ITIN Mortgage Guide: How to Buy a Home Without SSN

Buying a home is the American dream. Having an ITIN instead of an SSN doesn't disqualify you from it.

ITIN mortgages exist. They're offered by credit unions, community banks, and specialized lenders who understand that creditworthiness isn't determined by nine digits. Yes, the process is different. Yes, requirements are stricter. But homeownership is achievable.

Here's everything you need to know about getting a mortgage with an ITIN.

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ITIN Mortgages: The Basics

What Is an ITIN Mortgage?

An ITIN mortgage is a home loan available to borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number.

Key characteristics:

• Uses ITIN for application
• Does not require SSN
• Available to non-resident and resident aliens
• Offered by select lenders

Who Qualifies?

ITIN mortgage candidates:

• Non-residents working in the US
• Resident aliens without SSN
• Undocumented immigrants with ITIN
• Foreign nationals with US income
• Anyone who files taxes with ITIN

Basic requirements:

• Valid ITIN
• US-based income
• Down payment funds
• Documentation of employment and income
• Property in the US

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ITIN Mortgage Requirements

Down Payment

Typical range: 10-25%

Why higher than SSN mortgages:

• Perceived higher risk
• Fewer secondary market options
• More conservative underwriting

Documentation Requirements

Personal documents:

• Valid ITIN (CP565 letter or ITIN card)
• Foreign passport or Matricula Consular
• Current US visa (if applicable)
• Proof of US residence (utility bills, lease)

Income documentation:

• 2 years of tax returns filed with ITIN
• W-2s or 1099s
• Pay stubs (30-60 days)
• Employment verification letter
• Self-employment: profit/loss statements, bank statements

Asset documentation:

• Bank statements (2-12 months)
• Down payment source documentation
• Gift letter if applicable
• Reserve funds verification

Credit Requirements

ITIN credit history:

• Credit built using ITIN
• Tradelines reporting to bureaus
• Payment history on credit accounts

Alternative credit: Many ITIN mortgage lenders accept alternative credit:

• Rent payment history (12-24 months)
• Utility payment history
• Cell phone payment history
• Insurance payment history
• Other regular bill payments

Minimum requirements vary: | Lender Type | Credit Requirement | |-------------|-------------------| | Credit unions | ITIN credit or alternative | | Non-QM lenders | Often accept alternative credit | | Community banks | Varies by lender |

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Types of ITIN Mortgages

Conventional-Like Loans (Portfolio Loans)

What they are: Loans held by lenders rather than sold to Fannie/Freddie

Features:

• Terms similar to conventional
• 15-30 year fixed rates
• Higher down payments
• Held in lender's portfolio

Available from: Credit unions, community banks

FHA Loans (Limited)

Availability: Possible with legal residency

Requirements:

• Legal resident status (not undocumented)
• ITIN can sometimes substitute for SSN
• Standard FHA requirements apply

Reality check: Most ITIN holders use non-government loans

Non-QM Loans

What they are: Loans outside qualified mortgage standards

Features:

• More flexible underwriting
• Bank statement income verification
• Alternative documentation
• Higher rates typically

Available from: Non-QM specialty lenders

Bank Statement Loans

What they are: Income verified through bank deposits

Features:

• 12-24 months of bank statements
• Self-employed friendly
• No tax return requirement
• Higher rates

Good for: Self-employed ITIN holders

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Finding ITIN Mortgage Lenders

Credit Unions

Often most ITIN-friendly:

• Mission to serve communities
• Local decision-making
• May have specific ITIN programs

How to find:

• Search "[your city] ITIN mortgage credit union"
• Ask at immigrant services organizations
• Check Hispanic/Latino community credit unions
• Call local credit unions directly

Examples (varies by region):

• Latino Community Credit Union (NC)
• Self-Help Credit Union (multiple states)
• Various state-specific credit unions

Community Banks

Characteristics:

• Local focus
• Portfolio lending
• Relationship-based
• May be flexible on documentation

How to approach:

• Visit in person
• Ask about ITIN mortgage programs
• Explain your situation
• Bring documentation

Non-QM Lenders

Specialty mortgage lenders:

• Carrington Mortgage
• Angel Oak Mortgage
• New American Funding
• Citadel Servicing
• Various others

Characteristics:

• Specialize in alternative documentation
• Higher rates than conventional
• More flexible underwriting
• Experience with ITIN borrowers

Mortgage Brokers

Benefits:

• Know which lenders accept ITIN
• Shop multiple options
• Handle application process
• May have specialized knowledge

Finding ITIN-experienced brokers:

• Ask at community organizations
• Search "ITIN mortgage broker [your city]"
• Get referrals from community

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ITIN Mortgage Interest Rates

Expect Higher Rates

ITIN mortgages typically carry rates 0.5-2% higher than equivalent SSN mortgages.

Example comparison: | Borrower Type | Rate | Monthly Payment ($300K) | |---------------|------|-------------------------| | SSN borrower (conventional) | 6.5% | $1,896 | | ITIN borrower | 7.5-8.5% | $2,098-$2,306 | | Difference | 1-2% | $202-$410/month |

Why Higher?

