Top Loan and Mortgage in USA for Foreigners 2025

Getting a loan or mortgage as a foreigner in a new country like the United States can be both possible and empowering but it requires understanding how the credit system works, what documentation is expected, and which institutions to approach.

The dream of owning a home, starting a business, or studying in the United States is very common among many foreigners. In 2025, this dream is more achievable than ever, thanks to an increasing number of financial institutions that offer both loan and mortgage options to non-citizens, immigrants, and visa holders.

Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, skilled worker, or new immigrant, here we will help you understand the credit system in US, get the best loan and mortgage for foreigners, their eligibility, and best way to apply successfully.

Can Foreigners Get Loans or Mortgages in the U.S.?

Yes! Many lenders now offer loans and mortgage options to foreign nationals, who are:

Green card holders (permanent residents)
Non-permanent residents (on H1B, F1, L1, etc.)
DACA recipients
Non-resident investors

However, each type of loan comes with specific requirements depending on your immigration status, credit history, income, and purpose of the loan.

What's a Credit Score?

A credit score is a 3-digit number (usually between 300 and 850) that reflects your creditworthiness in other words, how likely you are to repay borrowed money.

Good Credit Score: 700–749
Excellent Score: 750+
Fair Score: 650–699
Poor Score: Below 600

It’s used by lenders (banks, credit unions, etc.) to decide:

Whether to give you a loan or mortgage.
What interest rate to charge.
How much you’re allowed to borrow.

1. How Is a Credit Score Calculated?

In the U.S., your credit score is calculated based on so many factors: payment histories, amount owed, length of credit history, credit mix, new credits etc.

2. How Can a Foreigner Gets a Credit Score in US?

You won’t have a credit score if you are new in US, here’s how to start building one:

i. Get a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

You need an SSN if you’re allowed to work.
If you can't get an SSN, apply for an ITIN for tax purposes (still helpful for some lenders).

ii. Open a U.S. Bank Account

Having a checking or savings account helps you manage money and is often required by lenders.

iii. Apply for a Secured Credit Card or Student Credit Card

A secured credit card requires a deposit and is ideal for building your first credit score.
Student credit cards are designed for international students, sometimes requiring little or no credit history.

iv. Pay Bills on Time: Even little things like phone bills, student loans, utility bills can help build a credit profile if reported to credit bureau.

v. Use U.S. Rent Reporting Services: Services like RentTrack or Esusu report your rent payments to credit bureaus is another good way to build your credit history.

3. What Happens without a Credit Score?

Be denied the loan.
Need a co-signer.
Need to use alternative credit proof (foreign bank reports, income history, etc.).

How to Apply for a Loan in the US in 2025 As an Immigrant:

Step-by-Step Loan Application Process:

i. Know the Type of Loan You Want: Personal Loan for everyday use and emergencies, Auto Loan for buying a car, Student Loan – for school fees (harder for non-citizens unless sponsored), Mortgage for buying a home (more difficult but possible).

ii. Prepare Required Documents: you'll generally need a valid passport ID, visa, SSN or ITIN, proof of address, proof of loan, bank statement, credit history if available.

iii. Approach the Right Lenders or Institutions: Start with institutions that already have experience with international clients, traditional banks, international student loan company, mortgage lenders for non citizen etc.

iv. Submit Your Application: Be ready to:

Provide documents.
Authorize a credit check.
Wait for approval (anywhere from 24 hours to 2 weeks).
Discuss repayment terms and interest rates.

v. Loan Approval or Denial:

If approved: You'll receive the loan in your U.S. bank account.
If denied: You may not have enough credit history, you can try again with a co-signer (someone with U.S. credit history).

Note: Repayment starts based on the terms you agreed to (monthly or biweekly).

Buying a House as a Foreigner in 2025:

1. Is It Possible? ✅ Yes, but Harder.

You don’t need to be a citizen to get a mortgage in the U.S., but it depends on:

Your visa type (F-1, H1B, etc.)
Your income stability
Credit history or foreign credit reports
Having a U.S. co-signer may help

2. Mortgages for Foreign Nationals

Some banks offer Foreign National Mortgage Loans. Requirements include:

Higher down payments (often 20–30%)
Proof of overseas or U.S. income
International credit reference

Top Mortgage Providers for Foreigners in 2025:

i. HSBC Bank USA

Best For: Foreign investors and professionals.
Key Features: International mortgage program, no U.S. credit history required, supports non-residents.
Requirements: Passport, visa, proof of income/assets in home country.

ii. Citibank International

Best For: High-net-worth individuals.
Key Features: Global banking support, low down payment options.
Loan Types: Fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).

iii. LoanDepot

Best For: Non-citizens with valid work visas (H1B, L1).
Highlights: Accepts alternative credit data and income from abroad.

iv. Rocket Mortgage

Best For: Tech-savvy immigrants and visa holders.
Features: Fast online pre-approval, competitive interest rates, accepts ITIN borrowers.
Programs: FHA loans, VA loans (for eligible immigrants), conventional loans.

v. TD Bank

Best For: Canadian and UK residents in the U.S.
Benefits: Cross-border mortgage services, low documentation requirement.

Top Personal and Student Loan for Foreigners in 2025:

i. MPOWER Financing

Best For: International students without a co-signer.
Use: Tuition, living expenses.
Perks: No U.S. credit or co-signer needed. Available to Nigerian, Indian, and other African students.

ii. Prodigy Finance

Best For: Graduate students in top U.S. universities.
Use: Tuition fees, study-related costs.
Key Advantage: No collateral, supports more than 150 nationalities.

iii. Stilt

Best For: Immigrants, DACA recipients, and visa holders.
Loan Use: Personal loans for rent, relocation, emergencies, etc.
Features: No SSN required to apply. Based on your visa and bank statements.

iv. SoFi

Best For: H1B visa holders and professionals.
Loans: Student refinancing, personal loans.
Extra Perks: Career coaching, financial education.

v. Nova Credit Partners

Best For: Those who want to use international credit history in the U.S.
Benefits: Uses foreign credit records from countries like Nigeria, India, Mexico, UK, etc.

How to Increase Your Chances of Loan Approval

Build a U.S. bank account history before applying.
Get an ITIN if you don’t have an SSN.
Show strong income or employment proof (in the U.S. or abroad).
Avoid debt or late payments before applying.
Work with lenders experienced with international borrowers.

FAQs: Loans and Mortgages for Foreigners in the USA

Can I buy a house in the U.S. as a non-citizen?

Yes. Foreigners can buy property in the U.S., and many banks offer mortgages to non-citizens with valid documentation.

Can I get a loan without a U.S. credit history?

Yes. Lenders like MPOWER, Prodigy, and Nova Credit allow you to apply with international credit data or no credit at all.

Do I need a green card to get a loan?

No. Many visa types (H1B, F1, L1) are accepted. Permanent residency can improve your chances but is not always required.

How much down payment is needed as a foreigner?

Typically, 20% to 30% is required, but some programs allow less with higher interest.

Can I apply from my home country before moving to the U.S.?

Yes. Banks like HSBC and Citibank offer cross-border mortgage solutions for non-resident investors.

Conclusion

Getting a loan or mortgage in the U.S. as a foreigner in 2025 is no longer as complicated as it once was. With the right documents, preparation, and lender, you can buy a home, finance your education, or grow your business in the USA, even without a U.S. credit score or citizenship.

Always compare offers, read terms carefully, and work with trusted institutions that understand the needs of immigrants and international students.