I had a pretty similar experience, though my timeline was a bit tighter. I was down to about six weeks left on my H1-B when I started the mortgage process, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend cutting it that close if you can avoid it. The stress level was through the roof. Like you mentioned, smaller lenders do seem more open to working with unique situations, but it’s really a toss-up depending on who’s handling your file.
“The lender (a local credit union, not a big bank) was willing to accept my renewal receipt, but only after a ton of back and forth.”
That part rings true for me too. My credit union wanted every possible document—renewal receipts, employer letters, pay stubs, even a letter from my immigration attorney. At one point, I felt like I was submitting the same paperwork over and over just because different people in underwriting kept asking for it. It’s not just about flexibility; sometimes it’s about how persistent you’re willing to be.
One thing I’d add is that your credit profile can make a difference. I had spent years building up my credit score and keeping my debt-to-income ratio low, and I think that helped tip things in my favor when the underwriters were on the fence. They still grilled me about visa status, but at least they couldn’t find fault with my financials.
I do think there’s a bit of luck involved—sometimes you get an underwriter who’s familiar with H1-B cases and sometimes you don’t. But if you’re organized and have all your paperwork ready to go (and maybe a little patience for the inevitable delays), it’s doable. Just... not for the faint of heart.
If anyone’s thinking about trying this, I’d say start early and expect some curveballs. And yeah, brace yourself for a mountain of paperwork.
Honestly, it’s wild how much paperwork they want—my refinance last year felt like I was prepping for a NASA launch, not just updating a mortgage. At one point, I half-joked with my loan officer that I’d send a blood sample if they needed it. I do think having a squeaky clean credit history helped, but even then, the back-and-forth was endless. Did anyone else find that one underwriter would approve something, then another would suddenly need “one more document”? Makes me wonder if they’re just bored or what... How did you all keep track of everything without losing your mind?
At one point, I half-joked with my loan officer that I’d send a blood sample if they needed it.
I feel this on a spiritual level. My first home purchase last year had me digging up ancient paystubs and utility bills from like three addresses ago. I swear, if they’d asked for a DNA swab, I wouldn’t have even blinked. I started a spreadsheet halfway through, but honestly, it turned into a graveyard of file names. I don’t know if underwriters are bored or just running a secret scavenger hunt, but I definitely aged a decade in paperwork.
I swear, if they’d asked for a DNA swab, I wouldn’t have even blinked.
That’s the truth. When I refinanced last year, I thought I was prepared—turns out, nope. They wanted everything short of my childhood report cards. On the H1-B question, it’s still possible to get a mortgage, but lenders want even more documentation now. Visa status letters, work authorizations, proof you’re not about to be deported... It’s a mountain of paperwork, but not impossible if you’re organized. Anyone else notice they ask for the same docs multiple times? That part drives me nuts.
Anyone else notice they ask for the same docs multiple times? That part drives me nuts.
That’s the part that gets me every time. I swear, I sent my paystubs to three different people and still got an email asking for them again. At one point I started wondering if they just wanted to see if I’d crack and send in my grocery list too. But yeah, if you’re on top of your paperwork, it’s doable... just expect to repeat yourself a lot.
