Honestly, I don’t buy the idea that smaller banks are always more flexible. I’ve had big-name lenders bend over backwards for me, then get stonewalled by a credit union over something minor. Feels less about size and more about who’s sitting at that underwriter’s desk that day.
Feels less about size and more about who’s sitting at that underwriter’s desk that day.
That’s honestly been my experience too. I’ve seen both big banks and small lenders get weirdly picky or, on the flip side, super accommodating. It really does come down to the individual underwriter sometimes.
For non-permanent residents trying for an FHA loan, here’s a quick rundown of what usually works:
1. You’ll need valid proof of lawful residency—think green card (permanent resident) or an EAD (employment authorization document) if you’re not permanent yet.
2. Lenders will want your Social Security number and proof you’re allowed to work in the U.S.
3. Some banks get nervous about visa types, so double-check if your visa is on their “acceptable” list.
4. Expect to provide extra documentation—like work history, income stability, and sometimes even a letter from your employer.
I’ve found that some credit unions are actually stricter than big banks when it comes to FHA guidelines for non-permanent residents. If one lender says no, don’t assume they all will... sometimes it just takes finding the right person who knows the rules inside out.
Honestly, I’ve noticed the same thing—sometimes the “rules” feel like they’re up for interpretation depending on who’s reviewing your file. Like you said,
It’s frustrating, but not impossible. I almost gave up after two lenders nitpicked my visa, but the third one barely blinked. Persistence pays off, even if it’s a headache.“sometimes it just takes finding the right person who knows the rules inside out.”
- Totally get what you mean about the rules being all over the place.
- When I refinanced last year, I ran into three different interpretations of the FHA guidelines just on my employment gap. Depends who you get, and honestly, how much coffee they’ve had that day...
- One thing I’d add: keep every single document, even if you think it’s irrelevant. The third lender I talked to wanted a letter from my employer that the first two never mentioned.
- Persistence is huge, but I also try to get everything in writing—email trails saved me more than once when someone tried to backtrack.
- Not sure if it’s just me, but it sometimes feels like lenders are more cautious lately? Maybe it’s just my luck.
- Anyway, yeah, it’s a grind, but being organized and (a little) stubborn helped me push through.
Honestly, the inconsistency drives me nuts too. I’ve seen underwriters interpret the same FHA residency docs in totally different ways—sometimes they’ll accept a valid EAD, sometimes they want extra proof or even a letter from an immigration attorney. Has anyone else noticed lenders getting stricter about visa types lately, or is it just certain banks tightening up?
