Foreign Nationals On Skilled Worker Visas: What Lenders May Consider
DIRECTOR AND MORTGAGE ADVISER
Specialist broker for high-earning professionals and complex income cases.
Foreign Nationals On Skilled Worker Visas: What Lenders May Consider
Time lived in the UK and credit footprint
Minimum time remaining on your visa
Maximum loan-to-value caps for non-Indefinite leave to remain (ILR) applicants
Minimum income thresholds at higher Loan to values (LTV)
Deposit source rules (often self-funded)
Accepted visa types and proof (share code/e-visa)
Standard affordability and GBP income requirements
Who This Guide Is For
Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2 General) visa holders employed in the UK, including joint applications with a British/ILR partner, and applicants early in their UK credit history.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
The Big Levers Lenders Check
1) Time In The UK & Credit Footprint
Some lenders want 12 months’ UK residence unless higher income thresholds are met; strong UK address history helps credit scoring.
2) Time Remaining On Your Visa
Expect a minimum time remaining at application (commonly 6–12 months depending on the lender). Examples: 12 months required by some high-street lenders; others accept 6+ months with LTV limits.
3) LTV Caps & Minimum Income Triggers
Non-ILR applicants can face max LTV bands (e.g., 75–85%) and, at the higher LTVs, minimum income thresholds (e.g., £50k–£75k sole / £100k joint) with some lenders.
4) Accepted Visa Types
Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker and certain other work/family visas are commonly accepted; student/visitor routes are typically not. Always check the lender’s list.
5) Deposit Source
Some lenders require self-funded deposits at higher LTVs for foreign nationals; gift rules may be tighter. Others allow wider sources within standard policy.
6) Income & Currency
Affordability is in GBP; some lenders won’t use foreign currency income for new lending. If all income is UK-paid in sterling, you’re within standard affordability rules.
How We’ve Helped Clients Like You
These clients faced similar challenges - here’s how we helped them secure the right deal.
What Good Looks Like (Packaging Your Case)
What Lenders Look For
UK residence and address history that scores
Clear visa status and time remaining
Stable UK PAYE income and sensible commitments
Transparent deposit trail (especially if funds came from overseas)
Evidence To Bring
Valid passport plus share code/e-visa or BRP page printout
Last 3 payslips and P60 (or contract + start date if new role)
3 months’ bank statements showing salary paid in GBP
Deposit proofs (source, statements; extra checks if overseas funds)
Full 3-year UK address history where required for scoring
Speak To An Expert Today
Get in touch for a fee free, no-obligation chat about how we might be able to help you.
Typical Scenarios (And What May Help)
A) Single Skilled Worker Applicant
Expect LTV caps and possibly income thresholds at higher LTVs.
If <12 months in UK, some lenders allow alternatives (e.g., higher income route).
What may help: Strong UK credit file, conservative LTV, clean deposit trail.
B) Joint With A British/ILR Partner
Many lenders apply standard criteria if the partner has ILR/settled or is a UK national; otherwise, limits only apply where your income is needed.
What may help: Size the loan off the partner’s income first, if feasible.
C) Close To Visa Renewal
Some lenders require 6–12 months remaining; others can consider less on referral.
What may help: Employer letter on renewal path; lower LTV.
D) Deposit Originating Overseas
Usually acceptable with extra proof (completion statement, 3–6 months statements before transfer, UK receipt). Requirements vary by country.
What may help: Start the evidence trail early; avoid last-minute transfers.
What Our Clients Say
Interest-Only, JBSP & Private Banks (When It’s Worth Asking)
Interest-Only/Part-and-Part: available within policy; some lenders restrict for non-ILR or set separate criteria.
Joint Borrower, Sole Proprietor (JBSP): can help where one income supports affordability while only one is on title (policy-dependent).
Private Banks: useful at higher loan sizes or for bespoke structures; underwriting is case-by-case.
Ready To Talk?
We’ll match your visa status, time in the UK and deposit trail to lenders that are most receptive—so you get a clear, efficient route forward.
Request your fee free mortgage consultation today. No obligation, just sound advice.
FAQs
-
Often yes. Many lenders accept Skilled Worker visas with LTV and visa-length conditions.
-
Commonly 6–12 months at application, depending on lender and LTV.
-
Typical caps are 75–85%, sometimes with minimum income triggers at 85%.
-
Some lenders want the deposit to be self-funded at higher LTVs; others allow gifts per standard rules with full evidence.
-
Yes for most new lending; some lenders won’t use foreign currency income.
Related Articles
YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSESSED IF YOU DON’T KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE
Kite Mortgages is a trading style of Kite Financial Ltd which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
APPROVED BY THE OPENWORK PARTNERSHIP ON 27/11/2025.