What Is an ITIN Loan?

An ITIN loan is a mortgage program for borrowers who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) issued by the IRS but do not have a Social Security Number. Many people who live, work, and pay taxes in the United States don’t have a Social Security Number — and an ITIN loan is specifically designed to give those borrowers a path to homeownership.

These are not government-backed loans. They are non-QM loans held by portfolio lenders who have the flexibility to evaluate your full financial picture — your income, your work history, your tax compliance — rather than simply checking a box that requires a Social Security Number.

If you’ve been told you can’t buy a home because you don’t have an SSN, an ITIN loan may change that.

Who It’s For

• Non-U.S. citizens living and working in the United States
• Visa holders (H-1B, H-2A, TN, O-1, and others)
• Permanent residents without a Social Security Number
• Self-employed individuals who file taxes using an ITIN
• Immigrants who have established a financial history in the U.S.
• Anyone who pays U.S. taxes with an ITIN and is ready to own a home

Key Benefits

• No Social Security Number required — your ITIN is sufficient
• Flexible income documentation — W-2, 1099, bank statements, or self-employment income accepted
• Available for primary residences and investment properties
• Purchase and refinance options available
• Bilingual support — our team works in English and Spanish
• A real path to homeownership for borrowers who have been turned away elsewhere

How to Qualify

ITIN: A valid ITIN issued by the IRS is required. You’ll need your official IRS ITIN assignment letter or card.

Credit Score: Minimum 600. Some programs allow alternative credit history (utility payments, rent history, etc.) if you have a limited U.S. credit file.

Work History: Typically 2 years of consistent employment or self-employment history in the U.S.

Down Payment: Generally 15–30% depending on the loan size, property type, and your overall borrower profile.

Tax Compliance: Lenders look for consistent tax filings using your ITIN in recent years. Demonstrating that you’ve been paying taxes reliably is an important part of the qualification.

Income Documentation Options:

• W-2s or pay stubs
• 1099 forms
• Bank statements (12–24 months)
• Self-employment income with supporting documentation

How the Process Works

1. Connect with a Loan Officer Share your situation — your ITIN, income sources, work history, and what you’re looking to purchase. We’ll review your eligibility and explain your options clearly, in English or Spanish.

2. Gather Your Documents We’ll walk you through exactly what you need — ITIN letter, income documentation, tax filings, and bank statements. We make the process straightforward and will answer every question along the way.

3. Close on Your Home Once approved, we guide you through appraisal, underwriting, and closing. Many of our ITIN borrowers are buying their first home in the United States — and we’re honored to be part of that moment.

Why New Story Lending

At New Story Lending, we believe homeownership should be available to every family that has worked for it — regardless of where they were born or what documentation they carry. Our team is bilingual (English and Spanish), and we work with the Hispanic and immigrant community regularly through our partnership with NAHREP, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

We understand that your financial life may look different from a traditional borrower’s — and we have the experience and the loan programs to work with that, not against it. If you’re ready to take this step, we’re ready to help you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ITIN? An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to individuals who are required to file U.S. taxes but are not eligible for a Social Security Number. It is a 9-digit number that begins with the digit 9.

Can I buy a home without a Social Security Number? Yes. An ITIN loan is specifically designed for borrowers who file taxes using an ITIN rather than an SSN. Many lenders don’t offer this program — but we do.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify? No. ITIN loans are available to non-U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and visa holders who have an established financial and tax history in the United States.

What if I have little or no U.S. credit history? Some programs allow alternative forms of credit verification — such as a history of on-time rent payments, utility bills, or remittance records. Talk to a loan officer about your specific situation.

Are ITIN loan rates higher than conventional rates? Yes, typically slightly higher — because ITIN loans are non-QM portfolio loans that involve more flexible underwriting. The difference varies based on your credit, down payment, and income.

Can I use an ITIN loan to refinance? Yes. ITIN loans are available for both purchases and refinances.

Is my information kept confidential? Yes. Lenders are not immigration authorities and do not share your information with immigration enforcement agencies. Your application is treated with the same confidentiality as any other mortgage.

Have more questions? Contact us — our team is ready to help, in English or Spanish. / ¿Tiene preguntas? Contáctenos — nuestro equipo está listo para ayudarle, en inglés o español.