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Personal Loans For Temporary Residents

You can still get a personal loan if you're a temporary resident in Australia.

Matt Corke
Matt Corke

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Whether you’re planning on making your permanent residence here in Australia or you're just here to work for a few years, you still might find yourself in need of a personal loan. There are banks and lenders that will consider you for a loan even if you aren't a permanent resident. However, it's important to know what loans you're eligible for and how to find the right one for you before you submit your application.

Are temporary residents eligible for personal loans?

Yes, temporary residents are eligible for personal loans in Australia. However, it's likely you will have to meet additional criteria in order to be eligible. This may include a higher minimum income requirement. You will also need to be on a certain type of visa, according to the lender's requirements, and the term of your loan cannot exceed the time left on your visa.

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Personal loans temporary residents may be able to apply for

There are a number of banks and lenders in Australia who consider applications for personal loans from people that have a temporary resident visa.

Compare temporary resident personal loan options

  • Bank of Melbourne: Must be 18 years or older. Minimum of two years left on your visa when you apply.
  • BankSA: Must be 18 years or older. Minimum of two years left on your visa when you apply.
  • Westpac: Must be 18 years or older. Must hold one of the listed visas.
  • Fair Go Finance: Must earn a minimum of $500 per week.

Personal loan eligibility criteria for temporary residents in Australia

So you can have all the tools at your disposal, these are the eligibility requirements for most Australian brands that offer personal loans to temporary residents. Keep in mind lenders will still consider applications on a case-by-case basis.

LenderEligibility requirementsVisa requirementsReview personal loans
ANZ
  • 18 years old
  • Earn $15,000 p.a.
  • Temporary subclass work visas e.g. skilled and business visas accepted
  • Working holiday visas not accepted
ANZ Personal Loans
Commonwealth Bank
  • 18 years old
  • Earn $14,000 p.a.
  • Reside in Australia
  • 457 working visas are accepted
CommBank Personal Loans
Fair Go Finance
  • Earn $500 per week
  • Can be from a combination of wage/eligible Centrelink payments
  • Be a permanent resident or on a working or sponsorship visa
Fair Go Finance Personal Loans
Westpac
  • 18 years old
  • Be an Australian permanent resident or have an approved visa
  • Have confirmed employment
  • Hold one of the following accepted visas
Westpac Personal Loans

How does a personal loan for a temporary resident work?

Personal loans for temporary residents work in the exact same way as a personal loan for a permanent resident. The only thing that will be different is the eligibility criteria. For a temporary resident, such as an individual on a work visa, extra criteria need to be met in order to qualify.

Most lenders will need the details of your visa before you are approved to ensure that the terms of the personal loan do not exceed the amount of time left on your visa. You may also need to meet higher minimum income criteria or show extra credentials. One advantage of applying for a loan in Australia is that your overseas credit history is not a factor.

How to compare your personal loan options

When comparing your options, be sure that you consider the following points:

  • Interest rates. Interest rates can vary greatly between lenders. Make sure that you study this carefully and understand how much your monthly repayments will be as well as how much over the loan amount you will be paying in interest. A personal loan calculator can help you determine these numbers.
  • Fees. Compare the fees between various lenders. Some may charge for processing the application while others could have a monthly charge.
  • Eligibility requirements. Not all temporary visas are widely accepted. While a Temporary Work (skilled) Visa or Subclass 457 is considered by most banks, other types of visas may not be. Some banks will also require that you have a certain amount of time left on the visa. Investigate this thoroughly before filling out an application.
  • Secured. In some instances, you can qualify for a secured personal loan. This is where an item of worth, such as a car, is used to guarantee the loan.

What are the benefits and drawbacks to consider?

  • Overseas credit history is not a factor. Any bad credit you hold overseas is not a determining factor when applying for a personal loan in Australia.
  • Competitive rates. You can find competitive rates if you compare your options before applying.
  • Flexibility. You can choose to pay the loan off over a term of between one and seven years, depending on what works best and when your visa ends.
  • Higher rates. In comparison to a home loan or refinance, the rates for a personal loan are generally higher.
  • Less choice. As not all personal loans are available to temporary residents, you have less to choose from.
  • Documents that are required. As a temporary resident, you may have to show more documentation than a permanent Australian resident or citizen. A copy of your passport and visa will be required, along with details of your work history in Australia.

What should you avoid with a temporary resident personal loan?

  • Applying for more than you need. Only apply for the amount of money you need to make your purchase or fund a trip. You want to make sure that you are not paying interest for something you could have paid for out of pocket.
  • Making too many applications. Compare your options first and only apply with one that you find meets your individual needs and offers you the best rates. If you apply for too many in a short space of time, your credit history can be negatively impacted.

How can you make sure you're approved?

There's no way to make sure you're approved for a personal loan, but a way to give yourself the best chance is to ensure you meet all of the minimum eligibility criteria. Minimum criteria for personal loans usually stipulates:

  • Age. You'll need to be over the age of 18.
  • Visa. Check if any specific Visa types are excluded from the lender's criteria, or if any other criteria are mentioned.
  • Employment. You will generally need to be in permanent employment earning an income of $50,000 p.a.
  • Financials. You will need an Australian bank account that is in good standing.

