Last reviewed: June 2026
TL;DR- Mortgage lenders assess visa holders primarily on the type of visa held and the remaining validity at the time of application.
- Most specialist lenders require at least 12-24 months of remaining visa validity and a minimum deposit of 25%.
- Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Family, Global Talent and Innovator Founder visas are among the most commonly accepted types.
- A UK credit history of at least 12 months strengthens any visa holder mortgage application significantly.
How Visa Type Affects Mortgage Eligibility
UK mortgage lenders categorise visa types by the degree of certainty and duration of the right to remain they confer. Visas that are more likely to lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and that carry longer initial grant periods are viewed more favourably. The key dimensions lenders assess are: the remaining validity of the visa at application, whether the visa is on a route to ILR, and the likelihood of successful renewal.
Commonly accepted visa types include the Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2), Health and Care Worker visa, Global Talent visa, Innovator Founder visa, and Family visas (spouse or partner of a British citizen or settled person). Student visas are generally not accepted for residential mortgage purposes as they do not typically lead to ILR and represent a temporary stay.
Minimum Remaining Visa Validity
Most specialist lenders require the visa to have a minimum remaining validity of 12 months at the time of mortgage application. Some require 24 months. Lenders want assurance that the borrower's right to remain extends well beyond the initial deal period of the mortgage. Where the visa expires before the end of the initial deal period, some lenders will accept the application if the visa is on a route to ILR and renewal is reasonably expected - but this requires specialist assessment.
Borrowers whose visas are approaching expiry should consider applying for renewal before submitting a mortgage application, as a freshly renewed visa with maximum remaining validity significantly improves lender choice.
Deposit Requirements for Visa Holders
The standard minimum deposit for visa holder mortgage applications is 25%, giving a maximum LTV of 75%. Some specialist lenders extend to 80% LTV for strong applications with longer remaining visa validity and established UK credit history. LTV of 90-95% is not generally available to visa holders from mainstream lenders.
A larger deposit - 30-40% - may be required for visa types that are less commonly accepted or where remaining validity is shorter. The deposit requirements reduce as the borrower's right to remain becomes more established (through visa renewals and progression toward ILR).
UK Credit History
A UK credit history of at least 12 months is required by most specialist lenders for visa holder mortgage applications. A longer history - 24 months or more - with no adverse events significantly improves lender choice and the rate available. Visa holders who have been in the UK for several years and have used UK credit products (credit cards, personal loans, phone contracts) throughout are in a much stronger position than recent arrivals with minimal UK credit history.
Building UK credit history early - by registering on the electoral roll (where eligible), opening a UK bank account and obtaining a UK credit card managed without missed payments - is important for visa holders who anticipate purchasing property in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage on a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. The Skilled Worker visa is one of the most commonly accepted visa types by specialist lenders. Typical requirements include at least 12-24 months of remaining validity, a 25% minimum deposit, a UK credit history of at least 12 months, and employment income verified through payslips. The rate will be higher than for permanent residents but improves as the borrower progresses toward ILR.
What happens to my mortgage when my visa is renewed?
A visa renewal does not automatically change the mortgage terms. The existing mortgage continues on the same terms. The visa renewal strengthens the borrower's position for future remortgage applications - as the right to remain becomes more established, mainstream lender products become more accessible. Borrowers should notify their broker or lender of visa renewals ahead of any remortgage to take advantage of improved lender options.
Can both borrowers on a joint application hold visas?
Yes. Joint applications where both borrowers hold visas are considered by specialist lenders. Both borrowers' visa types and remaining validity are assessed. If one borrower holds ILR or Settled Status and the other holds a time-limited visa, the application may be assessed more favourably than where both hold time-limited visas, as one borrower has a permanent right to remain.
Is a student visa acceptable for a mortgage?
Student visas are not accepted by most mortgage lenders for residential purchase purposes. Student visas are temporary by design and do not confer a right to remain after study is complete. Very few specialist lenders consider student visa holders for residential mortgages, and where they do, requirements are typically very strict. A student who has transitioned to a Skilled Worker visa after graduation is in a different position and may access visa holder mortgage products.
