Green Card vs. Work Visa Mortgage Requirements
Compare typical mortgage considerations for lawful permanent residents and temporary work-visa borrowers buying in Massachusetts.
The practical difference
For FHA case numbers assigned on or after May 25, 2025, lawful permanent residents may be eligible with evidence of permanent residency, while non-permanent residents are not eligible for FHA-insured financing. That policy does not decide eligibility for every conventional, state, credit-union, or portfolio product.
A lender may lawfully consider immigration status to protect its repayment rights, but cannot use national origin as a pretext for discrimination.
Documentation lenders may request
Requirements depend on the product and file. Ask for a checklist tied to the specific loan rather than a generic assurance.
- Permanent Resident Card or acceptable evidence of status
- For work visas: passport, I-94, visa, and approval notices
- Employment authorization when applicable
- U.S. income, tax, asset, and credit documentation
- Evidence relating to renewal or continuance of status when required
How to compare offers
Ask whether the lender is applying an investor rule or its own stricter overlay, and whether a visa expiration date affects approval. Compare rate, annual percentage rate, mortgage insurance, cash to close, and total five-year cost on Loan Estimates.
If a lender's explanation appears inconsistent or based on nationality rather than legitimate underwriting, document the interaction and consult the CFPB or a fair-housing organization.