Tourist visa applicant?

Question

I had an applicant today apply for one of our units who is a US Citizen. There would be a second person living with him who is here on a tourist visa for 2 years. The individual on the tourist visa is okay giving us passport information but there is no SSN to do a background check or income information. The original applicant meets all criteria. What would you do in this situation?

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Aurora Martinez I would add her to the lease. Charge a little more and increase the security deposit. Certainly get all his/her information including an address in country of origin. In many cases you can background check her in her home country, in European countries that can be done through the local constabulary. At least the places I have been.

Mike S. · Answer

@Aurora Martinez

I wasn’t aware that you could get a two years tourist visa.

I was under the impression that for that length that would be a non immigrant visa that still gives you some work authorization. Even a 2 years student visa give some limited work ability.

Even if that person was able to obtain an SSN for employment purpose, your background check would be nil as there is no history in the US.

On the other hand if that person just recently obtained a visa, you can be sure that some background has already been done by the embassy delivering it.

At the end of the day that would be your decision, but if I was in the same situation I would have no problem renting to them as long as they can justify enough income/resource to pay the rent.