# What are the rules for Work Permit holders?

> Work permit holders may be exempt from the Foreign Buyer Ban if they have 183 days or more of validity remaining on their permit and have not purchased more than one residential property.

Category: Regulatory
Last verified: 2026-02-18
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/regulatory/what-are-the-rules-for-work-permit-holders

## Answer
Work permit holders may be exempt from the Foreign Buyer Ban if they have 183 days or more of validity remaining on their permit and have not purchased more than one residential property. They may also qualify for lower down payments (5-10%) if they have lived and worked in Canada for enough time to establish a local credit history.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/non-resident-expat-mortgage

## Sources
- B-20 Foreign Income Verification — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#2.3.1
- Foreign Buyer Ban Exceptions — https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/renew-mortgage.html#toc3