Buying a home as an immigrant in the United States is more achievable today than most newcomers realize. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, and in many cases you do not even need a Social Security number, to qualify for a mortgage. What you need is the right lender — one that understands foreign income documentation, ITIN tax filings, and non-traditional credit histories. This guide breaks down the companies best positioned to help immigrants become homeowners in 2026, what makes each one different, and how to choose the right fit for your situation.
Understanding Where You Fit as a Borrower
Before comparing lenders, it helps to know which borrower category you fall into, because it determines which mortgage companies can actually help you.
Green card holders (permanent residents) are treated almost identically to U.S. citizens by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. You can access the same conventional loans, the same down payment minimums (as low as 3%), and the same interest rates as any citizen, provided you have a Social Security number and a qualifying credit history.
Non-permanent residents on valid work visas (H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, and similar categories) can also qualify for conventional and government-backed loans in many cases, though individual lender policies vary on which visa types they accept.
ITIN holders — immigrants who file U.S. taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead of a Social Security number — need lenders that specifically offer ITIN mortgage programs. These loans typically require a larger down payment (15–25%) and carry slightly higher rates, but they open the door to homeownership for people who would otherwise be shut out entirely.
Foreign nationals who do not live or work in the U.S. but want to buy property here (often as an investment or a future home) need a specialized foreign national loan program, usually requiring 25–30% down and proof of income or assets from abroad.
Top Mortgage Companies for Immigrants in 2026
1. HSBC Bank USA
HSBC has one of the most established international mortgage desks of any major U.S. bank, which makes sense given its global footprint. It offers mortgage solutions for foreign nationals and newcomers to the U.S. without requiring a U.S. credit history, instead relying on international credit reports and alternative documentation. If you already bank with HSBC internationally, this can be one of the smoothest paths to a U.S. mortgage, since your financial history can often transfer across their global network.
2. Quontic Bank
Quontic is a digital bank that has built a reputation specifically around flexible documentation. Its ITIN home loan program is designed for people who live and work in the U.S. but lack a Social Security number, and its separate Foreign National loan program serves non-U.S. residents who want to invest in American real estate. Quontic evaluates your full financial picture rather than rejecting applications outright for missing paperwork that traditional banks require.
3. Griffin Funding
Griffin Funding specializes in non-qualified mortgage (Non-QM) products, including both ITIN loans and foreign national loans. It accepts alternative income documentation such as foreign bank statements and employer verification letters, and it can finance loan amounts up to $5 million for foreign nationals. Griffin is a strong option if your income comes from outside the U.S. or if you’re self-employed with non-traditional pay stubs.
4. AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation
AmeriSave has loan officers across the country experienced specifically in non-citizen lending, which matters more than people realize — many loan officers at traditional banks simply don’t know how to process an application without a Social Security number or a domestic credit score. AmeriSave’s specialization reduces the odds of delays or outright confusion during underwriting.
5. America Mortgages
Unlike banks that treat foreign national lending as a side offering, America Mortgages focuses entirely on foreign nationals and U.S. expats. It has a wide network of funding sources built for people without a U.S. financial footprint, is comfortable underwriting borrowers from almost any country, and offers loan-to-value ratios up to 75% in some cases — notably higher than many competitors that cap around 60%.
6. New Omni Bank
New Omni Bank offers portfolio residential mortgage solutions built specifically for international clients, including newcomers and families without U.S. credit history. It provides bilingual support and has built its underwriting model around real financial capacity — verifiable income and assets — rather than requiring a U.S. job history.
What Immigrant Borrowers Should Expect
Regardless of which lender you choose, a few realities apply broadly to non-citizen mortgage applicants:
- Higher down payments. Foreign national loans commonly require 25–30% down, and even ITIN loans for U.S.-based immigrants often start around 15–20%.
- Slightly higher interest rates. Expect rates roughly 1–2% above what a citizen with strong credit would pay, reflecting the lender’s added risk in evaluating non-traditional documentation.
- Cash reserve requirements. Many lenders want to see 6–12 months of mortgage payments sitting in a liquid account after closing, as a cushion against income disruption.
- No access to FHA or VA loans for most non-permanent residents. Government-backed programs are generally reserved for citizens and green card holders, so ITIN and foreign national borrowers typically work through portfolio or Non-QM products instead.
Documents to Gather Before You Apply
Having your paperwork organized in advance can shave weeks off the process. Most lenders serving immigrants will ask for:
- A valid passport and visa, or ITIN letter from the IRS
- Two years of tax returns (U.S. or foreign, depending on your situation)
- Bank statements showing consistent income and reserves
- An employer verification letter, or business documentation if self-employed
- A foreign credit report, if you lack a U.S. credit score
A Word on Down Payment Assistance
Not every homeownership program requires citizenship. Some state and local down payment assistance programs are open to lawful permanent residents and, in certain states, to visa holders as well. It’s worth checking with a local housing counseling agency (many offer free consultations) before assuming you have to save the entire down payment yourself.
Choosing the Right Lender for You
The “best” mortgage company depends entirely on your immigration status and income situation. Green card holders with steady W-2 income and decent credit should start with a mainstream lender or credit union, since they’ll likely qualify for standard conventional rates. ITIN holders and ambitious first-time buyers should prioritize lenders like Quontic or Griffin Funding that have built dedicated programs around exactly this situation. And foreign nationals buying from abroad should look to specialists like America Mortgages or HSBC’s international desk, where cross-border documentation is the norm rather than the exception.
Whichever path you take, get pre-qualified with at least two or three lenders before committing. Rates, down payment requirements, and documentation flexibility can vary significantly between institutions, even within the same borrower category, and a side-by-side comparison is the simplest way to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.
This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Mortgage programs, rates, and eligibility requirements change frequently — confirm current terms directly with lenders before making decisions.