• Fewer lenders = less competition
• Can't be sold to Fannie/Freddie
• Perceived higher risk
• More manual underwriting required

Reducing Your Rate

Factors that help:

• Larger down payment (20%+)
• Strong credit history
• Low debt-to-income ratio
• Stable, documented employment
• Shopping multiple lenders

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The Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation (1-3 months before)

Gather:

• All personal ID documents
• 2 years tax returns
• Income documentation
• Bank statements
• Down payment verification

Step 2: Build/Check Credit (Ongoing)

If building credit:

• Get ITIN credit card
• Pay on time consistently
• Build 12+ months history

If using alternative credit:

• Document rent payments
• Document utility payments
• Gather proof of all payments

Step 3: Save for Down Payment

Target: 15-25% of purchase price

Plus closing costs: 2-5% additional

Reserves: Some lenders want 2-6 months reserves

Step 4: Find Lender

Research:

• Credit unions in your area
• Community banks
• Non-QM lenders
• Mortgage brokers

Get pre-approval before house hunting

Step 5: Apply and Process

Typical timeline: 30-60 days (may be longer than SSN mortgages)

Expect:

• More documentation requests
• Additional verification
• Potentially longer processing

Step 6: Close

Same as conventional:

• Final walkthrough
• Sign documents
• Receive keys

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Common ITIN Mortgage Challenges

Challenge 1: Finding Lenders

Many lenders don't offer ITIN mortgages.

Solution:

• Research specifically for ITIN lenders
• Use mortgage brokers
• Check credit unions first

Challenge 2: Documentation Requirements

ITIN mortgages require more paperwork.

Solution:

• Start gathering documents early
• Keep meticulous records
• Be patient with requests

Challenge 3: Higher Costs

Down payments and rates are higher.

Solution:

• Save more aggressively
• Shop multiple lenders
• Consider adjustable rates for lower initial payments

Challenge 4: Credit History

Building ITIN credit takes time.

Solution:

• Start building credit immediately
• Use alternative credit documentation
• Be patient

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ITIN Mortgage vs. SSN Mortgage

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ITIN Mortgage Tips

Do's

• Start early: Begin credit building and saving 12-24 months before
• Document everything: Keep all payment records, bank statements, tax returns
• Shop around: Compare at least 3-5 lenders
• Work with specialists: Use brokers/lenders experienced in ITIN
• Be patient: Process takes longer than traditional mortgages

Don'ts

• Don't give up: Rejections happen, try other lenders
• Don't exaggerate income: Everything is verified
• Don't change jobs during process: Stability matters
• Don't make large purchases: Avoid new debt during application
• Don't move money around: Keep funds stable for documentation

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ITIN Mortgage FAQs

Can undocumented immigrants get mortgages?

Yes, with ITIN. Immigration status is not typically verified for ITIN mortgages. You need valid ITIN and income documentation.

Do I need legal status for an ITIN mortgage?

Not necessarily. ITIN mortgages are available regardless of immigration status at many lenders.

How long does it take to qualify?

Build credit for 12-24 months, save down payment, then 45-60 days for approval process.

Can I refinance later to better rate?

Yes. As you build more credit history and if immigration status changes, you may qualify for better rates.

What happens if my immigration status changes?

Your mortgage remains valid. You continue making payments as normal. Better status may allow refinancing to better terms.

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Your ITIN Mortgage Action Plan

24 Months Before Buying

• Get ITIN if you don't have one
• Open ITIN-friendly bank account
• Get first credit card
• Begin saving for down payment

12 Months Before Buying

• Continue credit building
• File taxes with ITIN
• Research lenders in your area
• Calculate how much you can afford

6 Months Before Buying

• Get pre-approved with 2-3 lenders
• Compare rates and terms
• Continue saving
• Gather all documentation

Ready to Buy

• Choose lender and get pre-approval letter
• Find home within budget
• Submit full application
• Provide all documentation requested
• Close on your home

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Next Steps

Owning a home with an ITIN is possible. It requires more preparation, documentation, and patience than a traditional mortgage—but the end result is the same: keys to your own home.

Start building credit today. Save aggressively. Research lenders in your area. The path to homeownership is open.

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Need help navigating ITIN mortgages? Freedom Consulting helps ITIN holders access credit and home financing. Book a free consultation to start your homeownership journey.

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Related: ITIN Credit Guide | ITIN Loans

Disclaimer: Mortgage availability and terms vary by lender. Requirements change. Consult with mortgage professionals for current options. This is not legal immigration advice.

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Continue Learning

This article is part of our Building Credit with ITIN: The Complete Guide for Non-Citizens guide series.

Related articles in this series:

• ITIN vs SSN: Key Differences and What You Can Do With Each
• Best Banks That Accept ITIN for Account Opening (2025)
• Credit Cards for ITIN Holders: Complete List of Options