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Yes, you can. However, the lending landscape changed in 2025.
FHA loans are no longer available to most non-permanent residents, including buyers on H-1B, L-1 and many other work visas. Conventional financing is still available, but the requirements vary by lender. The biggest advantage you can have is working with a lender who regularly helps international professionals rather than treating your application as something unusual.
By Shian Munro, Realtor® | June 2026
If You’ve Been Researching Online, Some Information Is Now Out of Date
If you’re moving to Houston on an H-1B, L-1 or another work visa, you’ve probably already started looking into mortgage options. The problem is that much of the information online was written before the lending rules changed in 2025.
That isn’t your fault. The rules changed, but many websites haven’t updated their advice.
The good news is that buying a home is still very much possible. You simply need to understand which loan options are available today and what lenders expect to see.
What Changed With FHA Loans?
For years, FHA loans were one of the most popular options for first-time buyers because they allowed lower down payments.
That changed when HUD introduced Mortgagee Letter 2025-09. For FHA case numbers assigned on or after 25 May 2025, most non-permanent residents are no longer eligible for FHA financing.
If a colleague bought a home using an FHA loan a few years ago, or you’ve been reading older blogs, that advice is now out of date.
Fortunately, FHA was never the only option.
Conventional Loans Are Still Available
Many work visa holders continue to buy homes using conventional financing backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Every lender has its own guidelines. However, most look at the same core areas. They want to see valid work authorisation, stable employment and enough income to comfortably support the loan.
Many lenders also like to see around two years of US employment and income history. Some will consider less if you have strong compensating factors, such as a larger down payment, healthy savings or you’re transferring with a well-established employer.
Down payment requirements also vary. Many lenders ask for more than the old FHA minimum, but the exact amount depends on your visa category, financial profile and the lender’s own policies.
This is why choosing the right lender matters so much. Houston has lenders who regularly help international buyers, and others who rarely deal with work visa applications. Experience can make the whole process much smoother.
Houston Continues to Attract International Professionals
Houston remains one of the strongest relocation markets in the United States.
The city continues to attract professionals across energy, healthcare, engineering, technology and life sciences. Chevron is continuing its headquarters transition to Houston. Expand Energy has also announced its headquarters move, while the newly combined Devon and Coterra business is now headquartered here. Eli Lilly has announced a major pharmaceutical manufacturing investment in northeast Houston, adding to the city’s growing life sciences sector.
When you combine that with the Texas Medical Center, NASA, the Port of Houston and one of the country’s largest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies, it’s easy to see why so many international professionals choose Houston.
Many of the relocation clients I work with arrive expecting to rent for years. Quite often, they discover that buying is possible much sooner than they imagined.
What If You Don’t Have a US Credit History?
This is one of the questions I hear most often.
Not having a US credit score doesn’t automatically stop you buying a home.
Some lenders who regularly work with international buyers can use alternative forms of credit instead. Depending on the lender, this may include rental history, utility payments and, in some cases, translated overseas credit reports.
Not every lender offers this approach. That’s another reason why choosing an experienced lender can save a great deal of time and frustration.
Buying a Home Doesn’t Affect Your Immigration Status
There is a common misconception that buying property helps with a visa or green card application.
It doesn’t.
Owning a home has no positive or negative effect on your immigration status. The two are completely separate.
Should You Buy Straight Away?
There isn’t one answer that suits everyone.
Some of my clients buy as soon as they arrive because they know Houston well, have already visited several times or are planning to stay for many years.
Others prefer to rent for six to twelve months while they settle into a new role, learn the different neighbourhoods and decide where they want to put down roots.
Both approaches can be the right decision. It comes down to your finances, your relocation package, your long-term plans and how confident you feel about where you want to live.
My Advice
If you’re relocating to Houston on a work visa, don’t assume the mortgage process works exactly as it did a few years ago.
The lending landscape has changed, but opportunities are still there.
Start by speaking with a lender who understands international buyers. Once you know what you can comfortably borrow, finding the right home becomes much easier.
I also encourage clients to have that conversation before they start viewing properties. It saves time, reduces stress and helps you make decisions with confidence.
If you’re planning a move to Houston and would like to talk through neighbourhoods, schools, financing or the buying process, I’d be delighted to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a green card to buy a house in Houston?
No. You don’t need permanent residency to buy a home in the United States. Many work visa holders can qualify for conventional financing if they meet the lender’s requirements.
What changed with FHA loans in 2025?
HUD ended FHA eligibility for most non-permanent residents for FHA case numbers assigned on or after 25 May 2025. Conventional financing remains available through many lenders.
Can I buy a home without a US credit history?
Possibly. Some lenders use manual underwriting and alternative forms of credit, including rental history, utility payments and, in some cases, overseas credit reports.
How much down payment will I need?
There isn’t one answer. The amount depends on the lender, your visa category and your overall financial profile. Many lenders require a larger down payment than FHA previously did.
Does buying a house help my visa application?
No. Buying property has no effect on visa or green card decisions.
About Shian Munro
I’m Shian Munro, a British Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty, based in Katy, Texas. Having relocated internationally several times myself, I understand that moving countries involves far more than simply finding a house.
I specialise in relocation and luxury homes, helping clients moving locally, nationally and internationally navigate Houston with confidence. My approach is personal, data-driven and focused on making every move as smooth as possible.
A global perspective, tailored locally.
This article is provided for general information only and should not be considered mortgage, tax, legal or immigration advice. Lending guidelines change regularly, so always speak with a qualified lender and appropriate professional advisers about your individual circumstances.
