MBReviewed by Mike Basti, Mortgage Broker & Founder · NMLS #377740
Quick Answer
You're generally eligible if you have a valid ITIN, no SSN, 2 years of tax filings, income you can document, and a down payment. That includes many immigrants, DACA and asylum holders, foreign nationals, and the self-employed — with a FICO score or alternative credit. See Requirements.
Who qualifies
✓ Eligible borrowers
- Immigrants living & working in California
- DACA & asylum recipients
- Foreign nationals & non-resident aliens
- Dependents of U.S. residents with an ITIN
- Self-employed ITIN holders (bank-statement income)
- Tax-paying residents regardless of immigration status
✗ Not a fit here
- Anyone with an SSN (use a conventional/non-QM loan)
- No ITIN and no tax-filing history
- Income that can't be documented
- No down payment or reserves
Eligibility isn't about your paperwork status — it's about your file: A persistent myth is that ITIN loans are only for one narrow group, or that immigration status decides eligibility. It doesn't. No federal law requires a Social Security number to get a mortgage, and lenders offering these programs care about the same things they always do: can you document income, do you have a payment history, and can you cover the down payment. Many ITIN holders are long-established community members with steady jobs and faithfully paid taxes who assumed the door was closed. It isn't. If that's you, you're likely eligible. Let's confirm →
Property & occupancy types
| Property | Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Primary residence | Yes — most common, lowest down |
| Second / vacation home | Often, program-dependent |
| Investment property | Often (25–30% down); ITIN DSCR options |
| Single-family / condo / 2–4 unit | Commonly eligible |
Eligible even without a credit score
- Alternative credit: 12 months on-time across 3–4 lines (rent, utilities, cell, auto insurance, internet, remittance).
- Thin file: a limited score plus alternative lines can combine to qualify.
- Building credit: credit-builder loans and rent-reporting services can establish a score over 12–24 months for better future terms.
Who isn't eligible
- SSN holders — you'd use your SSN for a conventional or non-QM loan (lower down/rate).
- No ITIN / no filings — you'll need to obtain an ITIN (Form W-7) and build a filing history first; we can refer a Certifying Acceptance Agent.
- Undocumentable income — income must be shown via pay stubs, bank statements, or returns.
Reviewed by the licensing team at Save Financial, a California-licensed mortgage brokerage (NMLS #377740, DRE #01875766) founded in 2009 and serving all 58 counties from offices in Newport Beach and Marina del Rey. Save Financial does not provide legal or immigration advice.