That “intent to renew” letter is a classic lender move. Here’s what worked for me: 1) Get HR on board early—sometimes they have a template. 2) Double-check if the lender will accept an email instead of a formal letter. 3) Keep copies of everything, because they’ll probably ask twice. It’s a pain, but it’s doable if you’re persistent.
Title: How H1B Visa Holders Can Qualify for a Mortgage
Keep copies of everything, because they’ll probably ask twice. It’s a pain, but it’s doable if you’re persistent.
That’s the truth. I’ve had lenders ask for the same document three times, and each time it was a different person on their end. Has anyone actually had luck with just an email from HR? I tried that route once and the underwriter pushed back, said it “wasn’t official enough.” Maybe it depends on the bank? I always wonder if some of these hoops are just to see who gives up first...
I’ve seen the same thing—one lender wanted a signed letter on company letterhead, another was fine with a PDF from HR as long as it had contact info. Did anyone here ever get away with just paystubs and W2s, or is the employment verification always a separate hurdle? Sometimes I wonder if it’s just about how picky the underwriter is that day...
Sometimes I wonder if it’s just about how picky the underwriter is that day...
Honestly, I think you nailed it there. It really does come down to the underwriter’s mood or maybe even their caffeine intake. I’ve refinanced twice and each time they wanted something different—first time, paystubs and W2s were enough, second time they insisted on a letter from HR with a wet signature. No rhyme or reason. It’s frustrating, but I guess it’s their way of covering every possible base. Hang in there—it’s annoying, but you’ll get through it.
It’s wild, right? I had a client once who got asked for a copy of their visa, then the underwriter circled back and wanted proof of “intent to stay” from their employer. Like, what does that even mean? Sometimes it feels like they’re just making it up as they go. But hey, once you’re holding those keys, all the weird hoops start to fade into the background.
