Life Insurance for Non-US Citizens: Green Card, Visa & Foreign Nationals Guide

Eligibility: Who Can Qualify for Life Insurance?

The good news is that US citizenship is not a requirement to obtain a life insurance policy in the United States. Visa holders, green card holders, and other foreign nationals living in the US are eligible for life insurance coverage. In many cases, foreign nationals who have a valid visa or are green card holders can obtain a US life insurance policy on terms similar to citizens.

Here's a quick overview of how different residency statuses are treated in 2026:

Green Card Holders (Permanent Residents)

If you're a green card holder, you'll disclose your permanent resident status during the application process. You'll typically provide your green card number along with other standard identifying information, like your Social Security number (SSN) or driver's license. Green card holders have the same life insurance options as US citizens. Conditional green card holders are eligible for coverage with some insurers, too.

This means green card holders can access term life insurance, whole life, universal life, and indexed universal life (IUL) at the same rates as US citizens. Most insurers want to see at least six consecutive months of US residency before applying, and some carriers prefer 1 to 2 years of continuous residence for the largest coverage amounts.

Visa Holders: H-1B, L-1, E, O, and TN

Work visa holders have more options than many realize. Non-US citizens can apply for life insurance in the US if they have a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Eligibility typically depends on things such as your residency status, purpose of stay, and how much time you spend outside the country. Nationwide explicitly lists H-1B, H-4, L-1, O-1, E-1/E-2/E-3, TN and similar visa types as valid, with a note that acceptable visa types may vary by product. For a deeper look at policy structure choices, see our life insurance coverage options guide.

The key requirements for most carriers in 2026:

• Many carriers require at least 6 to 12 months of continuous US residency, and in some cases up to 2 years before approving standard face amounts
• SSN or ITIN (required by nearly every major carrier)
• US bank account for premium drafting
• Application, medical exam, and policy delivery completed on US soil

F-1 Student Visa Limitations

Few companies will issue coverage for student visa holders. Still, certain visa holders can often get coverage if they're willing to shop different companies and overcome some added hurdles. When coverage is available to F-1 students, it is typically:

• Capped between roughly $100,000 and $500,000 depending on financial need, dependents, or US loans co-signed by family
• Restricted to term life or simplified-issue policies
• Only available after 6 to 12 months of US residency with most carriers
• Offered by a small number of carriers (Transamerica and MassMutual are often cited as more student-friendly)

DACA Recipients

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients have solid options in 2026. Since November 2024, DACA recipients have been treated as lawfully present for many federal insurance purposes, and life insurers have followed suit by expanding their DACA-friendly programs. Prudential works with most types of visa and special status holders, including DACA recipients, and is often considered the most DACA-friendly major carrier. Guardian, Nationwide, Transamerica, and MassMutual also accept DACA applicants who can show 12+ months of US residency, an EAD, and an SSN or ITIN. For a deep dive on documentation, see our guide to life insurance with an ITIN.

Documentation & Underwriting Requirements

Applying for life insurance as a non-US citizen requires more documentation than a standard citizen application. In 2026, carriers have tightened their requirements around legal status, US ties, and anti-money-laundering controls.

Required Documents

The Residency Rule

Many insurers maintain a multi-year residency requirement for full coverage access. Coverage timelines vary by carrier, but a 6 month to 2 year continuous US residency period is common for full underwriting access. Once you clear the multi-year threshold, you gain access to the full range of policy types and coverage limits, including up to $30 million to $40 million for permanent life policies.

For visa holders who haven't yet reached the multi-year mark, coverage is often still available, but may be subject to:

• Lower coverage limits (some carriers cap at $1M to $2M for newer residents)
• Additional scrutiny on country of origin (Class A, B, C, or Restricted classification)
• Extra documentation such as employment contracts, tax returns, or proof of property ownership

Country of Origin Classification

There is no single uniform country classification system used across the industry. Each carrier and reinsurer uses its own internal country-risk tiers, typically labeled A, B, C, and Restricted (or D/E). According to widely cited 2026 underwriting guides:

• Class A countries (such as the UK, Australia, Japan, Germany, France, South Korea, and Singapore) qualify for up to $30 to $40 million in permanent coverage at preferred plus rates.
• Class B countries (China, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) qualify for high face amounts but typically at Preferred (not Preferred Plus) rates, with more scrutiny and facultative reinsurance.
• Class C countries (India, Colombia, Philippines, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa) often cap at $24 million, with Standard rates and sometimes a per-thousand flat extra required.
• Restricted countries (OFAC sanctioned nations and certain conflict zones) are not eligible at all.

Some countries also prohibit their citizens from purchasing US life insurance, and the United States maintains a list of sanctioned countries whose residents cannot purchase US-issued policies.

Which Companies Offer Life Insurance to Non-Citizens?

Several major US life insurance carriers have dedicated programs for foreign nationals. Here are the top options for 2026:

Note: Availability varies by state and individual circumstances. Working with an independent broker who specializes in foreign national life insurance is strongly recommended. Learn how to compare life insurance policies before you commit to a carrier.

