Visas: Minimum number months remaining on visa

Mortgages for Visa Holders: Minimum Months Remaining Requirements

Lenders require visa holders to have sufficient time remaining on their visa to provide mortgage security. Minimum requirements vary by lender and visa type, but understanding these criteria is essential for non-UK nationals seeking mortgages.

Why Visa Validity Matters

Lender Concerns:

1. Repayment Risk: What happens if visa expires mid-mortgage?
2. Residency Status: Will borrower remain in UK long-term?
3. Income Continuity: Employment typically tied to visa status
4. Legal Compliance: Lenders must verify right to reside

Minimum Visa Validity by Lender

Lender Type	Minimum Months	Preferred Visa Types	Maximum LTV	Notes
High Street Banks	12-24 months	Tier 2/Skilled Worker, Spouse	85-90%	Stricter on short-term visas
Building Societies	18-24 months	All valid work visas	85-90%	Case-by-case assessment
Specialist Lenders	6-12 months	Flexible	80-85%	Higher rates for <12 months
Private Banks	12+ months	Premium visa holders	75-85%	Require significant income/assets

Visa Types and Lender Attitudes

Most Mortgage-Friendly Visas:

1. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR): Treated as UK nationals, no restrictions
2. Spouse/Partner Visa: Strong acceptance, especially with path to ILR
3. Tier 2/Skilled Worker Visa: Widely accepted, min 12-24 months validity
4. Graduate Visa: Acceptable with min 18 months remaining
5. Ancestry Visa: Generally good acceptance (5-year validity helps)

More Challenging Visas:

• Student Visa: Limited acceptance (often only for employed graduates)
• Tier 5 (Youth Mobility): Temporary nature (2 years) makes lenders cautious
• Visitor Visas: Generally not acceptable for residential mortgages

Real-World Scenarios

Skilled Worker with 18 Months Remaining Priya, on Tier 2 visa with 18 months validity, earned £45,000. Her high street bank required proof of visa and right to work. With 15% deposit, she secured 85% LTV at 5.4%, with condition to provide updated visa upon renewal.

Spouse Visa Holder with 30 Months Remaining Ahmed, on spouse visa (30 months left), had clear path to ILR in 2 years. His building society treated him favourably, offering 90% LTV at 5.2%, recognising his long-term UK residency intent.

Graduate Visa with 12 Months Remaining Li, on graduate visa with only 12 months left, faced challenges. Specialist lender required evidence of employer sponsorship application (Skilled Worker visa transition). With 20% deposit and proof of sponsorship, secured 80% LTV at 6.1%.

Path to ILR/Settlement

Lenders Favour Visas with ILR Pathway:

• Spouse Visa: After 5 years
• Skilled Worker: After 5 years
• Ancestry Visa: After 5 years
• Global Talent: Varies (3-5 years)

Impact on Mortgage: Borrowers with clear ILR path within 5 years access better rates and higher LTVs.

Documentation Requirements

Essential Evidence:

1. Biometric Residence Permit (BRP): Showing visa type and expiry
2. Visa Approval Letter: Original Home Office letter
3. Passport: With visa stamps/stickers
4. Right to Work: Share code from gov.uk (lenders verify)
5. Employment Contract: If visa is employment-based
6. Path to ILR: Evidence of settlement eligibility (if applicable)

Visa Renewal During Mortgage Term

What Happens When Visa Expires?

Most Lenders Require:

• Notification before expiry (typically 3-6 months)
• Updated visa/BRP within 30 days of renewal
• Continued right to work evidence

Failure to Provide Updated Visa:

• Lender may demand full repayment
• Could trigger default proceedings
• Damages credit rating

Expert Tips

1. Apply with 18+ Months: Easier approval than 6-12 months remaining
2. Show ILR Pathway: Evidence of settlement route strengthens application
3. Larger Deposits Help: 20-25% deposit offsets short visa validity
4. Renewal Plans: Explain visa renewal process to lenders upfront
5. Use Visa-Experienced Advisers: Vital to navigate lender-specific criteria

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a mortgage with only 6 months on my visa? A: Difficult but possible with specialist lenders. Expect lower LTV (75-80%), higher rates, and large deposit (25%+).

Q: What if I'm applying for visa renewal? A: Most lenders want visa granted before mortgage offer. Some may accept pending applications with strong evidence of approval likelihood.

Q: Do lenders treat all visa types equally? A: No. ILR-pathway visas (Skilled Worker, Spouse) preferred over temporary visas (Student, Youth Mobility).

Q: What happens if my visa is refused after getting a mortgage? A: You must notify lender immediately. They may demand full repayment or allow you time to secure alternative visa.

Q: Can I remortgage on a visa? A: Yes, same criteria apply. If your visa validity has reduced, you may face stricter terms than original mortgage.

How We Can Help

We specialise in mortgages for visa holders:

• Access to 30+ visa-friendly lenders with varied criteria
• Visa-type expertise: Know which lenders accept your specific visa
• Documentation guidance: Ensure you have all required evidence
• Fee-free consultations

Next Steps

1. Check visa expiry: How many months remaining?
2. Assess ILR pathway: Do you have route to settlement?
3. Gather documentation: BRP, visa letter, right to work
4. Contact us: We'll match you with visa-friendly lenders

On a UK visa and need a mortgage? Our specialists understand visa requirements and secure competitive rates for non-UK nationals.