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Mortgage Merlin
30-YR CONV6.47%▼0.05
FHA6.25%▼0.05
BANK-STMT7.31%▼0.05
DSCR7.66%▼0.05
JUMBO6.50%▼0.05
15-YR5.81%▼0.03
ITIN7.96%▼0.05
30-YR CONV6.47%▼0.05
FHA6.25%▼0.05
BANK-STMT7.31%▼0.05
DSCR7.66%▼0.05
JUMBO6.50%▼0.05
15-YR5.81%▼0.03
ITIN7.96%▼0.05
Newcomer & visa · Q&A

Can I get a mortgage with foreign income?

Short answer: Sometimes. U.S. lenders generally count foreign income only if it continues after you move and can be verified — often needing translated documents and currency conversion. If it doesn't continue, foreign-national loans (for non-residents) and DSCR loans (for rentals) can qualify you without relying on personal foreign income.

The full answer

Whether foreign income counts depends on continuity. If your overseas employer keeps paying you in the U.S., or you have a documentable, ongoing foreign income stream, many lenders will count it — but they'll want translated tax returns and statements, sometimes converted to U.S. dollars, and proof the income continues.

Income you earned abroad before immigrating and that has now stopped usually can't be used. In that case, build a U.S. income history (a two-year track record is cleanest) or look at programs that don't depend on personal income.

For non-residents buying U.S. property, a foreign-national loan documents income and assets from your home country in exchange for a larger down payment (often 25–40%). For an investment purchase, a DSCR loan qualifies on the property's rent instead of your income entirely.

Sources

Educational information only — not financial advice, and not a quote, pre-approval, or offer of credit. Program rules and ranges are illustrative and vary by lender. Mortgage Merlin is a publisher, not a lender or broker.

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