New to Canada Mortgage —
Surrey & Lower Mainland BC
There are certain things you should know, let us walk you through the process.
Mortgage Advice for Newcomers in
Surrey & the Lower Mainland
Moving to Canada is one of the biggest steps you'll ever take — and buying a home here should feel like a milestone, not a maze. At Open Doors Mortgage Team, we've been helping newcomers and new immigrants across Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, Richmond, and the Lower Mainland navigate the Canadian mortgage process since 2006. Our team speaks your language — literally.
We Speak Your Language
Our team provides mortgage guidance in:
• English • Tagalog • Kapampangan • Bisaya • Ilocano • Cantonese • Hindi • Tamil
Whether you're from the Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, or anywhere else in the world — you deserve mortgage advice that's clear, honest, and delivered in the language you're most comfortable with.
How Newcomers Can Qualify for a Mortgage in Canada
Many newcomers assume they need years of Canadian credit history or permanent residency before qualifying for a mortgage. That's not always true. Canada's major lenders — including several banks — offer dedicated newcomer mortgage programs with flexible qualifying criteria.
You may qualify if you:
• Have been in Canada for less than 5 years
• Hold a valid work permit, permanent residency, or have recently received citizenship
• Can provide a down payment of 5% or more (20% for homes over $1 million)
• Have international credit history or a letter of reference from a bank in your home country
Open Doors Mortgage reviews your full financial picture and connects you with the lenders most likely to approve your application — even if your Canadian credit history is limited.
What Documents Do Newcomers Need for a Mortgage?
The exact requirements vary by lender, but most newcomer mortgage applications require:
• Valid immigration documents (work permit, PR card, or citizenship certificate)
• Two pieces of government-issued ID
• Proof of employment or income (Canadian or international)
• 90 days of bank statements
• Down payment confirmation (minimum 5% for homes under $500,000)
• Credit history — Canadian or international (a letter of reference from your home bank may substitute)
We'll walk you through every document requirement before you apply — no surprises.
Why Newcomers Choose Open Doors Mortgage
Christian Amurao founded Open Doors Mortgage in 2006 with a clear mission: to help newcomers and immigrant families across the Lower Mainland achieve homeownership. He understood firsthand how complicated the Canadian financial system can feel when you're new — and he built a team to make it easier.
Today, Open Doors has helped thousands of families — many of them newcomers — buy their first Canadian home. The team is fluent in English, Tagalog, Kapampangan, Bisaya, Ilocano, Cantonese, Hindi, and Tamil. We serve clients across Surrey, Langley, Delta, Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Abbotsford.
We're proud to have helped people from the Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Sri Lanka, and communities across the world find their footing — and their front door — in Canada.
Common Questions
Newcomer Mortgages in BC
Can I get a mortgage in Canada if I just arrived?
Yes. Several major Canadian lenders offer newcomer mortgage programs for people who have been in Canada for less than 5 years. The requirements vary — some lenders accept international credit history, a letter of reference from your home country bank, or a larger down payment in place of established Canadian credit. Open Doors Mortgage will assess your situation and connect you with the right lender.
Do I need permanent residency to get a mortgage in Canada?
Not always. Many lenders will approve a mortgage for someone on a valid work permit, provided they meet income, down payment, and other qualifying requirements. Permanent residents and citizens generally have access to the widest range of lenders and rates. Open Doors Mortgage can advise you on what's available based on your specific immigration status.
What if I don't have Canadian credit history?
Limited or no Canadian credit history is one of the most common challenges for newcomers. Some lenders accept international credit reports, a letter of reference from your home bank, or demonstrated bill payment history as an alternative. A larger down payment can also strengthen your application. We help newcomers navigate these requirements every day.
What languages does Open Doors Mortgage speak?
The Open Doors Mortgage Team provides mortgage guidance in English, Tagalog, Kapampangan, Bisaya, Ilocano, Cantonese, Hindi, and Tamil. We are proud to serve the diverse newcomer communities across Surrey, Langley, Vancouver, Richmond, and the Lower Mainland.
How much of a down payment do I need as a newcomer in Canada?
The minimum down payment in Canada is 5% for homes priced under $500,000. For homes between $500,000 and $999,999, it is 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remainder. For homes over $1 million, a 20% down payment is required. Some newcomer programs may require a higher down payment depending on your immigration status and credit history.
Does Open Doors Mortgage serve the Filipino community in Surrey?
Yes. Open Doors Mortgage Team was founded by Christian Amurao, who built the business with a specific focus on helping Filipino immigrants and newcomers across Surrey, Langley, and the Lower Mainland achieve homeownership. The team is fluent in English, Tagalog, Kapampangan, Bisaya, and Ilocano, and has deep roots in the Filipino community in BC.
Still have a question?
It would be a pleasure to help you with mortgage financing as you establish your new life in Canada.
Resources to help you with mortgage financing on your home purchase
An Overview of the Home Buying Process
Working with an independent mortgage professional will allow you to assess your creditworthiness, provide insight on how a lender will view your income, help you plan for a down payment, and nail down exactly how much you can afford to borrow.
How to Establish New Credit
Building credit takes time. It’s not something that happens overnight. If you’re looking to build a credit file to secure mortgage financing, you’ll want to get started right away.
How to Ensure a Smooth Home Purchase
Figuring out what you can afford, understanding your cash flow, and getting a pre-approval are a few of the steps you should take to ensure a smooth home purchase. Learn what else you should consider.
The Property Matters in Mortgage Financing
Even if you have a great job, excellent credit, and money in the bank, you shouldn’t assume that you’ll be guaranteed mortgage financing. Once the mortgage process has started, the lender will always assess the property you’re looking to purchase. Learn what the property matters to the lender here.
Learn more about how credit impacts a home purchase
Credit and Mortgage Financing
Credit is the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that you will make payments in the future. When you borrow money to buy a property, you’ll be required to prove that you have a good history of managing your credit.
Should you get preapproved for a Mortgage?
A preapproval is the first look at your overall financial health. It is used to point you in the right direction before you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. Learn more about the preapproval process here.
Fixed-Rate or Variable-Rate Mortgage
A fixed-rate mortgage has your interest rate "fixed" for a certain term, anywhere from 6 months to 10 years, with the typical term being five years. Learn more about fixed and variable rate mortgages here.
Why Downpayment Source Matters
Understanding the source of your downpayment plays a part in a lender’s assessment of your suitability for mortgage financing. Learn more about how the source of your downpayment impacts your mortgage application.
Lowering Your Overall Cost of Borrowing
Choosing a mortgage with a low rate is part of reducing your overall borrowing costs, but it’s certainly not the only factor. Learn more about what you should consider when securing mortgage financing.
