VA Form 26-8736a: Nonsupervised Lender Underwriter Guide

VA Form 26-8736a: Nonsupervised Lender Underwriter Guide – VA Form 26-8736a is a critical document for nonsupervised lenders seeking approval to nominate and recommend credit underwriters for VA-guaranteed home loans. This form supports applications for automatic closing authority under VA loan programs. Updated as of May 2026, understanding this form is essential for mortgage lenders working with Veterans.

What Is VA Form 26-8736a?

VA Form 26-8736a, titled Nonsupervised Lender’s Nomination and Recommendation of Credit Underwriter, is used exclusively by nonsupervised lenders to request VA approval for individual credit underwriters. It ensures that nominated professionals meet VA’s strict standards for underwriting VA loans.

This one-page form is part of the process for lenders applying for or maintaining automatic authority to close VA loans without prior VA approval on each transaction. It is typically submitted alongside VA Form 26-8736.

Who Needs to Submit VA Form 26-8736a?

Nonsupervised lenders (those not regulated by specific federal banking agencies) must submit this form when:

Applying for initial automatic lending authority.
Nominating new credit underwriters.
Updating existing underwriter approvals.

Supervised lenders generally do not use this form in the same way.

Key Qualifications for VA Credit Underwriters

To be approved, nominees must meet these minimum qualifications:

At least 3 years of experience in processing, pre-underwriting, or underwriting mortgage loans.
At least 1 year of the most recent 3 years making underwriting decisions on VA loans.
OR a current Certified Residential Underwriter (CRU) or Accredited Residential Underwriter (ARU) designation from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).

The underwriter must demonstrate integrity, professional ethics, and technical ability. They cannot be supervised by branch managers or production staff.

How to Complete and Submit VA Form 26-8736a?

The form has four main sections:

Section I – Applicant’s Personal Data: Underwriter’s name, SSN, address, contact info, and current VA approval status.
Section II – Employment History: Detailed chronological employment related to credit underwriting (use continuation sheets if needed).
Section III – Underwriter-Applicant’s Statement & Certification: Certification of accuracy and agreement to VA terms.
Section IV – Lender’s Statement & Certification: Signed by a principal officer, nominating the underwriter and confirming qualifications and supervision structure.

Submission requirements typically include:

Completed VA Form 26-8736a.
Underwriter’s resume highlighting relevant experience.
$100 fee per nominee.
Submit to the appropriate VA Regional Loan Center (RLC) of jurisdiction.

Download VA Form 26-8736a PDF

Download the latest VA Form 26-8736a (May 2026) PDF

Always use the official form from VA.gov to ensure compliance. Previous versions (e.g., Sep 2020) are obsolete.

Role in VA Automatic Authority Application

VA Form 26-8736a is required as part of the application package for nonsupervised lenders seeking automatic authority (VA Form 26-8736). At least one qualified underwriter must be nominated. Proper underwriting is fundamental to the VA Home Loan Guaranty program, protecting both Veterans and the VA.

Common Questions About VA Form 26-8736a

What supporting documents are needed?

A detailed resume and evidence of qualifications (e.g., ARU/CRU certification if applicable). For experience-based approvals, emphasize VA-specific underwriting history.

How long does approval take?

Processing times vary by VA Regional Loan Center. Submit complete packages to avoid delays.

Is there a fee?

Yes, a $100 fee per underwriter nominee is generally required.

Resources for VA Lenders

Why Accurate Underwriter Nomination Matters?

Proper nomination through VA Form 26-8736a ensures compliance with VA underwriting standards, reduces risk of loan issues, and supports faster, smoother closings for Veterans. Lenders with approved underwriters can operate more efficiently under automatic authority.