H-1B & L1 Visa Professionals
Buy a Home on Your H-1B or L1 Visa
You are building a career in the U.S., and owning a home should be just as achievable. I help visa professionals qualify with confidence, even with a renewal on the horizon, RSU income, or a thin credit file.
Oscar Acosta, Strategic Lending Advisor. NMLS #1876248. Bilingual, English and Español.
Can you buy a house on an H-1B visa in Texas?
Yes. H-1B and L1 visa holders qualify for conventional and FHA home loans on the same terms as U.S. citizens, with down payments as low as 3% (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA). What you need is a valid Social Security number, current work authorization, and documented U.S. income.
How it works
Three steps, no guesswork.
Planning Call
We start with a short call to map your visa timeline, income, and goals. No pressure, just a clear read on where you stand.
Strategy and Execution
I position your file around the details that trip up visa buyers, then handle the lender side so you can focus on the home search.
Close with Confidence
You get a clean pre-approval and a team that communicates in English or Spanish all the way to closing day.
H-1B and L1 mortgage questions, answered
The specifics visa professionals actually ask about.
How much down payment do I need?
As little as 3% on a conventional loan or 3.5% on FHA, the same minimums available to U.S. citizens. Your visa status does not raise the requirement, and gift funds from family are allowed. Putting 20% down removes mortgage insurance if that fits your plan.
What documents do I need?
Your valid visa and I-797 approval notice, passport, I-94, a Social Security number, and recent income documents like pay stubs and W-2s, plus an employment letter in many cases. If part of your pay is RSUs or bonus, we document that so it counts.
Can I get pre-approved if my visa is close to renewal?
Yes. There is no rule that your visa must have a set number of years left. Lenders want evidence that your authorization is current and likely to continue, such as an active H-1B, a pending or approved renewal, or an employer letter.
Can I qualify with limited U.S. credit history?
Often, yes. If you are new to the U.S. with a thin file, some programs use alternative credit like rent and utility payments to build a qualifying profile. Starting early gives us time to strengthen your credit before you are under contract.
Does an L1 visa work the same as an H-1B?
Largely, yes. L1 transferees qualify under the same non-permanent-resident guidelines as H-1B holders, with the same conventional and FHA options and nearly identical paperwork.
Can my H-4 spouse be on the loan?
It depends on their income and work authorization. An H-4 spouse with an EAD and U.S. income can usually be a co-borrower, which can strengthen your application. Even without their own income, they can often be added to title.
Can I use RSUs, bonus, or foreign income?
Frequently, yes, with the right documentation. RSUs and bonus income can count when there is a track record and a reasonable expectation they continue. Foreign income is more limited but not an automatic no.
What clients say
Real families and professionals across Texas.
★★★★★
Oscar went to the moon and beyond for my clients. Very knowledgeable and capable, always there to answer questions when we need it. One more family is enjoying their new home. You rock!
Rita Saenz-Pragner
Realtor
★★★★★
From our first conversation through the whole process, Oscar was professional and highly knowledgeable. He made an otherwise stressful event smooth and successful. We highly recommend Oscar and the Mpire Financial team.
Mara Nieves
Home Buyer
★★★★★
Oscar nos apoyó durante todo el proceso de compra de nuestra casa con un profesionalismo excepcional. Nos explicó cada detalle con claridad y nos dio confianza en cada paso. Si tuviera que recomendar a alguien, sería a Oscar sin dudarlo.
Christian Andrade
Comprador
Start with strategy, not a rate quote.
Every visa file has moving parts. We plan the details early so you are ready before you are competing on an offer.
Book Your Planning CallPrefer to talk now? Call (469) 484-7608