Guide for Non-U.S. Citizen Borrowers

Loan Requirements

A two-year history of employment and credit in the United States (U.S.) or in another country must be documented.

Two bank references, with a two-year credit history, may be obtained to establish credit for borrowers who have less than a two-year residence history in the United States.

Social Security Number

In order to ensure that the borrower is legally able to reside and work in the U.S., a valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required for all non-permanent resident aliens whose income and/or assets are being used to quality for a loan. An Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) is not sufficient as it does not evidence the borrower’s right to earn income in the U.S.

Permanent Resident Aliens

Academy Financial Services, a joint venture with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Banking, finances conventional mortgages to aliens who are lawful permanent residents of the U.S. Permanent resident aliens must hold an Alien Registration card (also called a “Green Card”) or any other evidence of permanent residency issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

Loan terms available are the same as those available to U.S. citizens.

Non-permanent Resident Aliens

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage defines non-permanent resident aliens as individuals legally residing in the U.S. who possess a valid visa and, if applicable, work authorization.

All non-permanent resident aliens whose income and/or assets are

being used to qualify for a loan must provide evidence of one of the following visa classes.

Required Visa Classes

1. A series (A-1, A-2, A-3). These visas are given to officials of foreign governments, immediate family members, and support staff. Only those without diplomatic immunity, as verified on the visa document, are allowed.

2. E-1, Treaty Trader. This visa is essentially the same as an H-1 or

L-1; the title refers to the foreign country’s status in the U.S.

3. G series (G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5). These visas are given to employees of international organizations that are located in the U.S. Some examples of these organizations are the United Nations, Red Cross, World Bank, UNICEF, and the International Monetary Fund. Verification that the applicant does not have diplomatic immunity must be obtained.

4. H-1, Temporary Worker. This is the most common visa given to foreign citizens who are temporarily working in the U.S.

5. L-1, Intra-Company Transferee. An L-1 visa is given to professional employees, whose company’s main office is in a foreign country.

6. TN, NAFTA. Used by Canadian or Mexican citizens for professional or business purposes.

7. TC, NAFTA. Used by Canadian citizens for professional or business

purposes.

All standards for determining stable monthly income, adequate credit history, and sufficient liquid assets must be applied in the same manner to each borrower, including borrowers who are non-permanent resident aliens.