will have to verify with USCIS that continuation is likely. 

Note:  Borrowers residing in the US by virtue of refugee or Asylee/Refugee status granted by the USCIS are automatically eligible to work in the US.  An EAD is not required.

There are cavets sometimes depending on if circumstances of the borrower so make sure to check with your Loan Professional and HUD guidelines.