The right loan will depend on your needs and situation, so starting a comparison using the table above can help you narrow down your choices. You can click through to the review pages from the table above and once you've found a loan you're eligible for and that you want to apply for, click "Go to Site" to submit your application.

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38 Responses

  1. Default Gravatar
    KatieOctober 22, 2018

    Are there any banks that will lend to a person on VISA 461?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      JhezOctober 23, 2018Staff

      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

      Reply
  2. Default Gravatar
    KatrinaSeptember 29, 2017

    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?

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      ArnoldSeptember 30, 2017

      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

      Reply
  3. Default Gravatar
    NoelSeptember 13, 2017

    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

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchSeptember 13, 2017Staff

      Hi Noel,

      Thanks for reaching out to us. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.

      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 PR 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 here for car loans. Please click on the name of your preferred lender to check its eligibility criteria and get more info. Then you may click on the ‘Go to Site’ button to submit an online application.

      Hope this information helped.

      Cheers,
      Rench

      Reply
  4. Default Gravatar
    JenAugust 23, 2017

    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

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      HaroldAugust 23, 2017Staff

      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

      Reply
  5. Default Gravatar
    MelissaAugust 9, 2017

    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.

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      ArnoldAugust 9, 2017

      Hi Melissa,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      Yes, you may still be able to apply for a loan. Please just make sure you explain your current situation.

      Hope this information helped.

      Cheers,
      Arnold

      Reply
  6. Default Gravatar
    MeganAugust 4, 2017

    Are any loans available if 457 visa expires in less than one year and Permanent Residency is in process?

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      RenchAugust 4, 2017Staff

      Hi Megan,

      Thanks for reaching out us. Please note that we are not affiliated with any company we feature on our site and so we can only offer you general advice.

      Yes, you’re actually on the correct page on where you can compare your options for personal loans that will consider temporary residents.

      You may click the name of your preferred insurer to know more details and you may click the green ‘Go to site’ button to submit an online application through their official site.

      Best regards,
      Rench

      Reply
  7. Default Gravatar
    LouisJune 10, 2017

    I am a UK Citizen about to apply for an Australian partner visa to move out with my wife, who is an Australian, next year. We want to start a small business in her home town.

    My question is regarding loans. We will have a proportion of the start-up costs as cash, but may require up to $50,000 in the form of a loan to help with this. My worry is that even though we have very good credit histories, once we move to Australia these will mean nothing and we won’t be able to gain the funds needed to start our business.

    What are our options?

    Reply
    • Default Gravatar
      JonathanJune 10, 2017

      Hi Louis!

      Thanks for the comment.

      Many lenders will assess your loan application based on your visa, assets, ability to repay and other financial aspects. Additionally, it is also crucial to start building your credit history which may help financing your business in the future. One way to do start is to open a bank account.

      You may visit this page to help you understand how to apply for loans and to see our list of lenders. Click “Go to Site” green button to proceed with your application.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

      Reply
  8. Default Gravatar
    RajOctober 11, 2016

    Hi,
    This is Raj, I’m a student and I’m having a valid student visa for two years but It can be extended up to three years too. I just need to know I’m working here so can I apply for loan in any banks?
    I’m pretty sure that I’ll be able to pay monthly payment. Could you please advise me?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      ElizabethOctober 11, 2016Staff

      Hi Raj,

      The banks outlined on the table above will consider temporary residents for loans as long as you meet the eligibility criteria and show you have the ability to repay the loan you’re applying for. As mentioned in the page above, you won’t be able to apply for a loan with terms longer than is left on your visa.

      Hope this has helped,

      Elizabeth

      Reply
  9. Default Gravatar
    RommelSeptember 7, 2016

    Hi, good morning, I just have granted 188 business innovation visa for 4 years, and me and my wife thought in by one coffee shop, or a restaurant. I have 330k in a bank, and then we want to buy a unit and I can pay the deposit, but we’ll need 150k home loan. Do you think we’ll have problems?
    what bank can be the best for my case?
    thank you very much

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      StephanieSeptember 8, 2016Staff

      Hi Rommel,

      Thanks for your question.

      Please be advised that finder.com.au is a financial comparison website and not a lender.

      For your specific query, we suggest that you contact a lender direct or a financial planner to assess and discuss your situation.

      Sorry I couldn’t have been of more help.

      Stephanie

      Reply
  10. Default Gravatar
    MohammedJuly 23, 2016

    Hi I just have granted visa 187 which is sort pr but still waiting for confirmation on pr am I able to buy firm out car worth of 70000 thanks

    Reply
    • Avatarfinder Customer Care
      MattJuly 25, 2016Staff

      Hi Mohammed,

      Thanks for your comment and unfortunately we’re unable to provide specific advice. If you’d like to discuss your eligibility please get in touch with one of the lends on this page.

      Cheers
      Matt

      Reply
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