Home Loan After Moving To The U.S.
Just moved to the United States and have no U.S. credit score yet? At least one program can use credit references instead of a score for a home purchase up to $1,500,000.
What we can work with
Here is what at least one program allows when your U.S. credit file is new or empty.
- At least one program accepts non-permanent residents who recently relocated to the U.S., when it is logical that U.S. credit is not established yet.
- Without a score, you need 3 credit references covering 12 months, or 2 covering 24 months.
- One of those references must be a housing history, or you must own your current home free and clear.
- Loan amounts go up to $1,500,000 on this no-score path.
- The home can be a primary residence or a second home, and investment properties are not eligible.
- This path is for home purchases only.
Rent can be a credit reference
Utility bills can count too
Company transfers are eligible
H-1B and L-1 sponsorship works
Foreign credit references can count
Green card holders get equal terms
Buying Before Your Credit Builds
Here is how lenders look at your history when your U.S. credit file is new.
A credit score takes time to build. If you recently relocated to the United States, at least one program can consider a purchase without a U.S. score when it is logical that your credit is not established yet. Instead of a score, the lender reviews credit references such as rent and utility payments.
If a company with offices abroad and in the U.S. transferred you here, the transfer is documented on corporate letterhead. If you were offered and sponsored for a job under an H-1B or L-1 visa, the sponsorship is documented along with your visa. In both cases, your first paycheck must be in the file before closing.
If you already have two U.S. credit scores but few accounts, non-traditional credit can fill the gap. At least one program accepts 3 credit references covering the most recent 12 months, supported with canceled checks or bank statements, for loan amounts up to $1,500,000. Accounts on your credit report and non-traditional references can be combined.
Why choose Saxton for a home loan after moving to the U.S.
This page is for people who recently moved to the United States to live and work and want to buy a home before their U.S. credit is established.
We Check Every Path
We look at programs for green card holders and for people authorized to live and work here on a temporary basis. Fannie Mae buys loans made to lawful permanent and non-permanent residents under the same terms available to U.S. citizens.
Your History Abroad Counts
At least one program accepts 2 years in the same line of work and 2 years of residency, in the U.S. or abroad. Your time before the move is part of your story.
Wire Transfers Can Count
Under Fannie Mae rules, wire remittance statements can serve as a credit reference. They need to show a consistent amount sent over the most recent 12 months.
We Check All Three Bureaus
Under Fannie Mae rules, the first step is checking all three major credit bureaus. If a score exists, we use it, and if not, we build your file from credit references.
A Clear Document List
For non-permanent residents, at least one program asks for a valid Social Security number and either an employment authorization document or a visa. We tell you up front what to gather.
Options For Green Card Holders
FHA treats lawful permanent residents under the same requirements, terms, and conditions as U.S. citizens. FHA also allows a credit file built from three credit references when you have no score.
Hear From Homeowners Like You
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers for buyers who are new to the United States.
It can be possible. At least one program accepts non-permanent residents with no score who recently relocated to the U.S., when it is logical that U.S. credit is not established yet. You need 3 credit references covering 12 months or 2 covering 24 months, and one must be a housing history unless you own your current home free and clear.
Rent and utilities are common ones. At least one program accepts rental verifications and utilities such as electricity, gas, water, telephone, television and internet. Utilities included in your rent cannot count as a separate reference.
Yes, under Fannie Mae rules. When a non-U.S. citizen does not have enough U.S. credit references, the lender must use credit references from foreign countries to reach the required number.
It can work. At least one program accepts borrowers transferred by a company with offices in both a foreign country and the U.S. You need documentation of the transfer on corporate letterhead, and your first paycheck must be in the file before closing.
Yes, with at least one program. If you were offered and sponsored for employment under an H-1B or L-1 visa, the lender needs documentation of the sponsorship along with your visa. Your first paycheck must be in the file before closing.
Yes, if you are a lawful permanent resident. FHA treats green card holders under the same requirements, terms, and conditions as U.S. citizens. At least one program notes that non-permanent residents are not allowed for FHA case assignments dated on or after May 25, 2025.
A second home can work, and a rental cannot on this path. At least one program allows a primary residence or second home for recent arrivals with no score. Investment properties are not permitted, and the loan must be a purchase.
Saxton Mortgage does. At least one program we offer accepts non-permanent residents who recently relocated to the U.S., when it is logical that U.S. credit is not established yet, using credit references instead of a score.
Find out what you qualify for
Tell us about your move, your job and your housing history, and we will check how it fits our programs.
Get Pre-QualifiedLoan amounts, rates, terms, and eligibility are subject to credit approval, asset and income verification, appraisal, and program guidelines. Program availability varies by state. Not all applicants will qualify. Saxton Mortgage, LLC is an Equal Housing Lender.