To apply for permanent residency (PR) through purchasing a second-hand home in Los Angeles, follow these steps: First, establish eligibility under a visa category such as family-based (e.g., Form I-130 for relatives of U.S. citizens or green card holders) or employment-based (e.g., Form I-140 for specialized skills or investments). Second, secure a valid real estate purchase agreement and complete the transaction with a licensed agent or attorney. Third, submit the appropriate immigration petition (e.g., I-485 for adjustment of status if in the U.S.) or Consular Processing if abroad. Fourth, attend a green card interview, providing documentation like proof of purchase (e.g., closing statements, title deeds) and ties to the U.S. Fifth, maintain continuous residence and lawful status throughout the process.

The process hinges on meeting immigration eligibility criteria, not the real estate transaction itself. Family-based petitions accounted for 66% of all green cards in FY 2022 (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), with I-130 approvals averaging 12-18 months. While Los Angeles County saw 23,000 home sales in Q1 2023 (Los Angeles Times), purchasing property alone does not guarantee PR; it must align with visa requirements. Employment-based PR (e.g., EB-2/EB-3) requires a job offer and labor certification, often taking 2-5 years. Combining real estate investment with EB-5 eligibility is possible but rare, as 95% of EB-5 projects focus on new commercial ventures (PwC, 2023). Thus, PR applications depend on visa categories, not property ownership, though transactional documentation may support case credibility.