To purchase a home in the United States without permanent residency, non-citizens must first verify their immigration status and eligibility for homeownership. They should secure pre-approval for a mortgage through programs like the Fannie Mae HomeReady or FHA loans, which accommodate non-permanent residents with valid visas (e.g., H-1B, L-1, or E-2). A minimum down payment of 5-20% is typically required, depending on the loan type, and a strong credit history or cosigner may be needed. Second, they must comply with visa-specific restrictions, such as the two-year foreign ownership ban for certain countries under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Act (FIRPA). Legal counsel and a real estate agent experienced with non-resident clients are critical to navigate these complexities.

The process hinges on mortgage accessibility and visa compliance. In 2022, 5.6% of U.S. home purchases involved non-permanent residents, per the National Association of Realtors, with FHA loans offering flexibility for non-citizens due to their lenient credit requirements. However, approval rates for non-resident mortgages average 30-40%, compared to 70-80% for U.S. citizens, according to Fannie Mae data. Visa restrictions, such as the E-2 treaty requirement for nationality eligibility or the J-1 work visa’s two-year abroad mandate, further limit options. For example, the E-2 visa requires a substantial investment in a U.S. business, while F-1 students face challenges securing long-term loans due to visa expiration risks. Additionally, the 2023 Federal Housing Administration (FHA) guidelines mandate a 3.5% down payment for non-residents, versus 3% for citizens, increasing upfront costs. These barriers underscore the need for strategic planning, including leveraging cosigners or targeting states with less stringent foreign ownership laws, such as Texas or Florida. Ultimately, non-permanent residents must balance financial readiness with legal constraints to achieve homeownership successfully.