Securing a green card is one of the most important steps toward building a stable future in the United States. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our Akron green card attorneys help clients and their families obtain lawful permanent residency through family, marriage, or employment. We work closely with individuals throughout Akron and Summit County, guiding them through every stage of the process.

Our firm represents clients before the Cleveland USCIS Field Office and handles consular processing for those applying from abroad. We prepare each case thoroughly, ensuring that all required forms and evidence are properly submitted to avoid unnecessary delays or denials.

Whether you are applying for a family-based green card, adjusting your status while living in the United States, or replacing an expired card, our attorneys are here to help. We take pride in providing attentive, knowledgeable, and results-focused representation to every client who trusts us with their future.

Our Akron green card lawyers assist with:

• Family-based and marriage-based green card petitions
• Employment-based green cards
• Adjustment of status and consular processing
• Green card renewals, replacements, and lost card filings

Our goal is to make the immigration process as clear and efficient as possible while protecting our clients’ rights and helping them achieve permanent legal status.

Understanding the Green Card Process

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, grants the right to live and work permanently in the United States. It also provides a pathway to citizenship for those who later wish to naturalize. However, obtaining a green card involves multiple steps, strict eligibility requirements, and careful preparation.

There are several main categories of eligibility. The most common include family-based green cards for relatives of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, employment-based green cards for qualified workers, and humanitarian programs for refugees or asylees. Our attorneys help Akron residents determine which option best fits their situation and prepare strong applications that meet all legal standards.

Green card applicants must typically complete Form I-485 (for adjustment of status) or pursue consular processing abroad. Supporting documentation, such as birth certificates, marriage records, financial evidence, and proof of lawful entry, must be submitted to USCIS or the National Visa Center. Mistakes or missing information can lead to costly delays, which is why working with experienced immigration counsel is so important.

The benefits of lawful permanent residency include:

• The ability to live and work permanently in the United States
• Eligibility to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements
• Freedom to travel abroad and reenter the country legally
• Access to certain benefits, protections, and opportunities unavailable to temporary visa holders

Our Akron green card attorneys take the time to explain every step of the process so clients can make informed decisions about their future. From filing the first petition to preparing for interviews, we remain committed to achieving the best possible outcome for each case.

Family-Based Green Cards

Family unity is one of the foundations of U.S. immigration law. Our Akron green card attorneys help families stay together by guiding them through the family-based immigration process. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents may petition for certain relatives to live permanently in the United States, and our firm ensures that each application is prepared accurately and thoroughly.

We assist Akron residents in understanding which family members qualify and what evidence must be provided to establish the relationship. Our team also prepares clients for interviews with USCIS or U.S. consulates abroad, ensuring they are confident and well-prepared.

Family members who may qualify for a green card include:

• Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21.
• Family preference categories, including adult children, married children, and siblings of U.S. citizens.
• Relatives of lawful permanent residents, including spouses and unmarried children.
• Widows or widowers of U.S. citizens, if certain conditions are met.

We take pride in helping Akron families build stable lives together in the United States. Our attorneys handle every stage of the family-based green card process, from the initial petition to final approval.

Marriage-Based Green Cards

Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is one of the most common paths to obtaining a green card. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our Akron marriage-based green card attorneys represent couples through every phase of the process, helping them establish the authenticity of their marriage and comply with all immigration requirements.

The process typically begins with the filing of Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), followed by Form I-485 for adjustment of status or consular processing abroad. Our attorneys help clients gather proof of a bona fide marriage and prepare for the USCIS interview, where officers evaluate the relationship’s legitimacy.

Key steps in the marriage-based green card process include:

• Submitting Form I-130 and supporting documentation.
• Completing Form I-485 (if the foreign spouse is in the U.S.) or consular processing abroad.
• Attending the marriage interview with USCIS.
• Removing conditions on a two-year conditional green card (Form I-751).

We understand how important these cases are for couples building their lives together in Akron. Our attorneys provide trusted legal support, ensuring that each marriage-based petition is thorough, well-documented, and handled with care.

Employment-Based Green Cards

Many professionals, skilled workers, and business owners come to the United States through employment-based immigration. Our Akron employment-based green card attorneys represent both employees and employers seeking permanent residency through work. We handle all aspects of the process, from labor certification to adjustment of status.

Employment-based green cards are divided into several preference categories based on experience, skill level, and type of work. Our firm helps clients determine which category applies and prepares the required documentation to support the application. We also guide employers in Akron through the PERM Labor Certification process to ensure compliance with Department of Labor requirements.

Common employment-based green card categories include:

• EB-1: Priority workers, including executives, researchers, and individuals of extraordinary ability.
• EB-2: Professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability.
• EB-3: Skilled workers, professionals, and other qualified employees.
• EB-5: Investors creating jobs through significant U.S. investment.

Our attorneys are dedicated to helping both employers and employees in Akron achieve long-term stability through lawful permanent residency.

Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing

When applying for a green card, it’s important to determine whether to complete the process in the United States or abroad. Our Akron green card attorneys help clients understand the difference between adjustment of status and consular processing, ensuring the right strategy for their situation.

Adjustment of status is available to applicants already living in the U.S. who are eligible to become permanent residents without leaving the country. Consular processing applies to those outside the United States or those required to return home to complete their visa interview. Each method involves specific forms, timelines, and legal considerations.

When deciding between adjustment of status and consular processing, we consider:

• Current location of the applicant and lawful entry status.
• Family or employment relationship forming the basis of the green card.
• Past immigration history or prior violations.
• Potential inadmissibility issues and available waivers.

Our attorneys guide Akron clients through every step of the chosen process, helping them prepare for interviews, respond to requests for evidence, and achieve successful case outcomes.

Renewals, Replacements, and Lost Green Cards

Even after obtaining lawful permanent residency, it is essential to keep your green card current and secure. Our Akron immigration attorneys assist clients with renewing, replacing, or correcting green cards to avoid lapses in status or documentation problems.

Green cards are typically valid for ten years, while conditional cards issued through marriage are valid for two. Failing to renew on time can create complications when traveling, working, or applying for citizenship. We also assist clients who have lost or damaged their cards or who need to update information due to name or address changes.

We help Akron residents with:

• Filing Form I-90 to renew or replace an expired or lost green card.
• Removing conditions on a two-year conditional card (Form I-751).
• Correcting errors on previously issued cards.
• Tracking case updates and following up with USCIS.

Our attorneys ensure that every renewal or replacement request is properly filed so clients can maintain their permanent resident status without interruption.

Why Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez

Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in a green card application. At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we combine deep immigration law experience with a personal commitment to every client we represent in Akron and throughout Summit County.

Our firm takes pride in offering individualized attention and consistent communication from start to finish. Clients work directly with knowledgeable attorneys who understand the challenges of immigration law and the importance of every case.

Clients choose our Akron immigration firm because:

• We bring decades of combined experience in immigration and criminal defense.
• Every case receives personal attention from an attorney, not just support staff.
• Our multilingual team helps serve Akron’s diverse communities.
• We maintain a proven record of results in complex and high-stakes immigration matters.

We are dedicated to helping our clients build secure, successful lives in the United States by providing honest advice, careful preparation, and results-driven advocacy.

Contact Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez Today for Your Akron Green Card Case

If you or a loved one needs help applying for a green card, renewing permanent resident status, or resolving a problem with a pending application, our Akron immigration attorneys are ready to help. We work with individuals and families throughout Akron and Summit County, providing experienced legal guidance that simplifies the process and protects your future.

At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we understand that obtaining a green card is about more than paperwork. It represents stability, opportunity, and peace of mind. Our attorneys take the time to understand your goals, prepare your case carefully, and communicate with you every step of the way. Whether your application involves family sponsorship, marriage, or employment, we are committed to achieving the best possible result.

Call us today at (216) 294-2835 or connect with us online to schedule a consultation. Our firm is here to help you secure lawful permanent residency and take the next step toward building your life in the United States.