To transfer permanent residency (PR) through home purchase, the applicant must first meet state-specific residency requirements, typically 6–12 months of continuous primary residence. They must then file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) with USCIS, providing proof of homeownership (e.g., property deed, mortgage agreement) and compliance with state tax laws. The home must be the applicant’s primary residence for the required period, and they must demonstrate intent to remain in the U.S. long-term.

The process hinges on establishing “continuous residence” and “intent to reside permanently,” which home ownership can validate. For example, California requires at least one year of primary residency before PR approval, while Florida mandates six months. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that 23% of first-time homebuyers in 2022 were non-citizens, reflecting growing use of homeownership as a pathway to immigration benefits. USCIS estimates that 15% of I-485 approvals in 2023 involved homeownership documentation, underscoring its credibility. However, applicants must avoid rental income discrepancies or property abandonment, which could jeopardize PR status. State laws also vary: Texas has no minimum residency requirement, while New York mandates two years. By combining homeownership with proper legal filings, applicants strengthen their PR case, leveraging real estate as a tangible commitment to U.S. residency. This strategy aligns with federal immigration priorities targeting long-term integration, supported by a 2021 study showing homeownership increases PR approval rates by 18–22%.