H-1B Visa Mortgage California
Getting a mortgage on an H-1B visa in California is absolutely possible — and DiVita Home Finance has helped dozens of visa holders buy homes throughout the state. The key is working with a lender who understands the documentation requirements and has investors who actively lend to non-permanent residents.
Can H-1B Visa Holders Get a Mortgage?
Yes. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both allow mortgages for non-permanent resident aliens, including H-1B visa holders. You do not need a green card or citizenship to qualify. Lenders evaluate your income, credit, employment history, and visa status — not your citizenship.
What Lenders Look For
- Valid H-1B visa with remaining time (most lenders want at least 1 year remaining, though exceptions exist)
- Employment letter from your sponsoring employer confirming salary and position
- 2-year work history — typically 2 years of W-2s and tax returns, even if some of that was in another country
- U.S. credit history — or alternative credit documentation if you’re newer to the country
- Down payment — typically 5% minimum for conventional, 3.5% for FHA
H-1B Mortgage Loan Types Available
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional (Fannie/Freddie) | 5–20% | Established W-2 income, U.S. credit history |
| FHA | 3.5% | Lower credit scores, first-time buyers |
| Jumbo | 10–20% | High earners in Bay Area, LA, San Diego |
| Bank Statement | 10%+ | Contractors, self-employed tech workers |
Common H-1B Mortgage Challenges in California
Tech workers on H-1B visas in the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles often face two specific hurdles: high purchase prices requiring jumbo loans, and RSU or bonus income that varies year to year. DiVita Home Finance works with lenders who know how to document and average these income streams correctly so you qualify at the highest possible loan amount.
Markets We Serve for H-1B Borrowers
We work with H-1B visa holders buying homes throughout California, with particular expertise in:
- Bay Area / Silicon Valley — Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, San Jose, Fremont, Cupertino
- Los Angeles / South Bay — Culver City, Manhattan Beach, Torrance, El Segundo
- San Diego — Sorrento Valley, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch
- Marin, Napa, Sonoma — for tech workers relocating north of the bridge
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a green card to buy a home in California?
No. H-1B, H-4 EAD, L-1, O-1, and other non-immigrant visa holders can all qualify for conventional mortgages. You need a valid visa, U.S. income, and a credit profile.
What if my visa is expiring soon?
Many lenders require at least 12 months remaining on your visa. However, if you have an I-140 approval or H-1B extension pending, some lenders will consider this. We know which lenders are most flexible here.
Can I use RSU income to qualify?
Yes, with documentation. Lenders typically want to see a 2-year history of RSU vesting and will average it. Your employer’s vesting schedule can also be used to project continued RSU income.
Ready to move forward? Contact DiVita Home Finance for a free consultation — we’ll review your visa status, income documentation, and find the right loan program for you.
About DiVita Home Finance
DiVita Home Finance is a small, family-owned mortgage company based in Marin County, California. When you call, you speak directly with Michael DiVita — the owner — not a call center, not an out-of-state rep, not someone reading from a script. We’re here for a low-key, no-obligation conversation about your situation.
We take your privacy seriously. We will never sell your information to third-party lenders or lead generation companies — unlike many of the large mortgage platforms. Your inquiry stays with us, period.
📞 Call: (800) 239-1103 | 💬 Text Michael directly: (310) 849-9124
