United States: updating housing loan requirements. Who will not be eligible?

The United States updated the requirements for home loans, the so-called FHA: but few will be eligible in this one struggle of the Donald Trump government against migrants.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced an important update in the eligibility conditions for the FHA loans, insured by the Administración Federal de Vivienda.

As of May 25, 2025, only United States citizens and permanent residents they will be able to access these loans, excluding people with temporary visas or who use a number ITIN instead of a Social Security number.

Under the new regulations, applicants must demonstrate their permanent residence status in the U.S. through official documents issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The FHA loans they are a popular option among buyers with low credit score or who cannot pay one initial payment greater than 20%, so this measure will impact many immigrants who previously could qualify with a work or business visa.

Loans in the United States for housing: how the measure affects

The president's government Donald Trump justified this decision as a measure to protect financial stability of citizens and legal residents.

However, this regulation excludes:

• Holders of work, business, study visas and other temporary visas.
• People who file taxes with a ITIN and they don't have Social Security.
• Applicants with non-permanent immigration status, even if they meet other requirements.

How to obtain an FHA loan before the rule change?

According to a source from Department of Housing in Washington, people in the process of purchasing can request a case number before May 25, which would allow them to qualify under the current rules.

These numbers are valid for six months, so those who obtain it now could still access the loan even if the purchase closing occurs after that date.

The FHA loans they remain an attractive option for many buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, due to:

• Low credit scores compared to other loans.
• Reduced initial fees, even less than 3.
• Opportunity to qualify despite previous bankruptcies or financial problems.
• Possibility of including the closing costs within the loan.

This change marks a significant restriction in access to financing for home purchases in the U.S., so those considering a loan FHA they must act before the new regulation comes into effect.