US life insurance for non-permanent residents
If you are a non-US citizen and don’t have a green card, you still may be able to get life insurance coverage. Here’s how.
Last updated November 13, 2025
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Get help from a team that understands the challenges faced by foreign nationals.
The Guardian Global Citizens Program provides concierge life insurance services for foreign nationals with significant financial and family ties in the U.S. and other countries, tailored to your unique situation, residency, and immigration status.
The Global Citizens Program
Guardian provides specialized life insurance solutions and services designed to meet the unique demands of high-net-worth international clients. Our Global Citizens Program allows qualifying clients to tap into a dedicated team that specializes in the more complex financial protection needs of clients with multinational interests — and provides white-glove service with the backing of one of the world's largest mutual life insurance companies. The program offers access to different types of life insurance, including permanent life insurance policies with provisions designed specifically for international clients. Clients must be non-resident, non-US citizens who demonstrate financial connections, holdings and/or family ties in the US. A dedicated case concierge team is assigned to help each applicant, and specialized underwriters evaluate submissions. Other amenities include a complimentary US trust review, translation services, law firm referrals, and more. To learn more, contact a Guardian financial professional.
Get help finding the right life insurance solution for your situation
If you’re a foreign national with US residency, a Guardian financial professional can help you explore the range of coverage options available to you. Or, if you’re a non-resident with ties to the US, ask about the Global Citizens Program.
Yes, foreign nationals can typically qualify for the same kinds of life insurance coverage as US citizens, as long as they have permanent legal resident status in the US, i.e., if they hold a green card. Non-permanent residents and temporary visa holders will generally find it more challenging to get coverage, but depending on how much life insurance you need, certain products may be available from some providers.
Yes, but it will likely be more complex or expensive depending on your residency or immigration status. Student visa holders will find it difficult to get a life insurance policy, but those with other types of temporary resident visas – such as an H1B, E, or L work visa – may find some options to fit their needs, depending on their specific visa status, length of stay, and the requirements of the life insurance company they are working with.
Certain high-net-worth, non-resident, non-US citizens may also qualify for life insurance from a US carrier if they have substantial US financial ties and/or family members. Specialized programs, such as Guardian Global Citizens, focus on addressing the unique needs of these international clients.
Life insurance options for these groups tend to be quite limited, but it still may be possible to get a small amount of protection. Some carriers may offer coverage with specific requirements, such as proof of residency in the US, evidence of income or employment, and a taxpayer identification number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). If getting coverage is important to you, try asking friends or colleagues in your community if they know of an insurance agent or broker specializing in helping foreign nationals purchase insurance, and consider contacting them to explore your options and find the best solution.
1 Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation. The information provided is based on our general understanding of the subject matter discussed and is for informational purposes only.
2 Some whole life polices do not have cash values in the first two years of the policy and don’t pay a dividend until the policy’s third year. Talk to your financial representative and refer to your individual whole life policy illustration for more information.
3 Policy benefits are reduced by any outstanding loan or loan interest and/or withdrawals. Dividends, if any, are affected by policy loans and loan interest. Withdrawals above the cost basis may result in taxable ordinary income. If the policy lapses, or is surrendered, any outstanding loans considered gain in the policy may be subject to ordinary income taxes. If the policy is a Modified Endowment Contract (MEC), loans are treated like withdrawals, but as gains first, subject to ordinary income taxes. If the policy owner is under 59 ½, any taxable withdrawal may also be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.
4 Dividends are not guaranteed. They are declared annually by Guardian’s Board of Directors.
5 A Universal Life Insurance (UL) policy provides a flexible premium, choice of death benefit options, and a guaranteed crediting rate e.g., 2%). Policy growth is based on adequate funding, increasing crediting rates, and if the costs of insurance are lower than expected. If any of the three factors just mentioned are lower than expected (policy funding and crediting rates), and/or higher than expected (cost of insurance), the policy may lapse.
