What Should You Know Before Applying for Graduate Visa Mortgages in the UK?

This guide explains how people living in the UK on a graduate visa can explore home-loan options, what lenders look for and how to approach the mortgage journey confidently.

People on a graduate visa can apply for a mortgage, but the process involves extra checks. Lenders will assess income, employment, visa length, deposit size and credit history. With the right documents, stable earnings and guidance from a whole-of-market adviser, applicants can explore suitable lending options confidently and clearly.

Understanding Mortgage Options for Graduate Visa Holders

How UK lenders view visa applicants

Many UK banks and building societies consider applications from people living in the country on temporary visas. However, lending rules can be stricter because lenders want reassurance about:

• Income stability
• Length of current visa
• Proof of employment
• Deposit size
• Credit history
• Ability to afford repayments

Applicants are normally asked for:

• Passport and visa
• Bank statementsA record of a borrower's financial transactions often requir...
• Payslips or self-employed accounts
• Evidence of deposit
• Proof of graduation

This helps lenders verify identity, residencyThe borrower's residency status, such as whether they are a ... and financial stability.

How property markets and local factors can influence your options

While mortgage criteria are national, local property elements can still matter. For example:

• Larger cities like Birmingham, Leicester or Manchester may have strong rental demand
• Areas near universities often have higher turnover of tenants
• Transport links can influence lender valuation results
• Flats, terraces, semis and new-build homes may each have different valuation outcomes

Understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations when choosing a property.

Deposit requirements for visa applicants

Most people applying on a visa need:

• 5–10% deposit for standard residential properties
• Higher deposits if they have limited UK credit history
• Even larger deposits if their credit score is lower or income is variable

Some lenders also consider:

• Gifted deposits
• Savings held overseas (with proof)
• Joint deposits with a partner

Affordability checks explained simply

Lenders look at:

Your income

• Salary
• Bonuses
• Overtime
• Contract income
• Self-employed earnings

Your spending

• Loans
• Credit cards
• Car finance
• Childcare
• Subscriptions
• Everyday living costs

Your credit history

Lenders want to see:

• Timely payments
• Low credit utilisation
• No recent defaultsMissed payments on credit accounts, which can affect a borro...
• No payday loansPayday Loans are a type of short-term, high-cost borrowing t...

Applicants with limited UK credit history may still be considered, but lenders may request a bigger deposit or additional documentation.

Can you apply with a lower credit score?

People with weaker credit history can still apply, but lenders may ask for:

• A larger deposit
• Extra bank statements
• A guarantorA person who guarantees to repay a mortgage if the borrower ... or joint applicant
• Evidence of improving credit behaviour

Applicants are usually encouraged to:

• Check their credit report
• Register on the electoral roll (if eligible)
• Reduce borrowing
• Pay bills on time

Eligibility criteria often required by lenders

Most lenders expect:

• Graduation within the last 2 years
• Valid visa with sufficient remaining time
• Steady income
• Bank statements (usually 3–6 months)
• Ability to demonstrate affordability
• Valid ID and proof of addressEvidence of a borrower's current address, such as a utility ...

Some lenders also review:

• Type of employment
• Industry stability
• Length of contract
• Details of previous study

Can you apply jointly?

Yes — joint applications are possible.

A joint mortgage may help if:

• One applicant has stronger credit
• Income needs to be combined
• Deposit comes from two people

However, all applicants are equally responsible for repayments.

Comparison Table – Different Ways to Apply

NeedingAdvice.co.uk Ltd works as a whole-of-market adviser, offering access to a broad selection of lenders who accept visa applicants.

FAQs – Simple, Helpful Answers

1. Can visa holders get a UK mortgage?

Yes, many UK mortgage lenders consider applications from people on different visa typesThe different types of visas that are available to non UK re..., including Graduate visas, Tier 2 (Skilled Worker) visas, Tier 4 Student visas, Spousal visas, Ancestry visas, BNO visas and others. Each lender has its own rules based on visa status, length of stay remaining and financial history.

2. How important is my credit history when applying on a visa?

Lenders review your credit score, credit report, past repayment behaviour, overdraft usage, credit cards, and overall credit footprint. A stronger profile increases your chances of mortgage eligibility. If your credit history is limited in the UK, some specialist lenders may still consider you but might request a larger deposit.

3. What documents do I need for a mortgage application as a Graduate visa holder?

You’ll normally need:

• Passport and Biometric Residence Permit

• Proof of employment (payslips or contract)

• Bank statements (usually 3–6 months)

• Proof of address (utility bills)

• CAS letter or graduation documents

• Deposit evidence (savings, gifted deposits, etc.)

• Completed application forms

Some lenders may ask for additional verification depending on your visa type.

4. How does my visa type affect my mortgage eligibility?

Your visa category influences how lenders assess you.

For example:

• Graduate visa: accepted by various lenders with standard affordability checks.

• Skilled Worker / Tier 2 visa: widely accepted due to stable employment route.

