Coming to a new country is difficult enough, but when you can't get that loan you need for a new car, it's even tougher. How do you get to work? Must you always rely on public transportation? You aren't disqualified from a car loan forever, just because you have no credit history in your new country.

1. Start With A Credit Card

Because you're new to America, you likely have little to no credit history and that's not favorable to most legitimate lenders. They have no way of knowing how reliable you are in paying your bills on time and they may not be willing to take a risk on you, especially considering the value of a car. Obtaining a credit card, then making regular payments on it, could be a great way to kick-start your credit history, thereafter enabling you to apply for a car loan.

One of the best ways to get your hands on your first (US-issued) credit card, given that you don't have credit history, is to apply for a secured card. A secured card simply means you pay a deposit, to protect the issuer, in the event that you don't pay the bill. While a secured card means handing over a certain amount of cash, it's well worth it to begin establishing your credit history. You'll need to have certain information and documentation to obtain a credit card, secured or not:

• Your permanent, verifiable US address.
• The details of your current (US) bank account.
• A job, with earnings that will enable you to pay your bill.
• Your Federal or Taxpayer ID number, or if you have one, Social Security number.

Once you have your secured credit card, make small purchases you know your budget can handle, then pay the bill, without fail, before it's due. This routine should help establish your credit history, demonstrating to potential lenders that they can count on you to repay a loan they provide you.

2. Look For A Co-Signer For Your Auto Loan

In America, one person with a good credit standing is sometimes able to vouch for another, who may not have any credit at all. This means that if you have a good relationship with your boss or landlord, you could ask them to sign on your behalf on an auto loan application. You might also ask a friend to take part in the loan process for you, so long as they themselves have good credit history. A co-signer can help get you into your own car; however, if you fail to make the payments on your vehicle loan, the co-signer will then be responsible.

3. Ask Your Credit Union

Especially if you have an existing relationship with a credit union, ask them if you'd qualify for an auto loan. Any bank or credit union you have direct-deposit with, too, may be willing to consider you for a loan, considering your existing relationship and their knowledge of your earnings history.

4. Search For Buy Here/Pay Here Auto Dealers

Many car dealers will offer consumers a loan directly, if they purchase a vehicle with them. Shop around for the car you need, asking sales personnel what types of financing they provide. Inform them of your unique situation and you might discover that getting that loan is a lot easier than you thought.

You can qualify for an auto loan and it shouldn't take that long, if you know what steps to take. Keep asking questions and looking for solutions and before you know it, you'll be sitting comfortably behind the wheel of your new car.