Yeah, I get what you mean—
.it’s also about how each lender interprets FHA guidelines. Some are stricter than others
- Even with everything in order, I had a lender throw extra hoops my way last year.
- They wanted updated employment letters and extra bank statements, even though the FHA checklist was already done.
- If you're tight on time or cash, shop around. Not all lenders hassle you the same way.
- Don’t assume “approved” means smooth sailing. There can still be last-minute curveballs.
Totally agree—lenders love their “interpretations.” I’ve seen clients get asked for the same doc three times, just because one underwriter was pickier. It’s wild. Even if you check all the FHA boxes, brace for some random requests. Shopping around really does save headaches.
I’ve seen clients get asked for the same doc three times, just because one underwriter was pickier. It’s wild.
That’s the truth. I had a buyer last year—she was here on a work visa, super organized, had every document you could imagine in a color-coded folder (seriously, I was jealous). We thought we were golden. Then the lender’s underwriter wanted her employment letter “updated” because it was dated two weeks before the application. Next week? They wanted it again, but this time with a wet signature instead of digital. By the third round, my client joked she should just camp out at HR.
It’s funny, because you’d think FHA would be more straightforward since their guidelines are all spelled out. But I swear, every lender seems to have their own “interpretation” of what counts as acceptable proof for non-permanent residents. Some are fine with an EAD card and valid visa, others want to see renewal receipts or even proof you’re planning to stay in the country long-term (like… how do you even prove that?).
I do think shopping around helps, but it can also be exhausting for buyers who aren’t familiar with all the hoops. Sometimes I wonder if lenders just get bored and invent new paperwork hurdles for fun.
Anyway, yes—non-permanent residents can get FHA loans if they’ve got the right docs, but “right” is apparently up for debate depending on who’s reviewing your file that day. If anyone ever finds a lender who sticks strictly to the FHA handbook without adding their own spin, let me know... I’ll send them a thank-you card.
Had a client last spring—same deal, non-permanent resident, paperwork ninja. We sent in her visa, EAD, paystubs... then the underwriter wanted a letter from her landlord to “prove” she actually lived at her address. Next week? They wanted a utility bill too. I swear, if they’d asked for her childhood report cards I wouldn’t have been surprised. It’s like a scavenger hunt where the prize is just more paperwork.
It’s like a scavenger hunt where the prize is just more paperwork.
That’s the perfect way to put it. I went through a refi last year and it felt like every time I sent something in, they’d come up with a new “requirement.” It’s exhausting, but hang in there—eventually they do run out of things to ask for... I think.
