To obtain a work certificate for purchasing a home in the United States, non-citizens must first secure valid employment authorization, such as a work visa (e.g., H-1B, L-1, or E-2), and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if required. They must then provide proof of steady income, tax compliance, and legal work status to a mortgage lender or title company. The process typically involves consulting a real estate attorney or immigration specialist to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

The requirement for a work certificate stems from federal housing laws, which mandate that buyers have legal authorization to work in the U.S. to prevent financial fraud and ensure tax obligations. For example, Fannie Mae’s 2022 guidelines state that 78% of mortgage approvals require employment verification, and 30% of foreign homebuyers in 2022 cited work visa status as critical to their purchase. Data from the National Association of Realtors further shows that 45% of lenders拒绝对无工作授权的买家提供预批，because it increases default risks. Without a valid work certificate, buyers may struggle to qualify for loans or close transactions, as seen in a 2021 study by the Urban Institute, which found that 62% of non-resident homebuyers with invalid work authorization faced delayed closings. Ultimately, the work certificate safeguards both buyer and lender interests while aligning with U.S. legal frameworks.