
You'll need to be over 18 to be legally able to borrow in Australia.
Yes, temporary residents of Australia can take out personal loans, though it may be more difficult to meet eligibility criteria. There are no laws or regulations stopping non-residents from receiving a loan and the decision lies with the lender. This will depend on the type of visa you hold and not all temporary residents will be eligible for specific lenders.
Since temporary residents are seen by lenders as more risky, you may have to meet stricter criteria regarding employment and income. It’s also possible that you may have to pay higher interest rates and have more limited loan options.
The key factors to consider are:
The eligibility criteria for temporary residents is stricter than permanent residents. While each lender will have their own requirements, these are the key factors most lenders will consider:
We’ve listed the eligibility criteria of a few lenders, including the Big Four Australian lenders. Keep in mind that even if you tick the boxes, lenders will consider your application on a case-by-case basis.
Lender | Eligibility requirements | Visa requirements | Review personal loans |
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NAB |
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ANZ |
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CommBank |
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Fair Go Finance |
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Westpac |
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If you’re on a temporary graduate visa, or the 485 visa, you can work full time but you may not be able to get a personal loan. However, you could apply for a home loan if you need one.
Lenders will be more likely to lend once you transition to another visa category, like a permanent residency, employer sponsored visa or a partner visa. While you wait, you could improve your chance of getting a loan by strengthening your credit score, saving money and finding permanent employment.
You can generally apply for a secured or unsecured personal loan. Your chance of getting a loan will increase if you opt for the secured option and offer collateral. You should also be able to apply for a car loan and a short-term or payday loan, as these lenders tend to have more open eligibility criteria. There are a many types of loans from many different lenders, so be sure to compare your personal loans to make sure you're getting the best deal.
Personal loans are generally flexible when it comes to use, unless you apply for a car loan. With a car loan, you can only use the funds for the purchase of a car and related expenses. Here’s what you can use a temporary resident personal loan for:
You can maximise your chance of approval by following a few simple steps, though approval is never guaranteed. In short, to increase your chance you’ll need to prove that you’re able to pay back the loan and that you’re a trustworthy borrower.
By comparing personal loans, you can find a loan that both suits your circumstances and your wallet. There are a few things to look out for while comparing personal loans.
The personal loan application process is basically the same for a temporary resident. But before you apply you need to make sure the lender actually accepts applications from borrowers with your specific visa type.
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Are there any banks that will lend to a person on VISA 461?
Hello Katie,
Thank you for your comment.
The banks and lenders listed above are those who consider people on a VISA 461. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and you have a proof that you are capable for the repayment, you can then apply. Just click the Go to Site button to apply.
Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the loan products before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
My partner is currently on bridging visa( no current end date on visa). Has a great income coming in, need to buy a car loan no more than $10,000. Who can help us?
Hi Katrina,
Thanks for your inquiry
Actually, the page above shows your best options in landing a personal loan for a car. Please check out the temporary resident personal loan options portion of the page. Please do take note that these banks have different eligibility requirements that you must know before applying for a loan.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Hi Good Morning. Just want to ask if i could get a car loan i am 457 visa holder but will apply my pr this month. Can i apply for a car loan while i am on a bridging visa (class wa). I have a loan right now while im on a 457 visa but my loan will be fully paid next month. Im just wondering if i could get another loan while on a bridging visa while waiting for my p.r. Thank you
Hi Noel,
Thanks for reaching out to us.
Yes, a select number of lenders will allow student and bridging visa holders with stable incomes to borrow, however, there may be stricter eligibility rules involved in these cases.
Although car loans are usually restricted to permanent residents and citizens, migrants on a 457 may have a better chance of being approved for car loans so long as they meet certain financial conditions.
You may compare your options from our list of car loans for temporary residents in Australia. Please click on the name of your preferred lender to check its eligibility criteria and to get more information. When you are ready, you may click on the ‘Go to site’ button to submit an online application.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Rench
Hi,
I am on bridging visa at the moment while waiting for my Temporary Visa (I am on a Partner (Provisional and Migrant) Visa application). I just learned that the immigration just extended the processing time for partner’s visa which means it will take me longer (probably a year) to get the result of the temporary visa. My partner and I are planning to apply for a loan (for property investment). We both have permanent jobs. Am I eligible?
Thanks
Hi Jen,
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you’re a non-resident foreigner and you want to buy any residential property in Australia, you will first need to obtain approval from FIRB. You can apply for approval online and, while there is no limit to the number of new dwellings you can purchase, you will usually need to apply for approval before each purchase.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Hi.
This is a long shot but I am currently on 417 working holiday visa and I am in the process of going for my 187 , i am in full time work with company who is sponsoring me, I have over a month left on my current visa, could I take a loan out to help pay for 187 ? Thanks.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Your options might be limited given that you only have a month left on your visa. However, you may still want to give it a try. Check the lenders featured on this website. Get in touch with them and see if they can still accommodate your application.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold