To buy a house in Los Angeles and obtain permanent residency, follow these steps: Secure pre-approval for a mortgage, hire a licensed real estate agent to identify suitable properties, make an offer through escrow, complete home inspections, and close the sale. For permanent residency (a green card), pursue an EB-5 investment visa by investing $800,000–$1.05 million in a U.S.-designated project, creating jobs, or apply via family sponsorship, employment, or asylum pathways.

The process requires understanding Los Angeles’ competitive housing market, where the median home price was $1.2 million in 2023, per the California Association of Realtors. Pre-approval expedites offers, as 76% of buyers in 2023 had pre-approval before searching, according to Zillow. The EB-5 visa accounts for 5% of green cards in 2022, with Southern California projects attracting 40% of regional investments, per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Hiring a real estate agent, who typically charges 2-3% of the sale price, ensures navigating local regulations and neighborhoods like Downtown LA or Westside communities with varying price points. Permanent residency via EB-5 requires proof of investment and job creation, with a 2-year conditional period before becoming permanent. Alternatives like employment-based visas (e.g., H-1B) or family sponsorship offer shorter timelines but face higher wait times. Data underscores the importance of strategic planning, financial readiness, and professional guidance to navigate legal and market complexities efficiently.