A green card isn't required. Here's how it actually works in Virginia — and who handles what.
Think your H-1B status means you can't buy? You may have more options than you think.
A green card isn’t required
There’s no citizenship or green-card requirement to buy a home in Virginia. H-1B, L-1, O-1 and other work-visa holders — and green card / permanent residents — purchase here every year.
Agent vs. lender — clear roles
I’m your licensed Virginia real estate agent, representing you in the transaction. A lender — not me — determines what financing you qualify for.
Homes and investment properties
From a first primary residence to rental and investment properties anywhere in Virginia, when the time is right.
Statewide Virginia expertise
From Northern Virginia’s tech corridors to Richmond, Charlottesville, Hampton Roads and beyond — with vetted licensed local showing partners wherever you’re looking.
Buying well means the right professional owns each decision. Raoul handles the real estate and coordinates the rest.
VirginiaBuyer
Your real-estate representation
VirginiaBuyer is a real-estate brokerage service. It does not make loans, determine loan eligibility, or give immigration, tax or legal advice.
Lender
Financing decisions
Only your lender can determine what you qualify for and whether a document satisfies underwriting.
Immigration attorney
Visa & status questions
Immigration questions must be handled by a qualified immigration professional. VirginiaBuyer cannot advise on visa or status matters.
CPA / tax professional
Tax & residency
Tax outcomes depend on your personal situation and must be confirmed with a qualified tax professional.
Down payment
Often ~3–5% down, and FHA can go as low as 3.5%. Higher-priced (jumbo) loans usually need more down.
Credit profile
Your credit history and score. A thin U.S. file can still work — ask the lender early.
Income & documents
Pay, employment and the documents that fit your specific loan and status.
Reserves
Savings left after closing. Lenders like to see a cushion.
Only a lender can determine what you qualify for. Raoul can connect you with lenders experienced with H-1B buyers.
A visa transfer, a job change, a delay — don't assume the deal is lost. Common situations and the first move:
My employment situation changed
Do not assume the transaction is automatically lost.
My immigration status or documentation changed
This is an immigration question first — get the right professional early.
Underwriting is delayed or asking for more
Extra document requests are a normal part of underwriting, not a denial.
The appraisal came in low
A low appraisal has several possible paths — it is not automatically a dead deal.
Owning property in Virginia is generally not restricted by visa type. Buying a home and qualifying for a mortgage are separate questions — the financing side is decided by a lender.
Owner: VirginiaBuyer
Many lenders work with visa holders, but eligibility depends on the lender, loan program, income, assets, credit and other underwriting factors. Only a lender can tell you what you qualify for.
Owner: Lender
Yes, subject to the same financing questions as any purchase. Construction timelines can change, and financing requirements should be confirmed with both the lender and the builder.
Owner: VirginiaBuyer
Higher-priced homes may involve jumbo or other financing depending on the loan amount and property. Availability is individual and determined by the lender — nothing is guaranteed.
Owner: Lender
Possibly, but investment-property financing can differ from owner-occupied financing, and H-1B status does not automatically qualify anyone for it. The lender and loan program determine eligibility.
Owner: Lender
Co-borrower and spouse (including H-4) eligibility and documentation depend on the lender and loan program. Ask a lender about your specific structure.
Owner: Lender
That is an immigration question for a qualified immigration professional, and it may also matter to your lender for financing. VirginiaBuyer handles the real-estate side, not visa timing.
Owner: Immigration attorney
Tell your lender before making a move — it can affect financing. Any immigration implications belong to an immigration attorney. Do not assume a transaction is automatically lost.
Owner: Lender
Raoul Shah · Virginia DPOR License 0225274910 · Real Broker LLC
Text Raoul · (703) 570-1074Real estate guidance provided by a Virginia-licensed real estate professional. Mortgage eligibility is determined by the lender; immigration and legal questions should be directed to qualified lending and legal professionals. Nothing here is a guarantee of financing, approval, rates, or any immigration outcome. Mortgage eligibility depends on the lender, loan program, property, income, assets, credit profile and other underwriting requirements. Nothing here is a guarantee of financing, approval, rates, or any immigration outcome. This is general educational information, not individualized financial, immigration, tax or legal advice.