How Long Does It Take to Get Approved for a VA Loan?

Quick Answer

30–45 days from loan application to closing for a VA loan. The biggest variable is the VA appraisal, which takes 10–15 days on average. Pre-approval can happen in as little as 1–3 days once you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE). The full VA loan timeline is comparable to conventional loans, and in many cases slightly faster because VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI) or a down payment.

VA Loan Timeline Step by Step

Step	Timeline	Running Total
Obtain Certificate of Eligibility (COE)	1–5 days	1–5 days
Pre-approval	1–3 days	2–8 days
House hunting and offer accepted	Varies	Varies
Full loan application	1–2 days	1–2 days after offer
VA appraisal ordered and completed	10–15 days	11–17 days
Underwriting	5–10 days	16–27 days
Closing	3–5 days	19–32 days
Total (application to closing)	30–45 days

Step 1: Certificate of Eligibility (1–5 Days)

The COE confirms your eligibility for a VA loan based on your military service. There are three ways to get one:

• Through your lender (instant): Most VA-approved lenders can pull your COE electronically through the VA's Web LGY system. This takes minutes.
• Online through VA.gov (1–5 business days): Apply through the eBenefits portal and receive your COE electronically.
• By mail (4–6 weeks): Submit VA Form 26-1880. This is the slowest method and should be avoided if possible.

You need your DD-214 (discharge papers) for most applications. Active-duty service members can use a statement of service instead.

Step 2: Pre-Approval (1–3 Days)

VA loan pre-approval involves a lender reviewing your credit score, income, debts, and COE. The lender issues a pre-approval letter stating how much you can borrow. This letter strengthens your offer when house hunting.

VA loan requirements:

• Credit score: No VA minimum, but most lenders require 620+
• Debt-to-income ratio: VA guideline is 41%, but many lenders allow up to 50–55%
• Income verification: W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns for the past 2 years
• No down payment required: VA loans offer 100% financing

Step 3: VA Appraisal (10–15 Days)

The VA appraisal is unique to VA loans. A VA-assigned appraiser evaluates the property to confirm it meets VA Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) and that the purchase price is supported by the market value. Key points:

• The lender orders the appraisal through the VA's system; you cannot choose the appraiser
• Average turnaround: 10 days nationally, but some areas take up to 20+ days during busy seasons
• Cost: $400–$800, paid by the borrower
• MPR issues: If the appraiser identifies health or safety concerns (peeling paint, faulty wiring, water damage), repairs must be completed before closing, which can add 1–3 weeks

If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, you have several options: negotiate a lower price with the seller, pay the difference out of pocket, contest the appraisal through a Reconsideration of Value (ROV), or walk away without penalty.

Step 4: Underwriting (5–10 Days)

During underwriting, the lender verifies all documentation and confirms you meet VA loan guidelines. The underwriter may request additional documents (letters of explanation, updated bank statements, verification of employment). Responding quickly to these requests keeps the process on track.

Common underwriting conditions:

• Verification of employment (VOE)
• Explanation of large deposits or withdrawals
• Updated credit report if initial one is expiring
• Proof of homeowners insurance

Step 5: Closing (3–5 Days)

Once the loan is cleared to close, the title company prepares closing documents. You review and sign the documents, pay closing costs (VA loans allow sellers to pay up to 4% of the purchase price in concessions), and receive the keys.

VA loans have a mandatory 3-day right of rescission period for refinances but not for purchase loans.

VA Loan vs. Conventional Loan Timeline

Factor	VA Loan	Conventional Loan
Pre-approval	1–3 days	1–3 days
Appraisal	10–15 days (VA-assigned)	5–10 days (lender-chosen)
Underwriting	5–10 days	5–10 days
Total closing time	30–45 days	30–40 days
Down payment	0%	3–20%
PMI required	No	Yes (if <20% down)
Funding fee	1.25–3.3% (can be financed)	None

The VA appraisal is the main reason VA loans occasionally take slightly longer than conventional loans. However, the savings from no down payment and no PMI far outweigh the marginal time difference.

Factors That Can Delay Your VA Loan

• Slow VA appraisal turnaround: Rural areas and high-demand markets may have longer wait times due to limited VA appraisers
• MPR repair requirements: Properties needing repairs to meet VA standards can delay closing by 2–4 weeks
• Incomplete documentation: Missing tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements slow underwriting
• Employment changes: Changing jobs during the loan process can trigger additional verification requirements
• Low appraisal value: A below-value appraisal requires renegotiation or an ROV, adding 1–2 weeks
• COE complications: If your service records are incomplete, getting your COE by mail can take 4–6 weeks

Tips to Close Faster

• Get your COE through your lender for instant electronic retrieval
• Get pre-approved before house hunting so you can move quickly on an offer
• Respond to lender requests within 24 hours to keep underwriting moving
• Choose a VA-experienced lender who processes high volumes of VA loans and knows how to avoid common delays
• Have your offer include a realistic closing date of 30–45 days to avoid pressure
• Ensure the property is in good condition to minimize MPR issues during the appraisal