• Tier 1 and Tier 5 visas: reviewed based on employment stability.

• Spouse visa / Family visa: often treated similarly to a UK resident.

• Student visa (Tier 4): usually more limited, but there are exceptions if applying jointly with a working partner.

• Indefinite Leave to Remain: typically treated the same as full UK residency.

5. What deposit requirements should visa holders expect?

Most lenders ask for at least 5–10% deposit, although this can rise for applicants with limited credit profiles or newly arrived visa holders. Specialist lenders may ask for 15–25% depending on income and credit scoring. Gifted deposits from family are sometimes accepted.

6. Will lenders check my credit score if I’m new to the UK?

Yes. UK banks use credit reference agencies to run a credit checkA check of a borrower's credit history, which is used by mor.... If you have only been in the UK for a short time, your credit footprint may be small, which can affect eligibility. Using mobile banking, debit cards, regular payments and avoiding unarranged overdrafts can help build your score.

7. Can I get a joint mortgage while on a Graduate visa?

Yes. A joint mortgage with a partner, spouse or family member may strengthen the application—especially if the other applicant has stronger residency status, better income stability or an established credit profile.

8. What interest rates will visa holders get?

Interest rates vary by lender, deposit size, income stability and visa length. Visa holders don’t automatically receive higher rates, but some lenders may assess risk differently depending on residency status and financial background.

9. Do lenders accept income from Student Finance England or Postgraduate Loans?

Generally, loans such as Student Finance England, Disabled Students’ Allowance, and Postgraduate Master’s Loansare not counted as income for mortgage affordability. Lenders focus more on employment income, contracted work, or self-employment earnings.

10. Are buy-to-let mortgages available for visa holders?

Some lenders allow buy-to-let lending for visa applicants, provided rental income meets affordability criteria. Deposit requirements for buy-to-let mortgages are usually higher (often 20–25%), especially for new arrivals or those without established UK residency.

11. What role does a mortgage broker play for Graduate visa applicants?

A mortgage broker or mortgage advisor can:

• Compare multiple UK banks and specialist lenders

• Review your credit profile

• Explain rules for different visa types

• Guide with proof of employment, bank statements and deposit checks

• Assist with affordability assessments and application forms

• Provide clarity on lender-specific residency rules

Whole-of-market advisers often help visa holders find lenders open to temporary visa applications.

12. Can a Skilled Worker visa holder apply similarly to Graduate visa applicants?

Yes. Skilled Worker (Tier 2) visa applicants often meet lender requirements more easily because their employment route is viewed as stable. The process, documents and affordability checks remain similar.

13. Does overdraft usage impact mortgage eligibility?

Yes. Lenders look closely at:

• Overdraft limit

• Overdraft charges

• Unarranged overdraft incidents

• Frequency of dipping into overdraft

Regular overdraft dependence can negatively affect credit scoring and affordability checks.

14. Do lenders accept gifted deposits for visa holders?

Many lenders accept gifted deposits, provided the donor signs a gifted-deposit declaration. This applies to Graduate visa applicants and other visa categories.

15. What other services might be recommended alongside a mortgage?

Depending on your circumstances, advisers may discuss:

• Life insurance

• Critical illness cover

• Income protection

• Investment and financial planning

• Estate planning

• Conveyancing services

These services help protect the property and support long-term financial planning.

16. Are people from sanctioned countries impacted?

Some UK lenders have restrictions for applicants connected to sanctioned countries, due to compliance and banking regulations. Brokers can advise if alternative specialist lenders are available.

17. Can graduates use banking apps for mortgage documents?

Yes. Digital statements from:

• TSB App

• Mobile Banking

• Google Pay

• Samsung Pay

• Apple Pay

  are widely accepted as long as they clearly show your name, account number and transaction history.

18. Do UK lenders accept different UK/EU identification for applicants on visas?

Usually yes. Accepted documents may include:

• UK/EU driving licence

• Passport

• Biometric Residence Permit

• Proof of address like utility bills

These help lenders verify identity and residency status.

19. Can BNO holders or Commonwealth citizens apply?

Yes. BNO visa holders, Commonwealth citizens, and people with permanent right to reside can often access standard mortgage products, depending on employment status and credit profile.

20. How long does the mortgage application process take for visa holders?

Timelines vary depending on the lender, but most applications take a few weeks to process. Applicants with clear documentation and strong income evidence usually progress faster.

How-To Guide – Step-by-Step

1. How to get mortgage advice

1. Think about your budget and location.
2. Gather basic documents.
3. Have an initial consultation.
4. Share details about your income and visa.

2. Applying through a whole-of-market adviser

1. Submit ID, payslips and bank statements.
2. Adviser reviews lender rules.
3. Options are explained clearly.
4. Application is submitted.
5. Lender performs valuation and checks.

3. Preparing essential documents

1. Passport and visa
2. Proof of address
3. 3–6 months of bank statements
4. Proof of income
5. Deposit evidence
6. Graduation documents