Quick Answer
Yes. You can buy a house with an ITIN using an ITIN (non-QM) mortgage from lenders that offer one, or by paying cash. FHA loans are closed to ITIN-only borrowers, and Fannie Mae-backed conventional loans require lawful U.S. residency. ITIN lenders usually want 15%–20% down; a few accept 10%. Typical requirements:
- ITIN: valid Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in place of an SSN.
- Tax returns: 2 years of filed federal tax returns showing stable income.
- Bank statements: 12–24 months to verify assets and cash reserves.
- Down payment: usually 15%–20%; a few lenders accept 10%.
The largest banks — Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo — don't advertise ITIN mortgages. Look at specialty mortgage lenders, community banks, credit unions and CDFIs, and verify any lender's NMLS license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org before applying.
Can I Buy a House With an ITIN?
Yes. No federal law requires a Social Security number for a mortgage, and ITIN holders, including undocumented immigrants, can get ITIN (non-QM) home loans. FHA loans have been limited to citizens and permanent residents since May 25, 2025, so most ITIN buyers use specialty lenders that usually ask for 15%–20% down.
Two other routes exist. If you live in the U.S. lawfully as a permanent or non-permanent resident, Fannie Mae-backed conventional loans accept a Social Security number or an ITIN. FHA closed its program to non-permanent residents in Mortgagee Letter 2025-09. And you can always buy with cash: there's no lender approval, though the title or escrow company will verify your identity and may ask for your ITIN for tax paperwork.
Why it's worth knowing
Buying a home may help build equity and stability over time. Filing taxes consistently and building credit are the two things that most ITIN mortgage programs look for in an applicant.
What Do I Need to Qualify for an ITIN Mortgage?
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| ITIN | Valid, active ITIN issued by the IRS |
| Tax returns | 2 years of filed federal tax returns (using your ITIN) |
| Income verification | Pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, or 12–24 months bank statements |
| Down payment | Usually 15%–20%; a few lenders accept 10% |
| Credit | Often a 600–660 minimum score, or 12–24 months of alternative credit at some lenders |
| Debt-to-income ratio | Often up to 43%–50% |
| U.S. residency | Documented U.S. address and residency history |
Alternative credit is accepted by many ITIN lenders if you do not have a credit score. This means documenting 12–24 months of on-time payments for rent, utilities, phone, insurance, or remittances — using bank statements or receipts as proof.
If you do have U.S. credit, here's how to check your credit score with an ITIN before applying.
Where Do I Apply for an ITIN Mortgage?
Do not start at a major national bank
The largest banks — Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo — don't advertise ITIN mortgage programs. Go directly to the lender types that offer ITIN loans: specialty non-QM lenders, community banks, credit unions serving immigrant communities, and CDFIs.
Types of lenders that offer ITIN mortgages
- Specialty non-QM lenders — A number of non-QM lenders specifically advertise ITIN loan programs. Search "ITIN mortgage lender [your state]" to find options in your area, and compare at least two before applying.
- Credit unions — Many credit unions, especially those with a Juntos Avanzamos designation, serve immigrant communities and offer ITIN mortgage products. Credit unions that hold the designation usually say so on their websites.
- CDFIs — Community Development Financial Institutions are mission-driven lenders that serve underserved borrowers. Many offer ITIN mortgages with more flexible terms than commercial lenders.
- Community and regional banks — Smaller local banks in areas with large immigrant communities often have ITIN lending programs. Ask directly at your local branch.
Watch out for predatory lenders
Because ITIN borrowers have fewer options, some bad-faith lenders charge extremely high rates or fees. Get quotes from at least 2–3 lenders before committing, and treat a rate far above the other ITIN quotes you receive as a warning sign.
What Interest Rates and Costs Should I Expect on an ITIN Mortgage?
ITIN mortgage rates usually run above conventional rates, because most ITIN loans can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The average 30-year conventional rate was about 7.4% in mid-October 2026, so expect ITIN quotes above that; your down payment, credit, and debt-to-income ratio set the final rate.
Check the current average in Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey before comparing quotes.
Factors that affect your rate:
- Down payment size — larger down = better rate
- Credit score or alternative credit strength
- Loan amount
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Length of U.S. tax filing history
How Do I Prepare to Buy a House With an ITIN?
- Get your ITIN. You need a valid, active ITIN before applying. If yours has expired, renew it first. Apply or renew through the IRS with Form W-7. How to get an ITIN →
- File at least 2 years of tax returns. Most ITIN lenders require 2 years of filed federal returns. The sooner you start filing, the sooner you qualify. How to file taxes with ITIN →
- Build your credit. Open a secured credit card or credit-builder loan, pay on time every month, and keep your utilization low. Many ITIN lenders want a score of about 600–660. How to build credit with ITIN →
- Save for your down payment. Aim for 15%–20% of the home price. A larger down payment reduces your rate and increases your chances of approval. See down payment assistance programs that may help.
- Find an ITIN lender. Search for specialty ITIN mortgage lenders or credit unions in your state. Get pre-qualification letters from 2–3 lenders to compare rates and terms. Verify any lender's license at nmlsconsumeraccess.org before sharing personal information. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can also review loan terms at no cost.
- Gather your documents. You will need your ITIN, 2 years of tax returns, 12–24 months of bank statements, proof of income, and proof of U.S. address.
- Apply and close. Once pre-qualified, find your home, make an offer, and complete the mortgage process with your lender. Closing typically takes 30–60 days.
How Do You Buy a House With an ITIN?
To buy a house with an ITIN you need 4 things: an active ITIN, 2 years of filed tax returns, a down payment of usually 15%–20%, and a lender with an ITIN mortgage program — often a specialty mortgage lender, community bank, credit union, or CDFI. You can also skip the loan and pay cash.
The process follows the same steps as a conventional mortgage: pre-qualification, home search, offer, and closing. The key difference is the lender — you must find one that accepts ITIN in place of SSN. A free HUD-approved housing counselor can review loan terms and recommend ITIN-friendly lenders at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a mortgage with an ITIN instead of a Social Security Number?
Yes. No federal law requires a Social Security number for a mortgage. Specialty lenders, community banks, credit unions and CDFIs offer ITIN (non-QM) mortgages regardless of immigration status. FHA loans aren't available to ITIN-only borrowers, and Fannie Mae-backed loans require lawful U.S. residency.
What down payment do I need for an ITIN mortgage?
Most ITIN mortgage programs require 15%–20% down, and a few lenders accept 10%. A larger down payment usually lowers your interest rate.
What banks offer ITIN mortgages?
The largest banks — Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo — don't advertise ITIN mortgage programs. Look instead at specialty non-QM lenders (search "ITIN mortgage lender [your state]"), credit unions with a Juntos Avanzamos designation, CDFIs, and community banks in areas with large immigrant populations.
What credit score do I need for an ITIN mortgage?
Requirements vary by lender. Many ITIN programs set a minimum score around 600–660, and some accept borrowers with no score using alternative credit — 12–24 months of on-time rent, utility, and phone payments. Building credit first expands your options and lowers your rate.
Can I buy a house with cash using an ITIN?
Yes. You don't need a mortgage or a Social Security number to buy property with cash. The title or escrow company will verify your identity and may ask for your ITIN for tax paperwork, and the deed is recorded in your name like any other purchase.
Does buying a house affect my immigration status?
No. Owning property in the United States does not affect your immigration status, visa eligibility, or any pending immigration case. Real estate ownership is separate from immigration — you are purchasing property, not obtaining an immigration benefit. Consult an immigration attorney if you have specific concerns about your situation.