Canadian on TN Visa looking for a lease on FL

Ask the Hackrs
,
1

Hello, fellow hackers!

I recently moved from Canada to the Tampa Bay area in Florida on a Work Visa (TN Visa, expiring on Dec 2027), and I’m considering leasing a new car. While I have a good credit score in Canada, my Social Security Number is only two months old, and I am just starting my journey to build my credit history in the U.S.

I’m wondering if I would be eligible for any of the great deals posted here.

Additionally, I would appreciate any recommendations for brokers in Florida who could assist me.

Thank you!

2

Likely not given you have a nonexistent credit history in or auto history. Do you even have a credit score yet? You will not get approved without a credit score.

Your best bet is probably not leasing. Buy with cash.

1 Like
3

Welcome! Lots of posts if you search

It would help to know which type of Visa you’re here on and when it expires.

2 Likes
4

You won’t get approved on anything, or at least highly unlikely. Buy something used/reliable with cash if you can. Ride it out for at least 3 years while you build decent credit history and then take it from there

5

We are in US.:grinning:
From personal experience, your emigration status has nothing to do with your ability to buy/finance or lease cars, and insure them.
Everything is about your credit score/history and insurance history.
Amen.

2 Likes
6

Doesnt bmw have some international program?

7

Blatantly wrong.

2 Likes
8

Yes, there is an international executive program through BMW. @marcuskbra - if you’re interested in a BMW, we can explore options.

3 Likes
9

I bought my first car here about 2 months after moving from Brazil (L1 Visa).

It was a brand new CRV. Interest rate wasn’t absurd, but I was able to quickly refinance it after finding out there was a Credit Union that offered benefits through my employer.

Not sure who you work for, but check First Tech Credit Union as they have a great expat program.

1 Like
10

Is this the part where you call me illiterate? I’m ready

11

plenty of brands, including some that you post, have foreign professionals programs, and easily approve people here on work visas, since a large chunk of foreign professionals here make ample money and are highly creditworthy.

2 Likes
12

Thanks, ill look into it. Should have just said that from the beginning

1 Like
13

Thanks for the references @jeisensc! Some of these I have already looked, but some are new, I’ll check them.

My Visa is a TN Visa, expires on Dec/2027.

1 Like
14

@Ashleigh, to be honest, I wasnt considering BMW (or other luxury-ish brands, MB, Audi, etc) because I was under the impression that the monthly payments would be way too high :money_with_wings:, but we can explore the idea for sure.

15

I have been looking for FPP dealers in my area, but none of them are listed on the site. A few that I called said they don’t offer it.

16

I leased BMW, Mini and Jaguar while on visa with no problem

1 Like
17

What is your monthly budget?

18

@Ashleigh I am targeting from $400 to $450 monthly (after taxes).

19

I would add to this question “with insurance”.
Back in 2004, I paid $2k/year for base covarage of Hyundai Elantra. 23 year later I am paying $2400/year for full coverage of 2024 EQS.

2 Likes
20

Probably not. Given your non-existent US credit history, you won’t get the best finance rates/base money factor (MF).

I doubt you will find a luxury car for that monthly with $O money down and $O due at signing.

1 Like