Yeah, those questions always feel a bit over the top—like anyone can really guarantee where they’ll be in five years. I get why lenders want some assurance, but it does seem like a lot of hoops for folks on work visas. Out of curiosity, has anyone run into issues with renewing their visa during the loan process? I’ve heard that can throw a wrench in things if the timing’s off. Just seems risky to me if your status is up in the air...
Just seems risky to me if your status is up in the air...
That’s a fair point. I’ve actually worked with a client who was mid-renewal on their H-1B when they applied for an FHA loan. The lender paused everything until the new approval came through, which delayed closing by almost two months. It’s not always a dealbreaker, but the timing can get tricky—especially if there’s any uncertainty with USCIS processing. Lenders really do want to see that uninterrupted legal status, and any gap can make things complicated fast.
That’s interesting—didn’t realize lenders could just hit pause like that. Makes sense though, since they want to cover their bases. I’ve heard some folks try to time their home search around their visa renewals, but that seems tough with how unpredictable USCIS can be.
Has anyone here actually managed to close on a place while their status was still pending? Or is it basically a non-starter until you’ve got that approval in hand? I’m just wondering if there are any lenders out there who’ll work with you if you can show consistent employment and income, even if your paperwork’s in limbo. Seems like a lot of hoops to jump through for something that’s mostly out of your control...
I’ve actually seen a couple buyers manage to close while their status was still pending, but it’s rare and really depends on the lender’s risk tolerance. Some will work with you if you can show solid employment and income, but most want to see that visa approval first. Like you said,
—that’s exactly it. I had a client last year who was mid-renewal, and the deal stalled for weeks until the paperwork came through. It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely an uphill battle.“Seems like a lot of hoops to jump through for something that’s mostly out of your control...”
I've seen something similar—had a client who was on an H-1B extension, and we went through three different lenders before finding one willing to even consider the application. Even then, they wanted a mountain of paperwork: proof of continued employment, a letter from the employer, and a copy of the renewal receipt. It dragged on for months. In the end, it worked out, but honestly, if you’re not prepared for delays and a lot of back-and-forth, it’s rough. Some banks just don’t want the hassle, no matter how solid your finances look.
