Citizenship and
Immigration Status

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Chapter 2
Mortgage Credit Guidelines
Page 2-07

When the applicant has indicated that they are other than a US citizen on the URLA, the lender must determine residency status.

Permanent Resident Aliens are eligible for an FHA-insured mortgage under the same terms as US citizens. Non-Permanent Resident Aliens are eligible for FHA-insured mortgages provided the property will be the borrower’s principal residence, the borrower has a social security number, and the borrower is eligible to work in the US.

Evidence of residency and work status should be obtained from INS. If the authorization for temporary residency status will expire within 1-year, and there has been a prior history of renewals of the residency status the lender may assume continuation will be granted. If there are no prior renewals, the lender must develop the likelihood of renewal through the INS or other appropriate sources.

Although social security cards may indicate work status, such as "not valid for work purposes," an individual may become eligible to work without the change being reflected on the actual social security card. Any social security number discrepancy should be resolved through direct contract with the Social Security Administration. Please see: HUD Handbook 4155.1, REV-4, CHG-1, Paragraph 2-2b.