For high-net-worth applicants, John Hancock requires a minimum US or global net worth of several million dollars and a substantial minimum face amount for its non-resident foreign national program. Guardian's Global Citizens program offers permanent, cash-value policies up to $30 million for qualified foreign nationals with significant US ties, such as at least $250,000 in a US-chartered bank for six or more months, US real estate ownership, business equity, or immediate family members who are US citizens. Allianz's Global Citizen program is designed for cross-border planning needs, while its High Net Worth Foreign National Program targets non-US residents from select countries with permanent products, a $1 million minimum face amount, and a $2 million minimum net worth. If you're interested in cash-value products for long-term wealth building, see our permanent life insurance guide.

Naming Non-Citizen Beneficiaries & Paying Premiums Internationally

Can You Name a Non-US Citizen as Your Beneficiary?

Yes. A non-US citizen, including a family member living abroad, can be named as a beneficiary on a US life insurance policy. The policyholder simply needs to establish that an insurable interest exists (such as a spouse, parent, or financially dependent relative). Beneficiaries do not need a Social Security number to be designated, though providing detailed contact information helps facilitate the claims process.

Death benefits are generally payable internationally, but most US carriers will only wire the proceeds to a US-routed bank account (a 9-digit routing number is typically required). This can include US-based banks with foreign branches, or a US correspondent account at an international bank. The policy can remain active even if the insured returns to their home country, as long as premiums continue to be paid. For expats moving abroad, our life insurance for US citizens living abroad guide covers the flip side of the equation.

International Premium Payment Options

Most US life insurers require that premiums be paid from a US-based bank account. This is one of the reasons demonstrating a US financial presence is a common eligibility requirement. Some carriers do accept:

• Wire transfers from international accounts (carrier-specific)
• Electronic funds transfer (EFT) from US accounts tied to foreign nationals
• Annual lump-sum payments to minimize banking friction

2026 Tax Considerations for Non-Resident Beneficiaries

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the federal estate and gift tax exemption jumped in 2026. Estates of decedents who die during 2026 have a basic exclusion amount of $15,000,000 per individual, up from $13,990,000 in 2025. OBBBA permanently extended the exemption at $15 million per individual and indexed it for inflation starting in 2027. For married couples electing portability, the combined exemption reaches $30 million. The top estate and gift tax rate remains 40%.

The exemption available depends on residency status:

• US citizens and resident aliens (domiciled in the US) receive the full $15 million exemption on worldwide assets, with anything above taxed at up to 40%.
• Non-resident, non-domiciled aliens receive only a $60,000 exemption on US-situated assets, which OBBBA did not increase or index.

The good news for non-residents: life insurance proceeds on the life of a non-resident alien are generally treated as situated outside the US and are not subject to US estate tax, provided the policy is properly structured (for example, no incidents of ownership retained by the insured, or ownership held in an ILIT or non-US entity). This makes US-issued life insurance an efficient estate-planning tool to pass wealth to heirs without using the limited $60,000 exemption. For couples focused on estate transfer, second-to-die life insurance can also be a powerful vehicle.

For gifts to a non-citizen spouse, the 2026 annual exclusion is $194,000, up from $190,000 in 2025, since the unlimited marital deduction does not apply when the receiving spouse is not a US citizen. The standard annual gift exclusion for other recipients remains $19,000 per donee in 2026. Amounts above $194,000 to a non-citizen spouse must be reported on IRS Form 709 and reduce your lifetime exemption. Tax laws vary by country, and beneficiaries in other nations may face local taxes on the proceeds. Always consult a tax professional familiar with cross-border estate planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can a non-US citizen get life insurance without a Social Security Number?

Yes. While a Social Security Number (SSN) is preferred, many insurers will accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as an alternative. Non-US citizens can apply for life insurance in the US if they have an SSN or an ITIN. Some carriers also accept a W-8BEN form for foreign nationals who are not US taxpayers, particularly in high-net-worth programs run by Guardian, Allianz, and John Hancock. Learn more in our life insurance with an ITIN guide.

Does immigration status alone affect my life insurance premiums?

Immigration status alone does not directly raise your premiums. Life insurance pricing is based primarily on age, health, and risk factors. However, your country of origin's risk classification and the length of your US residency can indirectly influence eligibility and the range of rates available. Green card holders typically qualify for the same competitive rates as US citizens.

What happens to my life insurance policy if I move back to my home country?

In most cases, a US life insurance policy remains in force even if you return to your country of origin, as long as you continue paying premiums. Some carriers require disclosure if you plan to be outside the US for more than 120 days in a year. Life insurance companies generally consider you a non-US resident if you live or travel outside the US for more than 182 days a year (for Class A countries) and shorter periods for higher-risk countries. Review your contract and notify your insurer of any long-term relocation plans.

Can non-US citizens get term life insurance specifically?

Yes. Term life insurance is one of the most accessible policy types for non-US citizens, including many visa holders. It is available through multiple major carriers, including Prudential, Transamerica, Nationwide, and Corebridge (AIG), for green card holders and H-1B, L-1, O, E, and TN visa holders. F-1 student visa holders face stricter limitations, but a small number of carriers do offer limited term coverage. For budget-conscious shoppers, our affordable life insurance guide is a good starting point.

What US ties do I need to qualify as a non-resident foreign national?

Non-residents who do not live in the US full-time can still qualify if they demonstrate significant financial or family ties to the country. Sufficient nexus includes owning US real estate or a US-based business, working for a US company, having a US estate tax liability, or having immediate family members residing in the US. Guardian's Global Citizens program, for example, accepts applicants with at least $250,000 held in a US-chartered bank for six months, US property ownership, US business equity, or immediate US-citizen family members.