Exploring Mortgage Options For J1 And J2 Visa Holders

Are you a J1 or J2 visa holder looking to buy a home? You may know that lending options for J visa holders aren’t as simple and easy as for permanent residents or US citizens.

This is because most traditional lenders and banks are hesitant to provide a mortgage loan to J1/J2 holders. Although often successful and creditworthy, visa holders have limited legal rights and find it hard to provide proof of consistent income, residence, or employment.

Moreover, lenders also consider any changes in the visa holder’s status. For example, they could be liable for a loan that may not be paid since there may be no way to secure it against the property, making them a riskier option than other applicants.

This doesn’t mean J visa holders can’t buy a home in the US. This article will walk you through different mortgage options for J visa holders and how to apply.

What Mortgage Options Are Available To J1 And J2 Visa Holders?

The vast majority of mortgages are conventional and government loans (FHA, VA) following certain guidelines established by government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Freddie Mae/Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae. When Searching online or calling a lender, these loans will be on their product menu. These loans are not applicable to J1 and J2 holders, but a few mortgage options are still available to people with J Visa.

Listed below are some loans you can take to buy a house with your J visa:

Non-Qualifying (Non-QM) Loans

Also called non-qualifying loans, non-QM loans provide excellent opportunities for borrowers who may not qualify for traditional mortgage options.

As these mortgages are outside of the Qualified Mortgage rules, lenders may assess additional risk factors when assessing a borrower helping J Visa to qualify for them.

However, these loans come with much higher interest rates, down payment, and fees and usually have a costly pre-payment penalty.

Portfolio Loans

Portfolio loans are mortgages that lenders originate and retain rather than offload on the secondary mortgage market.

Since portfolio loan standards differ from government-insured, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac loan requirements, they’re a perfect option for people holding J1 and J2 visas.

How To Apply For Mortgage Options On A J Visa?

Looking to apply for mortgages on your J1 and J2 visa? Follow the steps to the T to buy a home as a non-permanent resident:

• First, perform thorough research on the best mortgage lenders specializing in foreign national loans (foreign national mortgages). Make sure to compare rates and check reviews
• Gather all the required documents. Although it varies from lender to lender, you may need a valid passport, bank statements, tax returns, and proof of income and employment
• Complete your loan application. You can either do it in person or online.
• When your application gets approved, you’ll have to submit additional documents like insurance and proof of ownership of the house overseas and may experience credit checks

Qualifying For US Mortgage Options As Non-Permanent US Residents

Like US residents, immigrants or non-permanent US residents also have access to mortgages. They can live and own a house like their co-workers and friends who are naturalized or natural-born citizens. International Exchange Visitors often bring strong credit histories, assets overseas, and promise of post-graduation job prospects.

However, the mortgage options are limited, and the process can be tricky and challenging, especially with J1 and J2 visas.

Since many banks overlook J visa holders due to their student status or will give them non-QM loans, we partnered with lenders that understand this demographic.

Contact us if you are a J visa holder interested in buying a home in Massachusetts.