Can You Buy a Home in the US on a Work Visa? Yes — Here's How
You don't need a green card to own property. Mortgages, down payments, and the real risks for visa holders.
Reviewed by Deepak Middha, CA, Series 65
Updated March 8, 2026 · 2 min read
Reviewed by Deepak Middha, CA, Series 65
Deepak has experience in cross-border finance, tax-aware planning, and immigrant money decisions.
One of the most persistent NRI myths is that you need a green card to buy a US house — you don't; there's no citizenship or residency requirement to own property. What you need is a down payment, a credit history, and a clear-eyed view of the risks. Here's how it works on a work visa.
The short version
- No green card required — H-1B and L-1 holders qualify for conventional mortgages
- You'll need a ~620+ credit score, stable income, and a 5–20% down payment
- Only buy if you'll stay in the same area ~5 years — a forced sale can mean a loss
Getting a mortgage on a visa
Lenders care about repayment ability, not your immigration status per se. On an H-1B or L-1 you can qualify for a conventional mortgage if you have:
- A credit score (typically 620+, ideally 700+).
- A stable income and employment history (2 years is the classic benchmark, though some lenders flex for newer arrivals).
- A down payment, usually 5–20%.
Some lenders are visa-friendly and well-practiced with H-1B applicants; others aren't. Shop around.
The numbers beyond the sticker price
| Cost | What to budget |
|---|---|
| Down payment | 20% avoids PMI; less is possible but adds cost |
| Closing costs | 2–5% of the purchase price |
| Ongoing | Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and possibly HOA fees |
The visa-holder risk you must respect
Common mistakes
- A house is illiquid — selling under time pressure (e.g., if you must leave) can mean a loss
- Before buying, ask whether you'd be fine renting it out remotely or selling in a soft market
- A reasonable rule: only buy if you expect to stay in the same area at least 5 years
Rent or buy on a visa?
Run the visa-holder's real math — EMI-to-rent parity, visa clarity, and job-change risk.
Buying property in India as an NRI
The flip side — many NRIs invest back home. You can buy residential and commercial property in India (but not agricultural land) as an NRI. Fund it through your NRE/NRO accounts, mind the TDS rules on rental income, and keep clean records for when you eventually repatriate.
Owning a home on a visa is entirely doable. Just make sure the decision survives the "what if I have to leave" stress test before you sign.
