In recent years, the U.S. housing market has remained robust, attracting many prospective buyers including those on F1 student visas. However, not all banks are equally open to mortgage applications from F1 visa holders. To assist in this process, we've compiled information about banks and lending institutions that support F1 student mortgage applications.
National Lenders
Several national banks and mortgage lenders accept applications from F1 visa holders:
- Citi
- Guild Mortgage
- United Wholesale Mortgage
- Guaranteed Rate
- Tiger Loans
Regional Options
For those in specific regions, these local institutions may offer more favorable terms:
- Bay Area: Stanford Federal Credit Union and First Tech Credit Union are known for being international student-friendly
- Seattle: First Tech Credit Union, Umpqua, and Home Street provide relevant loan services
- Boston: Washington Trust offers mortgage support for F1 students
- Ohio: Third Federal Credit Union is worth considering
- Pennsylvania: Reliance Bank may be a good option
Special Considerations
HSBC previously had more lenient policies for F1 applicants but has recently tightened its standards, now requiring OPT remaining time to exceed two years and valid F1 visa status. Always verify current policies with loan officers.
Challenging Institutions
Some banks present particular challenges for F1 visa holders:
- Wells Fargo: Typically doesn't accept OPT applications, with rare exceptions requiring at least two years of work history
- Chase: While loan officers might suggest approval is possible, OPT income often gets rejected during final underwriting
- Better Mortgage: Some reports indicate F1 OPT applications are possible, but product information suggests H1B's I-797A may be required
We welcome additional application experiences and data points to help more international students achieve their homeownership dreams in the United States.