Can you get life insurance on a work visa (H-1B, L-1, TN)?

The most common myth we hear from visa holders is that U.S. life insurance is only for citizens and green card holders. It isn’t. Carriers write coverage for non-permanent residents all the time — the catch is that every carrier draws its own lines, so where you apply matters as much as what you apply for.

Why your visa type matters to a carrier

A life insurance policy is a long-term promise, so carriers want to understand how long you’re likely to be here. Each work visa has a defined stay, per USCIS:

Visa	Who it’s for	Period of stay
H-1B	Specialty-occupation workers	Generally up to 3 years at a time, usually capped at 6 total
L-1A	Executives and managers transferred by their employer	Maximum of 7 years
TN	Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA	Initial stay up to 3 years

None of these rules you out. They’re part of the picture a carrier looks at, along with your time in the country and your plans.

What carriers typically want to see

Requirements differ by company, but most carriers that write foreign nationals ask for some combination of:

• A valid passport and current visa
• A Social Security number or ITIN
• A U.S. residential address
• Often a U.S. bank account for premiums
• Real ties to the U.S. — a U.S. employer, time in the country, sometimes property
• Enough income to comfortably afford the premium
• Standard medical underwriting, often including an exam completed in the U.S.

No SSN yet? Social Security says some noncitizens can request one if they work in the U.S., so if your visa authorizes work, getting your number first can widen your options. Country of origin can matter too: some carriers keep approved-country lists. Student visas (F-1) are much harder. Dependents, such as H-4 spouses, can often be covered alongside the main visa holder.

Term or permanent?

Term life is usually the most accessible starting point — affordable coverage for the years your family depends on your income here. Permanent coverage like whole life is available to many visa holders who qualify, though the bar can be higher.

What happens if my visa ends or I move home?

A policy you own generally stays in force as long as you keep paying the premiums, even if your status changes. Some policies do carry conditions tied to U.S. residence — one more reason to pick the carrier carefully up front rather than discover a surprise later.

Can my family abroad be the beneficiary?

Generally, yes. Benefits are often paid to a U.S. bank account, and cross-border payouts can carry tax implications for your beneficiary, so confirm those with a tax professional.

Why an independent agency helps here

The difference between an approval and a decline is often just applying with the right carrier. We know which carriers are comfortable with your visa and what each one wants to see, so you don’t collect a decline that follows you to the next application. We’re not an immigration or tax practice and aren’t affiliated with USCIS — we place coverage. Get started or call 586-343-1505.

Sources: USCIS — H-1B Specialty Occupations · USCIS — L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager · USCIS — TN USMCA Professionals · SSA — Request a Social Security number