To obtain permanent residency (PR) in Los Angeles through real estate, the primary pathway is the EB-5 Investment Visa Program. Investors must meet specific requirements:

1. Invest $1 million (or $800,000 if investing in a Targeted Employment Area, TEA, though Los Angeles generally does not qualify for TEA status).

2. Funds must be合法 (legally obtained) and traceable to a valid source.

3. Invest in a qualified project that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers.

4. Pass USCIS and consular processing to receive a conditional green card, which converts to permanent status after 3 years.

This method is favored due to Los Angeles’s high demand for housing and economic growth, which attracts developers seeking EB-5 capital. Investors often partner with Regional Centers approved by USCIS, which pool funds for projects like residential developments or infrastructure. For example, in 2022, 12,732 EB-5 petitions were approved, with real estate projects accounting for 28% of investments, per USCIS data. Los Angeles-based projects, such as the $1.2 billion Wilshire Grand Center expansion, have successfully utilized EB-5 funding, creating over 1,500 jobs and generating $3.5 billion in economic activity, as reported by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.

The EB-5 route is favored over other methods because it offers a direct path to PR with no employment or family-based constraints. However, success depends on project viability and USCIS scrutiny. Investors must work with experienced legal and financial advisors to ensure compliance with immigration laws and TEA eligibility. Recent reforms, such as the 2022 EB-5 Modernization Act, raised investment thresholds and prioritized TEAs, but Los Angeles remains a top market for qualifying projects due to its population density and development needs. This approach balances real estate investment with immigration goals, making it a strategic choice for high-net-worth individuals seeking PR.